The Shop Cop - Jennifer Litwin

Home shopping expert and Random House author Jennifer Litwin announced today five things consumers should consider when shopping for the holiday season. Litwin also researched name brand store credit/gift cards that achieve the biggest bank for the buck for the consumer.

“Holiday shoppers are always thinking about finishing their homes in time for the holidays, accommodating guests, and doing it all on a budget, ”said Shop Cop and Random House author Jennifer Litwin. “What consumers don’t realize when finishing their homes in time for the holidays is the varying degrees of ‘pay for play’ benefits each name brand store credit and gift card will offer when making purchases. Some holiday shoppers may spend just a $100 to finish their home while others may spend $10,000; so knowing what store credit/gift cards can save them money and give them great deals can make all the difference in the world.”

5 Things to consider when shopping this season:

1. If shopping online, look for free delivery. Many stores are offering free delivery as an incentive. Otherwise, there is typically a charge of about 10% for shipping big ticket items like furniture.
2. Beware of store credit card rebate/savings programs because most only offer a 1-2% savings on the cost of your purchases, but you will still incur financing charges, just as with a typical credit card.
3. If a price seems too good to be true, ask to see an assembly sheet to find out how difficult it will be to actually assemble the piece.
4. Buy gift cards for your loved ones that can be used both in the store and online. Many egift cards can only be used for online purchases, and then merchandise needs to be returned to a non-store location.
5. If making a lot of purchases try to do it with a store credit card that offers good discounts for large purchases, or free, desirable gifts.

Wondering where to shop this season? Here’s the lowdown on the red flags and nice bonuses of shopping in your favorite retailers:

BED BATH & BEYOND: Offers college savings plan, Upromise, which when you make purchases 1% is given to your child’s Upromise college savings account. Upromise doesn’t offer such a great reward as an incentive to shop here, but one benefit of shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond is that anything you buy online can be returned at anytime either in the store or by mail. This is great.

BEST BUY: Best Buy’s store credit card has a caveat: your interest rate will be “determined upon review of your credit history and application.” It works like a regular MasterCard, requiring the holder to pay a minimum amount monthly. Like Circuit City, Best Buy offers a Rewards Program, but only credits you 4% of your purchases instead of 5% offered at Circuit City. Not a huge benefit. Online gift card purchases offer free shipping.

CIRCUIT CITY: The Rewards Program here allows you to get back 5% of your purchases in the form of a coupon that can be used online or in the store. Doesn’t seem like a great deal, unless you are buying big ticket items. Gift cards purchased either online or in the store may be used online or in the store. Free shipping on gift cards.

COST PLUS WORLD MARKET: There is no shipping charge for gift cards. However, cards purchased online must be used for online purchases. Huge downside of shopping online: shipping costs can run more than 10% of the purchase price for a standard delivery of 5-7 business days—very expensive. The World Market Credit Card offers perks such as 3-6 month free financing, from time-to-time, and you can earn Rewards Coupons for each dollar you spend.

CRATE & BARREL: Free shipping on standard delivery gift cards. For 2 business day rushes, shipping charge is only $6. The low shipping charge is a great option for a rush-order gift. Housewares and furniture items can cost 10-25% of the purchase price—this is no deal. Any item purchased online can be returned by mail or in the store. 90-day return policy for credit or refund, but must have valid receipt. Without a valid receipt you will get a store credit only.

ETHAN ALLEN: 3-6 month free financing term. This is a good plan for new homeowners, but at the end of that period, though, pay in full or be subject to accrual of 23-27% APR interest (ouch). Don’t finance here unless you can pay at the end of your free financing period.

HOME DEPOT: Credit card has no annual fee, and even offers perks like discounts on travel and store products. Points accumulate to earn discounts and freebies. No interest for 6 months on purchases of $299 or more—good holiday shopping perk.

LOWE’S: Gift cards can be used both in the stores and online. Volume discounts are offered.

MENARDS: 2% Rebates on Menards purchases (doesn’t add up to enough of a savings to apply for their credit card), but $10 in-store certificate when you make your first $100 purchase on your Menards card. No annual fee. Returns for items purchased online through a gift card may be returned at the store (a perk).

