The Juggle Zone: Bargain Blog

Yesterday, en route to the city, a truck in the right lane decided to move into the left lane, despite the fact that my car was there, and that the lanes were separated by a solid white line (which, to my surprise, I discovered is apparently not prohibited, but rather discouraged, according to The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices*). Given the fact that I was stuck between a rock and a hard place (literally - cement wall on left, truck on right), with cars behind me, all I could do was flash my lights and honk my horn, as he proceeded to remove my mirror:

As he made no indication he was planning to stop, I pulled up alongside him in order to get his attention, and maybe convince him otherwise (it also enabled us to copy down his license plate). He ignored my intense honking, and I gave up, pulling to the side of the road and calling 911 on the cell phone we keep in the car for emergencies. (More on that, later.)

We're all fine, though we did have to wait for over an hour for the police to report to the scene. During the waiting time, we called 3 times. The first to report the incident. The second, to report the incident, and find out how much longer than 1/2 an hour we'd have to wait. The third, to find out how much longer than an hour we'd have to wait. At no time were we given any indication as to how long we'd have to wait other than "someone will respond as soon as possible." Yeah, right! If a Dunkin' Donuts truck overturned, I'd bet there'd be cops swarming all over the place. And if I had parked at an expired meter, or at 8:31 on the wrong side during alternate side parking, they'd be there in an instant! Nevermind the fact that that two police cars passed us without stopping. Had they had their lights on, indicating they were responding to an emergency rather than cruising around looking for donuts, I might not be so angry, but they weren't. And if they claim they were headed to another emergency, despite not having their lights on, shame on them. In that case they should have had their lights on (rather than just using them when they get bored waiting at red lights, or when they want to make illegal U-turns).

During my conversation with the third dispatcher, she told me that she couldn't give me an estimate because she wasn't the one responding. She then said, "please hold for a recording," and after a long pause, a very poor quality recording informed me that my call had been received and they would respond as soon as possible, but they were responding to a lot of incidents.

When they finally showed up, they never once got out of the car. Their Dunkin' Donuts paper goods littered the car. They took a long time filling out the incident report. When they finished, they gave me a "Incident Information Slip" with a phone number to call the next day (today).

When I called, I got no answer. So I tried the other two lines listed on the paper. Still no answer. I tried later. No answer. I then realized a Dunkin' Donuts truck must have overturned. I waited a while, then called again. No answer. I googled for the 109th precinct. I found a list of phone numbers. I started at the top, and worked my way down. No answer. Voice-mail. No answer. No answer. Answer! "Sorry, but you've called the wrong desk, let me transfer you." No answer. So I called back, "Me again! There was no answer at that extension." "I'll transfer you to another number." Answer! Wrong person again, transferred. Answer! I gave the "cop" my info, only to find out that the police report wasn't ready yet. "Call back later, she told me." I asked what her specific extension was, and she told me the original number I had called on. I then asked if she had been away from her desk ... why she hadn't answered my 15 prior calls. "I was on the phone. I'm only one person. Call Mr. Bloomberg to complain." "Have you heard of voice-mail?" I asked. "Heck, we can leave Bloomberg out of this - I'll buy you an answering machine myself!" "No, we have specific protocols to follow. You can't just go out and buy an answering machine." Right, they have to find a way to spend way too much money on one.

When I tried back later in the afternoon, I got to listen to the phone ring, a lot. I'd imagine there's a phone in the police department ringing, and I can't imagine how they tolerate it ringing that much. If I were in the office there, I'd pick it up, even if I were in handcuffs, if only to stop the ringing! Then again, maybe there's a huge sale at Dunkin' Donuts.

