Consumer “how to’s”

380.145 ADA
Adams, Rob.Bargain Hunter’s Handbook1999

Learn how to bargain for the best deal.

381.1 BOT
The Bottom Line Bargain Book2000

An encyclopedia of shopping techniques for every product and every consumer need.

381.2 BUY
Buy Wholesale by Mail 2001: The Consumer’s Bible to Bargain Shopping Online, by Mail, by Phone2001

If you know the product you want, this reliable source will tell you where to find the best buy.

381.1 GAL
Gallagher, StephanieFabulous Bargains!2000

Includes many websites and covers consumer services as well as products.

640.73 GRE
Green, Mark J.Consumer Bible: 1001 Ways to Shop Smart1995

Savvy consumer advice on spending your money. Covers a wide variety of products and services.

917.7311 KEL
Kelly, Michelle RoyMr. Cheap’s Chicago2000

Guide to the best local shopping.

380.145 KIN
King, TrishaBuying Retail Is Stupid! Chicago1998

Discount shopping locations in northeastern Illinois, northwest Indiana and southern Wisconsin. A treasure trove of stores and outlets.

380.145 NEV
Never Pay Retail1996

Gives suggestions for saving on specific items from air conditioners to woodburning stoves. Lists 800 numbers for outlets and discount mail order catalogs. The “Best for Less” feature tells how to buy top-of-the-line products at discount.

381.1 WEL
Welsh, Kate ShoupBargain Shopping Online2000

Includes many auction sites, and evaluates each site’s ease of use and shipping costs.

Special interest shopping

Periodicals sectionConsumer Reports Travel Letter

Covers travel news, seasonal special offers, travel advisories and other consumer concerns. It includes a monthly review of travel websites.

649.122 FIE
Fields, DeniseBaby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear and Much, Much More1999

Addresses product safety issues.

395.22 FIE
Fields, DeniseBridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget2001

Evaluating and choosing a product
Library resources

Consumer Table
Consumers Digest

A monthly buying guide with evaluations and recommendations.

Consumer Table
Consumer Reports

The premier source that scientifically tests new products and makes recommendations according to price, durability, features and repair history.

Consumer Table
Ref 339.4/BES
Best Buys and Discount Prices

This annual is published by Consumer Guide, and gives recommendations on electronics and other items for the home.

Consumer Table
Ref 339.4/CON
Consumer Reports Buying Guide

This is a yearly compilation of evaluations and ratings that covers large and small appliances, consumer electronics and automobiles.

Websites

http://www.consumerworld.com
Addresses all consumer concerns and is an advocate for the consumer. Just enter the name of what you are looking for, or click on shopping, then product reviews or price comparisons. This source has a multitude of links to specific shopping sites. It includes links to the online versions of Consumer Reports and Consumer Digest.

http://www.epinions.com
Lists reviews by consumers who own and use the product. It indexes comments and evaluations on over 200,000 products. Search by brand name or category.

http://www.productopia.com
Shop by features, brand name or product. Covers a wide variety of consumer items.

Where to find the best price
Outlet malls

Shopping at an outlet mall offers the opportunity for one-stop shopping and multiple savings. Here are two outlet directory websites.

http://www.outletbound.com
Search for outlets by store, location, brand name, or product category

http://www.outletsonline.com
Offers listings worldwide and includes a virtual outlet mall.

Internet shopping agents

Using the Internet is the ideal way to keep up with changing prices and store inventories. When you know exactly what you want to buy, try a shopping bot. These “robot” search engines scour the web to find the best prices available. They are a great way to comparison shop. All have links to the site where you may purchase the item. Many bots look for prices in a specific consumer area, such as computers or books. Those listed below cover many product categories. If you encounter problems when you enter a specific brand name in the search box, try clicking on the category instead and then narrowing your search from the menus presented.

http://www.bizrate.com
A comprehensive site covering most consumer goods and offering reviews from owners that list the pros and cons of a product. Vendors are rated for customer service and delivery time.

http://www.gotoshopping.com
A very wide range of products are covered. This site indicates if the vendor has the item in stock and offers a detailed comparison chart for each product. Search results may be sorted by price, merchant or availability. There is also a product index.

http://www.mysimon.com
Also includes a star rating system for the merchants who are selling the product.

http://www.pricescan.com
Promises unbiased price and product information. Start by selecting a category.

Prepared by Martha Krause, January 2001