PIER 1 IMPORTS: Quantity shoppers will love the rewards that come with shopping here. Accumulating points gets you special cardholder discount days, and becoming a cardholder gets you 10% off your initial purchase(s).

ROOM & BOARD: On unlimited purchases of furniture, a flat-rate shipping fee, ranging from $69-199, on small items $15 flat fee on unlimited items, on larger accessories and small furniture: $25-79 flat rate. Good shipping rates.

ROOMS TO GO: Their store credit card is currently offering no payment, no interest payment and no down payment until January, 2009, and many items come with free UPS ground shipping. These are great benefits as the holiday season draws near.

TARGET: 2 Kinds of gift cards. The ecard can only be used for online purchases. The store-bought gift cards can also be used online. It pays to buy gift cards in the store. Save 10% when you open your Target credit card account. Another great perk of the Target credit card: get 10% off on pharmacy purchases.

WAL-MART: Free shipping on gift returns—very generous. However, return your items within 90 days to get a refund. One benefit of buying online is that you can have free shipping on items that can be shipped to a nearby Wal-mart. Thousands of items can be shipped directly to their stores. A HUGE perk. You will get an email telling you that your items have arrived and are ready for pick-up within 7-10 days, on average.

Christmas is here again and it’s time to start thinking about how we are going to decorate our homes. Over the past five years the Christmas industry has seen a dramatic shift in what people are buying in the way of trees and lights. More people shop on the internet today for Christmas trees, both fresh and artificial, because it saves time. Saving time is also a reason why more people today are buying artificial trees. When it comes to Christmas tree lights LED lights have paved the way for a more energy-efficient, longer-life bulb.

DECIDING BETWEEN ARTIFICIAL AND REAL TREES

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the association that has given a tree annually to the President and first family since 1966, approximately half of all people buying trees are buying artificial trees. However, Rick Dungee from the NCTA (National Christmas Tree Association) says that the “traditionalists will always prefer a real tree, in its look, smell and touch, to an artificial tree.”

Artificial trees are becoming very popular for a few reasons, (the industry sold over 9 million trees last year according to Green Profit). First, artificial trees are not as difficult to assemble as in years past. There are fewer parts in the box, and the branches often come easy to arrange in sections, and equipped with lights. Second, today’s trees look more real, “needles are rounded and there are more hand-painted tips,” says Bev Hendrickson of Vickerman, a wholesaler of artificial trees in Minnesota. Of course, finding an extra place to store the tree when the holidays are over can be challenging, but at least you don’t have to figure out how to dispose of your tree.

Perhaps for those who don’t have much time to prepare for the holidays the biggest benefit of owning an artificial tree is the time-saving aspect of setting up, decorating and putting away the tree.

THE BEAUTY AND BENEFITS OF HAVING A REAL TREE

Real trees, costing on average, between $15-150, (the prices go down the closer we get to Christmas), and standing between five-to-seven feet tall, have great appeal with typically younger people, in their twenties and thirties, and people who want to recycle their trees for environmental benefits associated with recycling. Most harvested Christmas trees today are recycled. The most popular fresh trees used as Christmas trees are the: Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Noble Fir, Scotch Pine and White Pine, according to the NCTA. Traditionalists still enjoy the fun of going directly to a grower, touching the needles and branches, and really looking over the tree they are about to buy.

SHOPPING FOR REAL TREES ONLINE SAVES TIME

Real trees have become easier to purchase on the internet, (more than 300,000 real trees were sold online and in catalogs last year), and many trees that can get delivered to your house are even fresher than ones you might find at a lot. They are sent out immediately after being cut, rather than sitting on a lot for four-to-five days, or even weeks. Be aware of shopping online, though, because you can’t touch or see the tree in person. You may also be limited to height because of shipping restrictions.