I called the main number precinct number, after failing numerous times using the numbers listed on the incident information slip. I was transferred before I had a chance to finish my sentence. No answer. I called the main number back, got a different person, and started my sentence with, "Before you transfer me, please let me finish my sentence." She did, and when I explained the problem of no one picking up, she said, "Oh, I can get the Accident Report Number for you." Great! She did, then I asked for the Complaint Report Number, and she said something about going to another room to look it up. While I was on hold, another guy picked up, I explained what was going on, and he started to tell me that I had to call a different number [the one where no one was picking up]. He said I'd have to wait, to which I responded that that was precisely what I was doing - someone was helping me. He put me back on hold, and the helpful cop returned, informing me that the Complaint Report Number wasn't available yet, but to get a copy of the accident report, I'd have to go to the precinct, and to get a copy of the Complaint Report, I'd have to send away. Great! Though she wasn't as helpful as I would have liked, at least she gave me some useful information.

"Courtesy - Professionalism - Respect" reads the bottom of the incident information slip. If only they performed one of those right.

The only upshot of the whole situation was our chance to test the FCC's Basic 911 rules, which:
Require wireless carriers to transmit all 911 calls to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), regardless of whether the caller subscribes to the carrier's service or not.
You can read more about this feature here. It worked, perfectly.

*The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or MUTCD defines the standards used by road managers nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all streets and highways. The MUTCD is published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F.

Posted by dwallach at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

About one month ago I bought an A75 for $149.99 + tax, and later sold it at cost to a friend who was in the market for a digital camera. At the time of the original purchase I had pursued a PM at Staples, but didn't have any success. The following day, Friday, I woke up early. In my spare time I took a look at the FW thread, and discovered two pieces of critical information. First, that the Circuit City website was showing the $149.99 price, and second, that the website was also showing that the camera was in-stock in several New York area stores. I then initiated an online chat with Staples CS, asked to do a PM, provided links to the relevant pages, and was informed that I would indeed be able to PM. I quickly placed an order online (so I could get FatCash), and went through with the PM.

The bottom line price was: $249.98 - $30 ($30 off $150 coupon) + tax = $238.95 - $119.48 (110% PM + tax) - $5 (FatCash @ 2% of $249.98) - $1.19 (CC Cash back @ 1% of $119.47) = $113.28.

However, I still had one problem - I had an extra camera. (My A70 still worked fine.) So I began to consider my options:

1) return it.
2) return it to CC, possibly make $49.64.
3) return it to a Staples B&M using the packing slip (which showed $238.95), possibly make $125.67.
4) sell the A75 on ebay, possibly make a small profit, but given the large number of inexpensive A75s that entered the market over that weekend, low prospects.
5) sell the A70 on ebay, possibly break even, upgrade for free.

#1 was a boring option, and was quickly discarded. #2 & #3 were appealing in the sense that they would put some money in my pocket, but I wasn't excited about the ethical lines that would be blurred. #4 didn't seem worth my time - by the time I was done listing the item on ebay, finding a reliable buyer, paying the ebay fees, packing and shipping the item, etc., any profit I might make wouldn't likely be worth the effort expended.

So I began to lean toward #5. The idea was appealing because I would end up with the A75, which would provide a slight upgrade (namely larger screen and more shooting modes), plus "renew" my warranty. So I began to pursue setting my good ol' ebay account to sell. Things didn't go well. Their system wouldn't accept my credit card number. At all. It rejected it. So I contacted customer support by email, live chat, and telephone, and got no useful help. At all. They rejected me. My hesitance to use ebay increased, and I began to pursue alternative routes of selling.

I first sent out an email to a local email list, offering the camera for $150 (my goal was simply to break even, maybe make a little profit). The email:

I got only one response, from a slightly interested individual. So I expanded my search. FW has a For Sale/For Trade forum, so I posted there. I used a lower starting price, under the assumption that FW folk would be after a better deal. That post generated more interest. The biggest problem I faced was that I had no HeatWare rating. I had finally settled on $115 with one individual, who then decided he wanted me to send the camera first, then he'd pay (because he had a HeatWare rating). As much as I wanted to trust the guy - his rating was 100% positive, I wasn't willing to risk losing that much money. So I expanded my search, yet again.

