Consumer

Consumer Reports names 12 best and 3 of the worst credit cards
[Oct. 6, 2008] Consumer Reports analyzed hundreds of credit cards and named a dozen that are worthy of consumers’ consideration—and three to stay away from.

Consumer Reports test reveals superstar digital cameras
[Jul. 23, 2008] Consumer Reports’ latest tests of digital cameras show an overlap in performance between point-and-shoots and SLRs. The report, featured in the July issue, reveals that some point-and-shoots excelled at producing much less grainy images in low light conditions—traditionally an SLR strength—while a few SLRs faltered. Many of the new point-and-shoots responded fairly quickly when their shutters were pressed, though none have the near instantaneous response of SLRs.

Consumer Reports offers six tips for consumers to cut spending by $500 per month
[Jul. 2, 2008] The Consumer Reports Money Lab uncovered hidden savings in everyday spending that could save consumers up to $500 per month. Using the strategies outlined in CR, consumers can trim their spending while gas and food prices continue to rise.

Consumer Reports finds that many rewards programs are not worth the effort
[Jun. 23, 2008] In tight economic times, savvy consumers may look to rewards programs for relief when buying essentials, but Consumer Reports’ July issue finds reaping real savings can be tough, and even the more generous programs have limits on how much consumers can earn.

Consumer Reports names great everyday products
[May 15, 2008] Before that next trip to the supermarket, check out Consumer Reports’ May issue which highlights great household staples available at the local grocery store or online. These top-performing supermarket products were all judged excellent or very good in CR’s tests. The report also features ten tips to help consumers save at the supermarket.

Consumer Reports rates two concentrated Tide detergents tops
[Apr. 8, 2008] Two Tide Ultra Concentrated detergents —Tide 2X Ultra Concentrated with Color Clean Bleach Alternative HE at 25 cents per load (liquid, for front-loading washers) and Tide 2X Ultra Concentrated with a Touch of Downy at 27 cents per load (liquid, for top-loading washers) topped CR’s latest ratings of 34 laundry detergents.

Consumer Reports expects rash of last-minute and post-holiday shopping
[Dec. 19, 2007] Consumer Reports is projecting that the last week leading up to the Holidays will be hectic with one-third (35%) of Americans still not having started their holiday shopping. Consumer Reports’ latest holiday shopping poll also found that 24 percent of shoppers will not finish until December 23rd or later and 10 percent will push it to Christmas Eve. And five percent of shoppers won’t finish up their holiday shopping until after December 25th.

Consumer Reports offers advice on holiday tipping
[Dec. 3, 2007] The traditional list of holiday tip recipients is growing and gratuity amounts are increasing according to a recent survey in Consumer Reports December 2007 issue. Who was the most likely to receive a holiday tip last season? Sixty-two percent of respondents who gave tips in Consumer Reports’ survey reported that they tipped their child-care provider. Housekeepers/cleaners (61%) and child’s teachers (59%) were also among the most likely to receive some form of holiday bonus from respondents.

Consumer Reports eight tips for savvy holiday shopping
[Nov. 30, 2007] Savvy shoppers need look no further than the December issue of Consumer Reports for tips to survive the holiday season. CR’s special shopping report dispels shopping myths; warns against shopping landmines like bank gift cards; provides tips for navigating devil-in-the-detail shopping tasks such as returns, rebates, and shipping; and recommends that consumers avoid wasting money on extended warranties.

Consumer Reports finds widespread problems with counterfeit goods
[Nov. 27, 2007] Consumer Reports’ latest investigation of counterfeit goods found that today’s fakes are not just the usual knockoffs like bogus Prada handbags: Some surprising counterfeits include phony golf balls, oil filters, and diabetic strips that give erratic readings.

Consumer Reports Top 5 Cyber Monday myths
[Nov. 26, 2007] If you didn't get your fill of shopping this weekend, you've still got today, Cyber Monday, to hunt for bargains. Actually, you've got a few weeks, though it is worth checking out some of the deals being touted today. Before clicking that "Buy" button, however, be sure to review Consumer Reports Top 5 Cyber Monday myths:

Consumer Reports poll: Black Friday saves the 2007 holoday shopping season
[Nov. 21, 2007] The 2007 holiday shopping season is off to a slow start but, according to the most recent Consumer Reports Holiday Poll released today, it will take off on Black Friday. Nearly a quarter (24%) of consumers plan to hit the stores on Black Friday—up four percent from the 20 percent that shopped on the day in 2006. According to the poll, only 38 percent of consumers have started their holiday shopping this year, compared with 43 percent who had begun this time last year.

Consumer Reports survey finds that hagglers scored better prices
[Nov. 16, 2007] A national study by Consumer Reports reveals that haggling over the cost of goods and services is not only alive and well, but can be successful in many cases. More than 90 percent of shoppers who tried to negotiate a better deal on goods and services including furniture, electronics and appliances, floor and demonstration models, and medical bills got one, according to a new survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

Consumer Reports takes on gift cards
[Nov. 13, 2007] Consumer Reports unveiled its latest public education campaign, warning holiday shoppers of the pitfalls associated with the ubiquitous gift card. Consumer Reports' public education campaign kicks off on Tuesday, November 13th with a full-page ad in the New York Times advising shoppers that unredeemed gift cards can be easy money for retailers and lost money for consumers. TowerGroup estimates that nearly $8 billion was lost last year due to unredeemed value, expiration or loss of gift cards.