Real trees are also easier to take care of today and can pose less of a fire hazard if you have the proper tools. A popular gift item this year is the Green Square Gift Waterer, available on www.homeproductsnmore.com, as seen on the Today Show, for $29.95, including ground shipping in the U.S. Disguised as a beautifully wrapped present, this waterer has a hose that requires minimal assembly and can keep a seven-foot tree watered for several days.

Also helping the fresh tree industry is the popularity of the LED lighting, which uses less energy than incandescent lights, lowering any fire risk.

ARTIFICIAL TREES EASIER TO SET UP AND MORE ATTRACTIVE TODAY

Daniel Randolph, President of www.amazonfoliages.com sees the artificial tree industry going in a few different directions. “Many people who want to buy an artificial tree want it to look very real and authentic. However,” Randolph points out, “other people want very festive-looking trees that come in vibrant colors, like lime green, hot pink and silver.” A good quality five- to seven-foot artificial tree can range in price between $300-500. There are sales all year long, but as we move closer to Christmas prices drop dramatically.

So what are some of the key questions you should ask an artificial tree seller before buying an artificial tree that will last, on average, between six and ten years?

1.
How many needle tips does the tree have? A good quality six-foot tree should have approximately 2,500-3,000 tips. A good quality five-foot tree should have 2,300-2,500 tips.
2.
Are the tips rounded? A realistic-looking tree has rounded tips today.
3.
Are the light bulbs on the tree small or large? A good quality tree package uses about 700 smaller lights, or 300 larger lights. Larger lights are becoming more popular and give off more light. Many bulbs can even be individually screwed into the socket.
4.
What is the warranty on the tree? Most trees with LED lights today come with a ten-year warranty.
5.
Is the tree, in fact, pre-lit? 90% of all artificial trees today are pre-lit.

LEDS LIGHT THE WAY

LED, or low voltage lights, (on average 4.8 watts per string), have grown in popularity because they reduce both energy costs and fire hazards. LED lights can be brighter than incandescent, and some people still prefer the intimacy of the incandescent light but the LED bulbs last around 50,000 hours, and save almost 90% in electricity costs over the incandescent bulbs! Pre-lit with LED lights, full-branch, realistic-looking trees run approximately $300-500 at retail stores. When buying a lit tree you may want to see the tree in person to make sure you like the way the lights look.

LED lights are a relatively new technology, but because of the energy-saving benefits and unusual-shaped LED bulbs the industry has seen a growing trend in LEDs. Some of the shapes found in LED lights include: snowflakes, chili peppers, strawberries, flowers and other festive shapes. Incandescent bulbs typically come in two sizes of bulbs: large and small. Although not an energy-saving bulb, the larger bulb is ironically also gaining in popularity over the smaller bulb. The reason is because the larger bulbs give off more light and add sparkle to the tree. Large colored lights are back in style and add to the festivity of decorating. Also, you don’t need to buy as many large bulbs as small bulbs to cover the tree. One of the problems with the smaller bulb is that it can get loose or break.

When buying bulbs of any kind you want to make sure the bulbs are set close together for the maximum effect. At www.environmentallights.com you can see LED lights set 4 inches apart, in a 12-foot strand for about $15. The closer the bulbs are together, as with 2-inch bulb spacing, the more expensive the strand, costing somewhere between $30-45 per strand. LEDs can become an expensive alternative to the traditional incandescents, but the energy savings over the years usually outweighs the cost. Also, LEDs typically come with a ten-year warranty, particularly as part of a pre-lit artificial tree.

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

With so many options in trees and lighting it is easy to do some comparison shopping, but there is never any substitute to seeing the tree in real life. Checking the fullness, quality of the tree, and the way the tree glows when lit is something you can only do in person. You will know when you have touched upon a gem.

When kids head back to school, a home’s carpeting can serve as a memory of summer fun. And, tough summer stains can be really tough to remove. “Shop Cop” and home furnishings expert Jennifer Litwin offers these tips:

What kind of carpeting is the most difficult to clean?

Olefin is an oil-based product which picks up stains quickly. North Shore Carpet Cleaning in Arlington Heights, Illinois (847-724-3638) recommends avoiding this type.