Thanks in large part to a tip posted in my FS/FT post at FW, I posted at Craig's List on Thursday evening.

I recently bought a new camera, and I'm selling my old one. It's a Canon PowerShot A70 Digital Camera, in great condition. Included are the following items:

• A70 Camera


• USB cable


• A/V cable


• 16 MB CF Card


• English Manual (and any other documentation I find)


• Wrist strap


• Original Software CDs


• UPS ground shipping

The A70 is an excellent camera, very highly rated, and has many great features, including:

• 3.2 Megapixel CCD for high image quality


• High-resolution 3x Optical Zoom Lens, 10x Combined Zoom


• Sharp and accurate 5-Point AiAF


• DIGIC and iSAPS Technology for higher quality images


• Enhanced Movie Mode with Sound


• Direct Print Mode with Canon CP Printers and Bubble Jet Direct Printers.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me. I'm asking $150 OBO.

Craig's List is cool, in that it is like an online flea market - hooking up buyers and sellers online, then allowing them to meet to exchange goods. Within a few hours of posting I received numerous emails from interested parties.

-An offer of $120 (later indicated possible willingness to spend more, and asked for pictures)
-An expression of interest and request for direct contact (see below)
-An offer to barter (Sony Clie PDA...plus extras...model number PEG-NR70V...4 months old, then later a game boy black with 3 games or a bass amp...Hartke 140 watts)
-An offer of $125*
-A request for location/contact info "for pick up" (he didn't specify whether he was willing to pay the full asking price)*

I began to respond to the responses. The most interested person was from an individual who wanted me to call him. I did, and we talked about the camera, it's availability in time for the weekend, and price. I went down to $140 after he suggested $120ish, but I wouldn't budge past that. He said he'd think about it and contact me the following day via email. A few other individuals had requested pictures, which I took with the A75 and sent out.

Friday morning, before I left for work, there was another request for pictures, which I sent out. When I arrived at work, I found that I couldn't access my email. And without access to my email, I couldn't read/respond to any new expressions of interest, access my Craig's List post (they send you a special link to access your post), or find out if the really interested guy was still really interested. By the end of the day, the email was still unavailable, so when I got home, I called him immediately. He had been a bit worried as he had emailed me twice, and of course got no response. It turned out he accepted my $140, an wanted to come by. Because my email was inaccessible, I considered waiting to see if anyone was willing to pay the full $150. But I decided I'd rather be done with the situation, so we worked out a time, and he was on his way. He showed up just a little late, checked out the camera, handed me the cash, and was off. And I had just been paid $26.72 to upgrade. No ebay fees, no shipping, no problem.

Taking into account the fact that I only paid $98 for my A70, one could argue that the net cost of the A75 was a mere $71.28!

On Saturday night, I got two more emails (before I had a chance to update the Craig's List posting to indicate that the camera had already sold):

-Another Craig's List user's expression of interest and request for direct contact
-The "slightly interested individual" from the email list checking to see if the camera was still available.

Being the nice guy that I am, I let all the people who expressed interest know that the camera is available brand new for $200 by email/PM:

*These emails were all received while the YUCS server was down.

Posted by dwallach at 2:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've never been a fan of scams, which is a term I use in a general way to refer to money-making schemes, particularly those that look to charge money for goods/services that would normally be free/inexpensive. Classic examples, as I see it, are inkjet printers (because they give you the printer for nearly nothing, then charge an arm and a leg for ink, for the rest of your life) and Swiffer type products (because those companies found a way to replace a broom/mop, which one buys once for $5, with a device that costs money each time it's used!)

The latest scam I've encountered, which isn't new in any way, is the passport photo business. How anyone can justify $10-$15 for two 2" square pictures is beyond me. In the olden days (before digital photography), it was certainly more challenging to conform to the U.S. Department of State's guidelines, specifically size. I did once prepare a set of photos for a family back when I was still working in a darkroom and when black & white pictures were allowed.

