Shopping & Services

Don't be so quick to close that credit card

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, February 6th, 2012, 11:03am

With all due respect to Neil Sedaka, breaking up is not hard to do when you've paid off that credit card.

It's exhilarating to see a zero on your card statement -- and tempting to shut that bad boy down with a Dear John letter to your credit card company.

Don't write that letter just yet, said Lynn Oldshue, editor of the Birmingham-based LowCards.com (www.lowcards.com).

"Closing an old or unused card erases some of your available credit and increases your credit utilization ratio (or debt-to-credit ratio)," said Oldshue.

She said increasing that ratio may decrease your credit score.

"For example, say you have two credit cards--one with a $3,000 balance and one with no balance," she explained. "Each card has a $5,000 credit limit.

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Source: don't lease a used car!

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012, 9:48am

Leasing is often a dicey option for new cars, let alone used ones.

Although leasing is economically attractive because it typically offers less (or no) money down and lower monthly payments than purchasing a vehicle, leasing also includes a lot of fees: end-of-lease fees, mileage fees, wear-and-tear, damage deductions, etc.

In fact, consumer advocate Clark Howard (www.clarkhoward.com) advised consumers should only consider leasing a new vehicle if a manufacturer is offering to subsidize the lease or if a dealership is offering excellent leasing incentives in order to move a bloated inventory.

But Howard added consumers should never consider leasing a used vehicle.

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Best blogs for ranting on customer service

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, January 9th, 2012, 11:19am

Let them have it -- in a way they'll actually listen.

I taught you a thing or two about using social media and websites to get a company's attention when it's not paying you any (read/watch my Investigators: How To Get A Human Being here: http://www.wmctv.com/story/15936046/the-investigators).

One of my best sources in customer service advocacy from that story, STELLAService.com, shared its top seven customer service blogs -- the ones the retailers make a point to read:

* STELLAService blog (www.stellaservice.com). Of course, STELLAService.com would have to brag about its own blog, and I agree wholeheartedly. From enterprise reporting to respectful-but-aggressive accountability of all sizes of service businesses, this blog's one of the best.

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Eco Expo!

Submitted by Kym Clark on Friday, January 6th, 12:50 pm

The hugely successful Eco Expo is back with even more exhibitors showing us how to treat our earth more gently with green products, materials, services, and organizations.

Exhibitors will be offering ideas and information, and some will be selling their products and services.

The Expo is Sunday February 5th, 2012 from 11am until 3pm at Temple Israel--1376 East Massey Road...Memphis, TN.

For kids and adults of all ages, there’s something for everyone!

Learn, eat, explore, or just visit with some really nice people.

Remember the proverb, “Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents; it was loaned to you by your children.”

We are working together with our fellow community leaders and congregations of all faiths to help save the planet.

E-mail TIMemphisEcoExpo@msn.com or call Linda Kaplan 482-6473 for more information.

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Intergalactic Bead Show Coming To Town

Submitted by Tim Van Horn, Meteorologist

Saturday, December 31st, 2011, 9:00pm

The Intergalactic Bead & Jewelry Show is coming to the Woodland Hills Event Center (10000 Woodland Hills Drive in Cordova) Saturday & Sunday, January 7-8th.

Exhibitors from around the country will have precious & semi-precious gemstone beads, as well as freshwater pearls, vintage beads, crystals and more.

The show is wholesale/retail, meaning wholesale purchasers should bring along copies of their sales tax license paperwork.

Tickets are $5 on Saturday, and $4 on Sunday. Click here for more info and a $2 off admission coupon.

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Best deals on Free Shipping Day

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011, 12:42pm

You cyber-savvy shoppers have another holiday to celebrate: Dec. 16.

That's Free Shipping Day for online purchases. More than 2,000 retailers are expected to waive shipping fees that day.

Jordy Leiser, co-founder of the customer service rating site STELLAService.com, got his network of mystery shoppers working their keyboards to find the e-tailers who are throwing in a few extra freebies on Free Shipping Day. They also offered these insider tips:

* TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL PERKS LIKE GIFT-WRAPPING. The mystery shoppers of STELLAService.com gave big props to Gap.com and Apple.com for their free gift-wrapping. They also praised Nordstrom.com and VictoriaSecret.com for including free do-it-yourself gift wrap kits with purchases (Nordstrom.com offers free shipping all of the time).

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Consumer Reports: 5 things to knock out before New Year's

Submitted by Andy Wise, Chief Consumer Investigator/Andy's Restaurant Scorecard

Monday, December 5th, 2011, 12:20pm

While you're knocking out your shopping list, Consumer Reports' MoneyAdviser magazine recommends you check this one off, too:

* Review your investment portfolio to see if you might want to take investment losses to offset capital gains or apply against your income. That might benefit you at tax time. Consult a licensed CPA.

* If you're headed for college or have a child headed there, MoneyAdviser said now's the time to fill out student financial aid applications, which should be submitted immediately after Jan. 1.

* Start checking out seasonal sales on bikes, gas grills, GPS systems, appliances, electronics, toys and TV's.

* File rebate applications for the holiday gifts you bought. MoneyAdviser said keep photocopies of them in case the company rejects your rebate claim or loses your application.

* If you have adult children, it's time to talk to them about your finances, wills, living wills, etc.

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