I’m not one for buying first generation gadgets, but after reading this Newsweek review of iPhone, I can’t help but pine for one. So major bummer that no release date is set for Europe. Also, if Vodafone is selected as exclusive European carrier, looks like I might have to delay purchase since I’m locked into a T-mobile contact until next year.
In all my years of purchasing items via Amazon, I had no idea that they had a 30-day price guarantee.
Amazon’s Secret Price Guarantee
The online retailer’s Zen customer benefit.
Slate, By Timothy Noah, Posted Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007, at 6:25 PM ET
Of the many responsibilities shouldered by this column, none is more solemn than its mandate to compel Web-based retailers to take phone calls from the public. But suppose you finally get one of these reclusive customer-service reps on the horn and become so flustered that you forget what it is you wanted to say? If the retailer is Amazon.com—customer-service number: 1-800-201-7575; to get a human right away, dial extension 7—ask him about that 30-day price guarantee.
Perhaps you are wondering: What 30-day price guarantee? Like Amazon’s customer-service number itself, the 30-day price guarantee is not something Amazon publicizes. For instance, it isn’t mentioned on the “Refunds” page. If you click here you’ll learn all about Amazon’s 30-day returns policy, which provides a full refund for most unopened items returned within 30 days. But that’s different from the 30-day price guarantee, which requires only that you pay attention to whether Amazon lowers its price within 30 days after you purchase your item. If it does, Amazon will refund you the difference. No need to box up your purchase or fret about receiving only a partial refund because you removed the plastic wrap.
I collect more things that I care to admit to, and if I had the time, I might just sign up to Squirl which allows you to catalog not just books like LibraryThings but pretty much anything. For insurance purposes, this would be a good thing, but I haven’t got the time to catalog everything beyond what I did with Intelliscanner when I moved some 19months ago and truth be told, I don’t want to. I like being organised but when it comes to stuff like this, a little disorganization is not a bad thing. Particularly is you don’t want to really know how much you are really spending on the junk collectibles you’ve purchased.
There is nothing wrong with my Olympus Camedia C-3000 Zoom Digital Camera. But I have had it for over 4 years, and I think its time to trade up for something smaller and sleeker. Something that I can carry around everyday. However, after days of research, I can’t decide which camera to purchase. I came close to purchasing both the Olympus mju 700 and EXILIM Card EX-S770 but didn’t complete the transaction for either as I’m not completely convinced that they are the right camera for me. So for those of you out there that take lots of pictures and recently research and/or purchased a compact digital camera, I’d welcome your suggestions.
Back in Chicago, I loved going to yard and estates sales. I particularly liked estate sales as the possession of the deceased were like findings at an archeological dig. They offered great insight into the persons life and history. More importantly, I liked going as there was always the possibility of finding that rare first edition book, antique lamp, furniture, etc.
Now since arriving in London, I’ve resisted the urge to go to the UK equivalent, the car boot sale. Mainly because I’m a hoarder and with space at a premium, I do not want to start cluttering up the apartment again. But with spring in the air, I ended up going to two this weekend as I was on the hunt for a wooden coat stand. Most of the stuff there was reminiscent of what you would find at a yard sale and really should be trashed. But you know the saying, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
I didn’t find a coat stand, but I did manage to find a lovely faux tiffany style lamp and a few DVDs. So in future weekends, I’m going to have to seek out the better car boot sales in London. However, I’m really going to have to resist the urge to puchase something just because it might be a good bargain. Particularly since I have no space for junk or new collections.