If you get a stain, what should you do until the carpet cleaning service arrives?

Pick up the excess, then blot with a damp, light-colored towel. Try using a 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with a damp towel to blot and remove the detergent.

How many times per year should you clean your carpeting professionally?

Not usually more than every 12-18 months, unless you get a bad stain.

Can cleaning your carpeting “too often” ruin the carpeting?

Cleaning a carpet more than twice a year can stretch out the fabric. However, stains must be removed quickly or the dirt will go to the bottom of the carpeting and be harder to remove later.

Which are the hardest stains to remove?

Anything with dyes, like popsicles, coffee and wine.

In general, is it easier to clean wools or synthetics?

It is usually easier to clean synthetics—they don’t absorb as much moisture as wool.

On average, how long should good carpeting last for a family of, say 4?

Ten years, but proper maintenance is key to maintaining clean carpeting. Vacuum as often as possible to keep the carpeting clean and free of loose dirt.

Can I save money and get the same outcome with a steam cleaner that I rent for the day?

For just $25-50 you can rent a steam cleaner, but many of these do-it-yourself cleaners don’t have as much power as a truck mount unit used by commercial carpeting cleaners. Many emit too much water or detergent, leaving the carpeting damp for too long, absorbing more dirt later. Also, the truck mounts generally have hotter water a home steam cleaner.

As we enter the summer months and think about entertaining outside we are faced with furniture and fabrics that look dirty, rusty and faded. Spending money on outdoor furniture and fabric is not always a priority because we know that natural fading, discoloring and breakage will occur as the furniture sits outside.

“Shop Cop” and consumer reporter, Jennifer Litwin, has some tips for your outdoor furniture:

1. Chairs with sling fabric: Sling fabric, like all outdoor fabric, becomes faded, torn and dirty over time. Every few years we think about replacing the entire chair or having it reupholstered. Since chair styles don’t change that often it doesn’t pay to throw out the old chair that you love and replace it with a new chair. You can replace the sling yourself for $60-75 per chair. A new sling chair usually costs more than $150, including the fabric. You can select your own fabric from hundreds of swatches, order a sample to be sent to your home for free, give a company measurements and they can make the replacement piece for you, and send you the simple hardware for you to put the sling on, yourself, in just minutes. I would explain how to take measurements and apply the fabric, yourself. Here is an example: very standard outdoor seat.

2. Chairs with straps: We all remember the chairs we had 30 years ago, with the straps. Surprisingly, the styles haven’t changed much in lawn furniture. So instead of throwing out the old chairs and replacing them today for hundreds of dollars (usually at least $200 apiece), you can buy your own straps for $2-5 each, and put new straps back on your existing frame. I recently put straps on, gave my deck a new, brighter, colorful look in just minutes (I can demonstrate), with the right set of basic tools, and the right measurement of the strap. For under $100 I had new chairs, and put it together quickly. Very easy and attractive. Again, I would explain how to take measurements and apply the straps, yourself. Also give info on where to get the parts.

3. Taking care of your outdoor fabric: Avoid using bleach on your fabrics. Avoid dipping them into the pool-will cause fabrics to fade and dry out. Use simple products like Fantastic, 408, or even mild dish soap.

4. Taking care of iron furniture: Iron furniture often gets dirty and rusty. To clean, simply use a good car wax and buff for a few minutes.

5.
How quickly can I get replacement straps or slings for my furniture: Roughly ten days.

6.
Where is a place I can learn more about this? http://www.chaircarepatio.com/. There are other places that do this, too. I can provide those other names on the show. Ship anywhere in the US.

7. Are there newer materials that are used today to avoid rusting and fading? Yes. Coated plastic and titanium are popular and don’t rust or blow away in the wind. Treated paints and foam products can be kept out year round, and can be used on tables and chairs. Heavier aluminums function like iron but don’t rust as quickly. Iron is less popular today because these other materials are available and don’t need to be brought inside during the winter months.

8. Can I match up the fabrics that I am replacing? Usually, you can’t match the colors because the fabric colors fade over time, and color palettes change. Your best bet is to replace all the fabric on your outdoor pieces, and not just a chair or two.

