Often when faced with the task of purchasing a high-end product, many consumers jump online to find out what’s available. Brands, models, features and price points are all considered and compared, culled from company and store websites around the web.
In my case, after a thorough spreadsheet is created with the various product specs, I often still don’t have a decision made. That’s when I start searching through online reviews of the top 3. Now that particular behavior is just me – I’m sure most buyers don’t build a thorough spreadsheet and some might possibly even go straight to the reviews.
Ah …read more

The $54 million lawsuit against Best Buy for a lost laptop has been in the news for days now. Long story short in case you haven’t heard the details, a woman, Raelyn Campbell, brought her laptop to Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) for repair under Best Buy’s extended warranty plan. The power button had broken off, and Ms. Campbell was told it could take 2-6 weeks to repair it. Three months later and hours of time wasted contacting Best Buy to get her laptop back, Best Buy confessed it was lost.
Best Buy offered her a $900 gift card to make up …read more

Consumers International today announced the 2007 winners of the International Bad Products Awards.  400 delegates from national consumer organizations and governments met in Sydney, Australia to attend Consumers International’s World Conference.  The result – the worst products in the world were selected.
The purpose of the International Bad Products Awards according to the Consumers International website is, “to highlight failings of corporate responsibility and the abuse of consumer trust by internationally recognized brands.”  Consumers International’s Director General, Richard Lloyd further explains:
“These multi-billion dollar companies are global brands with a responsibility to be honest, accountable and responsible. In highlighting their shortcomings Consumers International …read more