However, with the advent of the digital camera came access to a darkroom for the masses. Now, with just a little preparation, it is very easy to prepare up to 3 sets of passport photos, for under $.20!

The first step is to compose decent pictures, in accordance with the established guidelines. Next, using just about any photographic software, crop the image to a square, the paste the image into 1/6 of another image. Repeat once for a duplicate image. You can then add more copies of the same person or another, if desired. The last step is printing. While printing at home can work, in many ways the easiest method would be to have the picture printed by a professional place, either in B&M form, or at an online place, such as WinkFlash.

Posted by dwallach at 1:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I'm always interested in Free Stuff, so when I read about http://pricelessware.org, I took a look. It's a simple site with descriptions, links, and downloads for lots of different programs, all free!

On a related them, I started an Official (Free/Cheap) Photo Software Thread over at FW.

Posted by dwallach at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Because I'm too cheap to buy the right software to do it right, and too lazy do it in more manual ways, I have been without a cool logo version of the title of this page. However, I discovered a site that makes them for you, but is annoying to use, and is way too busy. But nonetheless, I gave it a try, and now I've got one! Try it yourself, if you'd like.

Posted by dwallach at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Popular Science finally got around to noticing the Desktop Stapler with Staple Gun Power, from Staples, which I blogged about back in May, when I ordered it, received it, and convinced others to get it, too! I know of 10+ staplers have been ordered, in large part to me.

While I salute popular science for noticing the publicizing the Stapler, I would have expected to see it in the magazine several months ago. One thing that bothers me about the only periodical that I read with any regularity is its lack of relevance. So much of the magazine is dedicated to "future tech" that never happens (they even make fun of this on the last page, where they look back at old covers that feature things that never came to be), that they miss so much of what's going on now. What's worse, when they do focus on the current tech, it's largely dedicated to aerospace, which, while interesting, is not the end all of tech.

I recall reading that the editorship is changing hands, which I can only hope will lead to a positive change (my subscription is through sometime in 2005).

Posted by dwallach at 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The number of T-shirts that I own is somewhere above 50. The strangest one I have ever gotten just came yesterday. On the front:

On the back:

As I said, weird. I didn't remember signing up for it until I checked out the website. Fresh² is "more than just a light bulb. It's a fresh bulb - a revolutionary new product that breaks down household odors, while providing energy-efficient light. Simply turn on your light and fresh² begins eliminating odors in just 10 minutes! Making it ideal for bathrooms, musty closets, workout rooms, pet areas and damp-smelling basements - anywhere you have persistent odors."

Posted by dwallach at 4:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Though it took a couple weeks, I finally found the time to look for the paperwork to backup my claim that MBNA e-lert not only exists, but that it's free. However, I had lost/misplaced the paper with the loser CSR's name and fax number. Despite that problem, I figured the easiest step would be to just sign up again, using my new MBNA card.

I tried to sign up online, entered all my information, and at the final stage was told that I was already signed up, and that I should log-in. So I did, and the blasted thing said I wasn't eligible anymore. Duh!

While still wondering where that fax number went, I decided to try signing up on the phone. This time, I had much more success, and am now supposedly (re-)enrolled, but I won't believe it until I see it, as the CSR I dealt with insisted on spelling everything back to me. (Yes, "David" is spelled "D-A-V-I-D.")

Still wanting closure on the problems I encountered a couple weeks ago, I called MBNA, figuring they could look through their records and tell me who I spoke with, and what his fax number is. Somewhat unfortunately, the CSR I reached found the information very quickly, but also knew about e-lert! I told her the story, and she said that I didn't need to fax anything in (obviously), but that she would email the other CSR to tell him where to find info on the e-lert program. She also tried to excuse the other CSR, by claiming that not too many people ask about the program. Well, if you pretend the program doesn't exist, who is going to ask about it?