With the summer months approaching, many homeowners are thinking about entertaining and dining outside. But, what can be done about dirty, rusty and faded outdoor furniture?

“Shop Cop” Jennifer Litwin, author of “Furniture Hot Spots” and “Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever!” has these tips for sprucing up your outdoor furniture:

1. DON’T BUY NEW! YOU CAN REPLACE CHAIR FABRIC YOURSELF. Since chair styles don’t change that often, it doesn’t pay to throw out the old chair that you love. You can replace the sling yourself for $60-75 per chair. A new sling chair usually costs more than $150, including the fabric. If you give provide measurements, the manufacturer can make the replacement piece for you and send you the simple hardware for you to put the sling on yourself.

2. NEW LIFE FOR OLD STRAP CHAIRS. Surprisingly, styles haven’t changed much. Instead of throwing out old strap chairs and replacing them for hundreds of dollars (usually at least $200 a piece), you can buy your own straps for $2 – 5 each, and put new straps back on your existing frame For under $100, you can have new chairs, and put it together quickly.

3. TREAT OUTDOOR FABRIC GENTLY. Avoid using bleach on your fabrics and DON’T dip them into the pool. This will cause fabrics to fade and dry out. For clean up, use simple products like Fantastic, 409, or even mild dish soap.

4. REMOVE RUST FROM IRON. Iron furniture often gets dirty and rusty. To clean, simply use a good car wax and buff with a soft cloth.

5. BEST NEW PRODUCTS TO AVOID RUSTING AND FADING. Coated plastic and titanium are popular new outdoor materials and don’t rust or blow away in the wind. Treated paints and foam products can be kept out year round, and can be used on tables and chairs. Heavier aluminums function like iron but don’t rust as quickly.

6. REPLACING FABRIC CUSHIONS. Notice I said “replacing” here. Usually, you can’t match the colors because the fabric colors fade over time, and color palettes change. Your best bet is to replace all the fabric on your outdoor pieces.

GREAT WEBSITE FOR MORE HELP: http://www.chaircarepatio.com/.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, hundreds of everyday items found in the home will be recalled just this year alone. How do you know if any of these products are in your home? What do you do if you do own a product that has been recalled? What popular products have been recalled in the past year?

These are important questions that “Shop Cop” and consumer reporter Jennifer Litwin is helping consumers answer to insure that their homes are as safe as possible. She offers these tips:

*
Before making a major household purchase, check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at http://www.cpsc.gov/ to be sure that this item has not been recalled.
* If you find that you do own a product on the recall list, contact the manufacturer immediately and have your product identification number handy when calling.
* Register for all product warranties immediately. This is also how a manufacturer can get in touch with you if the product is recalled.
* For major ticket purchases or more expensive children’s toys, look up the name of the manufacturer before buying the item.

Following are some popular products that have been recalled recently, along with suggestions:

1. Maytag and Jenn-Air brand dishwashers. 2.3 million units were recalled in February, ‘07. Hazard: Liquid rinse-aid can leak from its dispenser and come into contact with the dishwasher’s internal wiring which can short-circuit and ignite, posing a fire hazard. 135 reports of dishwasher fires, resulting in product damage. 4 injuries reported. Products were sold between 1997 and 2001 for between $370-800. Hot line for recalls: 800-675-0535. Remedy: Stop using item right away, get $75 cash back towards a new dishwasher by Maytag or Jenn-Air, or a free in-home repair. http://www.repair.maytag.com/.

2.
IKEA’s Lycksele Chair Bed and Sofa Bed. 100,000 units recalled so far. Hazard: Fingers can become caught in the folding mechanism of the chair bed/sofa bed, posing a laceration and/or amputation hazard. One person was left with an amputated finger tip. These items were sold before 2005. Remedy: Consumers who have a Lycksele chair bed or sofa bed date stamped 0526 or earlier and which is missing safety covers for the folding mechanism should call or visit their local IKEA store to receive free safety covers. These chairs were sold with safety covers after 2005. http://www.ikea-usa.com/. Hot Line: 888-966-4532.

