Consumer

Consumer Reports poll finds that fewer people tipped during 2008 Holidays than in previous year
[Nov. 2, 2009] Americans have become more choosy about whom and how much to tip at the holidays, according to a phone survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. How much to tip and whom to give it to has always been a tricky decision, one that may get harder in these tough economic times. During the 2008 holidays fewer people than in the previous year tipped their newspaper carrier, barber, mail carrier, hairdresser, manicurist, and garbage collector.

Mounting financial woes drive Consumer Reports trouble tracker levels to new high
[Oct. 29, 2009] Despite talk that the economy is stabilizing, consumer sentiment levels remain low (40.3) growing slightly from September, as Americans report more financial difficulties, according to the latest Consumer Reports Index Report.

Consumer Reports Index finds increased credit card woes help drive consumer sentiment to lowest level in the past seven months
[Sep. 17, 2009] Americans feel far worse about their financial situation than they have in the past seven months and continue to be pounded by financial woes driven by increased credit card, healthcare and personal loan issues, according to the Consumer Reports Index September ‘09 Report.

Consumerist.com investigates Cash4Gold’s business practices
[Sep. 15, 2009] A new investigative report from Consumerist.com shines a spotlight on the business practices of Cash4Gold, which bills itself as the “World’s #1 Gold Buyer,” and on the company’s efforts to silence Internet criticism through litigation and financial incentives.

ShopSmart spots the best bargains in Dollar Stores
[Jul. 17, 2009] Dollar stores are growing while other retailers suffer their worst downturn in more than 20 years, but are all those one dollar items really a steal? The verdict: prices at dollar stores were either the cheapest or among the cheapest for many items, but the products are not always safe.

Best ways to sell stuff: How to use yard sales, consignment shops, online sales and more to turn unwanted things into cash
[Jul. 10, 2009] If you’re trying to build up your cash reserves like many these days, now could be a good time to prune your unwanted belongings. Consumer Reports Money Adviser’s July issue offers tips on how to successfully unload your unwanted possessions using yard sales, online sales, consignment shops, and classified ads.

Consumer Reports digital camera tests reveal four standout brands for Point-and-Shoot: Canon, Casio, Panasonic and Samsung
[Jun. 21, 2009] Consumer Reports latest testing of 54 point-and-shoot digital camera models found four brands continue to perform better than others year after year, according to Consumer Reports first ever analysis of point-and-shoot brands regularly tested. Canon, Casio, Panasonic, and Samsung offer the best chance of getting a superior performer, even if the camera was not tested by Consumer Reports. By contrast, Olympus has been the brand least likely to be a top performer.

Haggling for everything is new rule in a down economy
[May 30, 2009] Negotiating for everything in a lousy economy is the new rule, according to the latest money publication from Consumer Reports titled “Rebuild Your Finances.” Paying the sticker price for a product or service may be paying too much. In fact, a new poll by Consumer Reports found that more than 66 percent of Americans have tried to negotiate for a better deal in the past six months.

Consumer Reports finds that low-cost brokers score high in service
[Apr. 29, 2009] Discount brokers did a better job shepherding clients through the stock market upheaval of the past year than traditional investment banks, according to Consumer Reports survey of the most satisfying brokerage firm services. Topping the list in overall satisfaction was USAA, available only to current and former military personnel and their families.

ShopSmart reveals tips all online shoppers should know
[Mar. 24, 2009] In the souring economy, many consumers are cutting back on superfluous spending and instead surfing the Web for bargains on their necessities. But with so many places to click, how can you be sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck? The May 2009 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, shares online shopping strategies for getting the best deal every time and avoiding rip-offs.

How to protect your debit card from "skimming" scams
[Feb. 24, 2009] As economic conditions have worsened, there’s a noticeable increase in all types of card fraud. People who create counterfeit ATM or debit cards by stealing your PIN and other account data can simply pull cold cash from your bank account. Using a technique known as skimming, they set up equipment that captures magnetic stripe and keypad information when you put in your PIN at ATM machines, gas pumps, restaurants, and retailers.

Netflix subscription service is tops in Consumer Reports survey of home video rental services
[Feb. 10, 2009] In these tough economic times, Americans are likely spending more time at home and in front of the TV. Despite the ever-increasing number of channels offered by cable, satellite, and phone company TV providers, video rental services continue to be a popular source of entertainment for many people. Consumer Reports’ latest survey of its online subscribers found that Netflix subscription service had the highest overall satisfaction.

Recessionista shopping
[Feb. 1, 2009] The competition is heating up at secondhand shops as more fashionistas are becoming recessionistas in the slowing economy. In fact, Goodwill and the Salvation Army are reporting that sales are up as much as 10 to 20 percent this year. The March 2009 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, uncovers secrets for navigating vintage, consignment, resale and thrift shops to snag designer clothing and accessories at bargain basement prices.

Consumer Reports identifies foods that have surprisingly high levels of sodium
[Jan. 4, 2009] A new report from Consumer Reports found that sodium lurks in foods that consumers might not think to check, and warns that lower-fat foods can be higher in sodium than their full-fat counterparts.