For anyone who is interested in the program, but not the runaround, you can either sign-up online or by phone. You need to have an MBNA credit card, but other than that, I don't think there are any restrictions on signing up. Either call 866-417-6380 or go to http://www.mbnaelert.com/enroll.

As an afterthought, I search Google for MBNA e-lert. The results only pointed to my blog, and one MBNA page, called popup.html, in an "elert" folder. That page had no links, but did suggest visiting mbnaenrollnow.com for details. That page redirects to a new MBNA e-lert page, which states "MBNA e-lert enrollment is no longer available online. Please call 1-800-421-2110 to request MBNA e-lert from an MBNA Customer Satisfaction Representative." Useless, but additional information, nonetheless. In the same category, the fine print:

After enrolling, use your MBNA credit card for at least (1) retail purchase transaction every (90) days for continued eligibility for this credit file monitoring & notification benefit. Enrollment ends if you fail to use the card, or your account no longer has active charging privileges. One enrollment per person/per account. Equifax, Inc., one of the major credit reporting agencies in the U.S., provides credit file information to Intersections Inc. You are responsible for contacting the credit reporting agencies should it be necessary. Intersections Inc. and MBNA may change the terms and/or features of this benefit at any time. Visit mbnaenrollnow.com for details, including the MBNA and Intersections Privacy Policies affecting your use of this benefit. MBNA America, MBNA, MBNA e-lert, and the circle e-symbol are service marks of MBNA America Bank, N.A.

Posted by dwallach at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Who knew it would change in just one month?! FW updated their logo recently, so I updated mine, too!

Posted by dwallach at 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We had purchased the Lamaze 2-in-1 Gym a few weeks ago. After we set it up, the arches tended to lean to one side, and sometimes fell over completely. We weren't pleased and contacted the manufacturer who offered to replace it (all their products have lifetime warranties) - if we shipped it to them at our expense - but recommended just taking it back to the store.

The rumor around town was that BRU is great about returns - they'll take anything. So we agreed that returning it would be the easiest route. Low on diapers, we headed to BRU yesterday and I waited patiently in the long returns line. One person after another returned one ridiculously opened/used item after another - most items were so assembled (or un-disassembled) that they wouldn't fit into the box.

Finally I reached the head of the line, and brought up the gym, as well as a couple other items we were returning. The clerk looked at the gym, and in a shocked tone said to me, "Is this used?" I explained that indeed it was, but it was defective, and that the manufacturer had said to return it to the store. "Well," she said, "we can't take these back used. It's a health issue." I then inquired as to why it was just this item that was a problem, and not the various other items that had just been returned. She perused the pile, then offered a highchair for my inspection. "This was never used. You can inspect it yourself, it you'd like." Ignoring the fact that neither of us had the ability to determine whether it had been used (and cleaned well) or not, I realized that this clerk had neither the brainpower needed to understand my point, nor the authority to override whatever unwritten policy she sought to enforce. So I asked to speak to a manager.

The clerk phoned the manager, and explained the entire situation on the phone. A few minutes later a "Supervisor" emerged from the office area, and as she approached, attempted to whisper in a loud voice, stating to the clerk that, "She said it wasn't worth the fight. Take it back." She then turned to me and told me that while they don't normally take these back after they're used, they would this time. How sweet. I then pointed out the contradiction between their claim, and the written return policy, which is plastered all over the store, and states something along the lines of "We will gladly accept returns within 90 days of the purchase date on most items (excluding videos/DVDs), provided the original packaging is returned with the item." Even the longer return policy posted online doesn't make any mention of returns being rejected due to condition.

The only redeeming part of the whole exchange process was the fact that the gym was now on sale, and I had a 15% off coupon as well. Bottom line: I saved $15 by exchanging it.

