Consumer News Weekend Short Stack
Here’s a few things for the weekend:
- Ben Goldacre / Bad Science - If you don’t read Ben’s column in the Guardian, or you haven’t read his book, then you should at least check out his website here and enjoy some brilliant analysis. As an example, check out this analysis “Home taping didn’t kill music“.
- Impulse buying - Do you get tempted by impulse purchases when you’re out shopping – particularly when you’re queuing up at the checkout? This article from the US Consumerist suggests that if you use the self-checkout lane in the supermarket you’re less likely to fall foul of impulse buying. Why? Becuase we’re being distracted by the gadgets and electronics we have to use. Check here for more. Of course, if Tesco are anything to go by, then they don’t actually put anything to tempt us beside the self-checkout lines – yet.
- Ryanair complaints – This article from Nick Webb in last weeks Sunday Independent tells us that Ryanairs complaints from customers tripled in the last year. This recent article from the Guardian tells us what the Top 5 Ryanair complaints actually are. At number 1 is the baggage charge check in fee.
- Marks & Spencer cutting costs - As reported by Conor Pope this week, Marks & Spencer have listened and lowered their prices. Following on from Tescos lead, and more recently Dunnes Stores – both of whom have dropped their prices – it’s great to see. Amazing though, how its actually supermarkets competing for our business becuase they’re not making as much money as they used to that’s causing this to happen, rather than any political intervention or National Consumer Agency grocery surveys. Competition – brilliant concept!
