Advertisers are listening
Welcome back!
Ladies and gentlemen, the money back guarantee is back! I will admit, I watch a lot of television, what can I say, I’m hooked. Recently, I started to notice a phrase that was being repeated in commercials, “if you don’t like our product, send it back for a refund” or “our product has a money back guarantee.” While these claims have usually remained on boxes an bottle of the product, that guarantee is usually not advertised. There is usually a toll free number to call if you are unhappy with a product as well.
I must say that I am noticing the advertisement of this guarantee more and more in television commercials. I was surprised when I saw it the first time, and shocked when I saw it again. Now the money back guarantee has swept commercial advertising like a wild fire. Even car commercials in a way, are making generous offers to potential buyers.
I know times are hard for almost everyone right now, and advertisers are listening to that. I have noticed an overall shift in what is being advertised on television as well. I see mostly practical items being sold to consumers. I just wonder how easy it is to actually get your money back if you are unsatisfied by the performance of a product? Is this another gimmick? Well, only time will tell.
When It’s Time to Play “Hardball” With Cable and Internet Providers
I currently live in an area that has a monopoly by our local cable and internet provider. We have used this company for these services almost four years now. We have also had satellite television with both of the major U.S. carriers. Our current cable package includes our cable television and our internet. When we moved into our new house, we received an introductory rate for the first six months of service. The bill for the first six months under this introductory rate was very reasonable.
After our six months was up, our bill shot up well beyond $100. for cable television alone. We do not currently have the top “package” of channels, we have the mid-range package. My husband and I noticed that our bill was continuing to creep higher and higher for television. When the bill was totaled for our internet and cable bills, the total was astounding. My husband and I started to question what we were actually paying for. I finally made the decision to call my provider and downgrade my programming package.
When I called the company, I told them that I was no longer going to be paying over $100. for television, that’s just crazy. I inquired about any sales or deals that they were running that could help with the bill. I was told that I was not eligible for any of them. I must say that I did not believe what the man was saying. I found that I wasn’t getting anywhere with the man whom I was speaking with on the telephone. It was time to play hardball. I usually threaten to switch to satellite service, which usually prompts quick results.
The gentleman was still unwilling to work with me, until I threatened to cancel my service completely. Of course, this was a mostly hollow threat, but the man on the other end of the phone did not know that. This threat was heard loud and clear. The man on the other end of the phone completely changed his demeanor and offered me a very nice price on my internet and cable bills. I accepted his offer.
The bottom line here is that cable television and internet are luxuries.They are not necessities and when you keep that in mind, you are able to value what you are paying for in a different way. I strongly suggest that if you are not happy with what you are paying for similar services, that you call you provider and let them know it. Be
to play hardball with them. Remember, in this case the customer is always right!
Garage Sale Time
For many areas here in the United States, warm weather is returning with the spring, this means one thing, garage sale time! I am starting to notice more and more signs advertising garage sales. I have always loved garage sales. The saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is true.
I have found many great deals at garage sales. Last summer I bought an antique table for $10! I stripped the cotton-candy pink paint off of it and now it is a lovely dinning table. It took a little bit of work to make it right for me, but not only did I get a wonderful price on it, I have a sense of pride when I look at it.
I do have a few tips on how to make the most of your garage sale outings.
The Local Newspaper
My first tip is to get your local newspaper on Friday and Saturday mornings. In the classified ads, garage sales are often listed. The ad usually includes what will be sold at the sale and it will give you the address and hours. I also find that I can usually plan a route for my morning of garage sale shopping.
Get Up Early
The best things in a garage sale usually sell very early in the morning. Most people who do this as a serious hobby go very early to get the good finds. I usually try to be out by 7a.m. shopping and browsing local garage sales. The beauty of being out early is that if you see something you like, you do not have to buy it right away, you can return at the end of the day and usually buy the item at a cheaper price. However, if you do not want to risk that item being sold throughout the day, just buy it then.
Do Not Be Afraid to Haggle
Keep in mind, that most people have garage sales because they either want to get rid of stuff laying around the house or the want to make some money. Either way, they want to make a sale. Don’t be afraid to ask for a better price on an item, remember you are not shopping at Macy’s you are shopping in someone’s driveway. Also keep in mind, that the worst thing that could happen is the person says, “no.” I always try to pay less than the item is listed for.
Bring a Larger Vehicle
You never know what you will find out on you garage sale adventure. I found my dinning room table while I was out on a bike ride with my husband. The couple we bought it from were more than happy to hold it for us so we could return with our car.
Take a Friend
Just like a day of regular shopping, garage sale days can be a fun event with a couple friends. If you are looking for something in particular, let your friend know, an extra pair of eyes may help you spot exactly what you are looking for.
The Silent Victims of the Troubled Economy
My husband and I recently adopted a yellow lab puppy from a shelter in our state. Rather than purchase a dog from a breeder we knew that it was necessary for us to adopt. We searched many different area shelters in search for our newest family member. We looked outside our community at many different shelters. Shelter after shelter was full of wonderful pets that had lost their homes due to the rough economy. There were so many cats in most shelters, that they weren’t accepting any more. My husband and I currently have three cats who were all rescues. To see all of these lovable animals in a shelter and not a loving home broke our hearts.
I also made sure to look in economically depressed areas that had been hit hard due to the recession. I found that these shelters were more eager to adopt out animals to loving homes. With the influx of animals and financial donations to shelters down, they are having a difficult time accommodating the silent victims of this recession.
I found that there were some very nice perks to adopting rather than buying from a breeder. I searched far and wide for our new puppy. We actually traveled almost 200 miles roundtrip to get him. While this does not sound fiscally responsible, let me start by saying that my husband and I actually spent less in gas and food than we would have spent at a breeder. Another plus to adopting a pet is that the shelters most often, have kept up with vaccination and some even spay or neuter at no cost to you.
We love our little puppy. So if you are looking to bring a new pet into your family, please try a shelter first. Pets are truly the silent victims of this recession.