Posted by dwallach at 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

As I previously reported, FW cut back on FatCash for Dell SB purchases. It was around that time that I found and signed up for Mr. Rebates, another Cashback Mall that does provide cash back for Dell SB purchases, though "only" 1.5%. However, between my registration bonus ($2.50), and referral bonuses (somebody who I referred made a $2,472 purchase), I am already more than halfway to the minimum cash-out level - $25. I recently ordered another computer, this time for a relative, so I should be getting another ~$10 in my account any day, brining me within $1 of cashing out.

Finally, this blog is making me some money! ;-)

Posted by dwallach at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bussman came through! 10 fuses just arrived via UPS Ground. That was prompt - I sent in the request on 7/13, they sent me an email acknowledgment the same day, and shipped them on 7/14. Thanks Bussman! Too bad I didn't have the patience to wait - I could've saved a few bucks.

Posted by dwallach at 1:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When I recently went to charge the battery for my 16.8V Craftsman Drill, the indicator lights on the charger didn't go on. I assumed it was something wrong with the charger, but wasn't certain - one battery had been giving me trouble for some time. I left the battery in, hoping it was charging even though the lights lights weren't working, but it wasn't.

I then had to decide whether it was worth finding/buying replacement parts or to just buy a new drill. I found chargers and batteries on ebay, but contemplating opening the charger to see if I could fix whatever might be wrong inside of it.

When I opened it, I found a fuse, which was good, because if it was blown, I could probably replace it easily. When I checked it, it had indeed blown. The only markings on it were "bel 125V" and "5TT4A 125V" (plus various certifications). After doing some research online, I discovered that it was made by Bel Fuse Inc., was a 5x20 mm Glass Tube Slow Blow Fuse, 4 amps. However, Bel doesn't sell direct, and the I wasn't looking forward to buying a huge quantity (Digi-Key sells them, but has a minimum order of 1000 @ $0.1925 = $192.50, a lot more than a new drill), or pay crazy shipping costs. I checked RadioShack.com, but they didn't have this particular fuse.

Imagine my excitement when I found that OptiFuse, another manufacturer, has a cross reference table on their site. I found that two other companies, Bussman and Littlefuse, make equivalent fuses, and offer free samples. The free sample business is designed to get you interested in products that you'll then buy lots of. I signed up for free samples from both. But worried that they wouldn't send them to me, so I continued to seek other options.

While running an errand, I happened to notice a Radio Shack B&M nearby, and figured it was worth a run in. Maybe they carried more variety in-store than online. As I marched in toward the components section (conveniently all radio shacks seem to be laid out in the same manner), one of the useless Radio Shack employees asked if he could help me. "Sure," I said, "I'm looking for a 5x20 mm, 4 amp, slow blow fuse." By this time, I had reached my designation, and as I was opening the fuse drawer, the guy said, "Yeah, we should have those in that drawer." Thanks for the help!

And indeed they had them, and for <$3, I was on my way. I put in the new fuse, but the charger back together, and it worked!

Today I got a call from one of the free sample companies, seeking more information about what I was using fuses for. Not in the mood to lie, nor with any need since I had bought the fuses already, I answered entirely truthfully, curious to see if they'd send them anyways. The CSR, upon hearing my intentions, referred me to an online distributor. Thanks, but no thanks.

Posted by dwallach at 4:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

After filing the BBB complaint, I received notification that I had apparently chosen the wrong BBB, but that my complaint had been forwarded to the correct one. That BBB sent me a letter to inform me that they processed my complaint, and are currently awaiting a response. They also included a copy of the bureau's report on OM. Some goodies:

"Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to unanswered complaint(s) and due to a pattern of complaints."

"Number of complaints processed by the BBB in last 36 Months: 583"
"Number of complaints processed by the BBB in last 12 Months: 399"

Looks like they're on a roll ... down to the ground!

Posted by dwallach at 9:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

For those who still use them, 10 free disks from OD can be useful.