3.
Graco Contempo Highchairs. 100,000 units being recalled. Hazard: can collapse if they are not fully opened and locked into place from the storage position. 18 reports of the chair collapsing and hurting the child. Chairs sold between December 2005 and December 2006 for between $100-130 at retailers nationwide. Remedy: Contact Graco for a free repair kit. http://www.gracobaby.com/. Hot line: 877-445-1312.

4.
Black & Decker Brand Thermal Coffeemaker. 420,000 units being recalled. Hazard: The coffeemaker may not turn off as programmed, causing the unit to overheat and melt, and posing a risk of fire and burn injury. 14 reports of the coffeemakers overheating, causing either minor burns or property damage to kitchen cabinets, countertops and floors. Sold at retailers between March 2004-April 2006 for about $40. Remedy: Consumers should top using the product immediately and contact Applica for instructions on receiving a replacement Black & Decker Brand household product. http://www.acprecall.com/. Hot Line: 800-239-7145

5.
Sony, Gateway, Dell, Lenovo, IBM Notebook Computer Batteries. Several million batteries being recalled. Product name: Rechargeable, lithium ion batteries. Hazard: The lithium ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers. Several reports of notebook computer batteries overheating, causing minor property damage and minor burns. Sold roughly from 2004 through October 2006. Batteries sold for between $75-200. Remedy: Consumers should remove the affected batteries from notebook computers until they contact their computer manufacturer and receive further instructions. Batteries will be replaced free of charge. www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml06/06271.html.

6.
Starbucks Barista Aroma 8-Cup Coffee Brewers. About 73,000 units being recalled. Hazard: The coffee brewer has defective electrical wiring that can result in overheating, smoking, burning and melting, posing a possible fire hazard. 23 reports of melting in the plastic housing of the brewers. Sold between March 2005 and September 2006 for about $100. Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled coffee brewers immediately and contact Starbucks for a full refund. Doesn’t apply to its 12-cup version. Hot line: 800-453-1047. http://www.starbucks.com/.

7.
Land of Nod Antique White Furniture from the Cottage Collection. About 2,000 units being recalled. Some of the furniture being recalled contains paint with high levels of lead. Hazard: Lead paint is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. No injuries reported yet. Sold between September 2003-August 2006 for between $50-1,100. Remedy: Consumers should contact the Land of Nod immediately to determine whether their furniture is included. If included in this recall, stop using the furniture immediatetly and contact the Land of Nod for an exchange, credit or refund, and a gift card towards future purchases. Hot line: 866-990-5263. recall@landofnod.com.

8.
Hasbro Easy-Bake Ovens. About 985,000 units being recalled. Hazard: Young children can insert their hands into the oven’s opening and get their hands or fingers caught, posing an entrapment and burn hazard. Injuries: 29 reports of children getting their hands or fingers caught in the oven’s opening, including 5 reports of burns. This recall only includes ovens sold after May 2006. Sold at retailers nationwide between May 2006 and February 2007 for about $25. Remedy: Consumers should contact Easy-Bake anytime to receive a free retrofit kit with consumer warning. Keep the oven away from children under 8. Hot line: 800-601-8418. http://www.easybake.com/.

9.
Playskool Team Talkin’ Tool Bench. 255,000 recalled units. Hazard: Oversized plastic toy nails sold with the tool bench toys became forcefully lodged in 2 toddlers’ throats, killing them. Sold in stores nationwide between October 2005 and September 2006 for about $35. Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the two toy nails away from children and contact Playskool to get info on returning the nails for a $50 certificate for a Playskool (or related companies’) product. Hot Line: 800-509-9554. http://www.hasbro.com/.

10.
Conair Curling Irons. About 322,000 recalled. Hazard: The handle of the curling iron can come apart, exposing its line cord, posing a shock or electrocution hazard. Sold in January 2006 for about $25 in retailers nationwide. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Conair to receive a free replacement. Hot Line: 800-687-6916. www.conair.com/ironrecall.html.