Posted by dwallach at 9:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On July 11th (7-11), 7-Eleven celebrates it's birthday, by giving away free slurpees!

Posted by dwallach at 9:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Around St. Patrick's Day, there was a rebate floating around for $4 off a 6-pack or $7 off a 12-pack of Guinness Draught. I figured it was worth a try, so I bought a 12-pack, and have been waiting for my rebate ever since. I had just about given up hope when a check showed up yesterday, but for only $4. Since there was no number listed on the rebate form, it's been difficult complaining, though I did dig up a number (800-581-6237) for the company that processed the rebate. I left a message, we'll see if I get a call back.

Posted by dwallach at 4:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I have a small newspaper collection, so when I heard about the NY Post's big blunder,

it evoked thoughts of the Chicago Daily Tribune's infamous "Dewey Defeats Truman," headline

and I rushed to buy a copy. Well, it turns out it was an instant collectible - they're selling for >$60 on ebay. Hundreds have already sold, and thousands more are up for bidding. Today, the NY Post "recovered" with a nearly identical cover, mocking yesterday's paper.

I might as well head down to get one of these, too. And the NY Daily is enjoying itself, poking fun at the NY Post.

Posted by dwallach at 10:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I went through a phase during which I used different email addresses for each rebate I sent to Staples, as an experiment to see what they would do with all of them. Of course, the emails addresses don't go directly to Staples, they go to the rebate processing center. Well, apparently Staples finally got around to collecting the email addresses from the rebate center, as I just got 10 emails from them (see below). Does this mean I'll now get 10 sets of coupons every week?

Excerpted from the email:

You're gonna love us.
Welcome to the Staples email savings program. Now you can look forward to great savings and online tools to make shopping easier.

Weekly Specials
Great online savings updated every week.

To find out more about how we make shopping easier, visit our Welcome Center. And rest assured, Staples will not rent or sell your email address.

Posted by dwallach at 9:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Free Fireworks (100% Safe!)

Posted by dwallach at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Around 7 months ago, I signed up for a program from my credit card company called "e-lert," which monitors one's credit report. When changes are identified, they send an email to the subscriber, alerting him of the change. I only signed up because it was free - this is not a service I would pay for.

Since I had two MBNA credit cards, I recently decided to consolidate them into a single account. Within two weeks of doing so, I received an email stating that my "MBNA Identity Theft Protection" (e-lert) had been cancelled "since
your account did not meet the required eligibility requirements." It then went on to provide a number to call "if this is an error."

I called the number, which turned out to be MBNA's regular customer service, explained the situation, and was transferred to "MBNA Privacy Assist." The CSR there began her spiel about how wonderful their (fee-based) program is, and I cut her off informing her that I was calling to re-instate my free program. She knew of no such thing, and suggested that I call MBNA back.

So I called MBNA again, and spoke to yet another CSR who had never heard of MBNA e-lert. He offered to research it, and I agreed. When he returned a few minutes later, he informed me that not only did no such program exist, it never had. I then told him that as certain as he was that the program didn't exist, I was certain that it did. I then asked him if he thought that all of the documentation that I have on the program with MBNA's name all over it is fake. When he found out that I had paperwork, he got very excited, and asked me to fax it to him. Hopefully I'll have a chance to do that tonight or tomorrow.

Despite the paperwork, and the MBNA name, he suggested that maybe the program had been offered through MC Assist, a program offered by MasterCard, and gave me their number. I know it isn't, so I'm not even going to bother them.

Meanwhile, I researched the issue myself, and found an old email from when I first signed up. It listed yet another number, which I called. The CSR had actually heard of the program, found a little information on it, but had no idea how to sign up, or who to contact for more information. She said she believed it was offered through MBNA's online banking division. Though relatively useless, her last comment jogged my memory. I vaguely recalled being offered this program when I signed up for online bill payments with MBNA.

I'll keep you updated.

UPDATE: Here.

Posted by dwallach at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)