joeflaherty asked:
Trying to comparison shop for vacations but not sure how travel agencies work
Kathleen
Trying to comparison shop for vacations but not sure how travel agencies work
Kathleen
May 25, 2009
May 19, 2009
The King of UK Comparison Shopping
Paul S Harris asked:
If there is one industry that has had more articles written about it on forums and discussion boards and does not require another word said about it, it is the Price Comparison Shopping industry. Millions of words have been spent analysing, dissecting and often desecrating all of the major players in the field and, boy, are there plenty of players. In the US there seems to be some autonomy emerging with the Shopping.com and ShopZilla behemoths still number one for sheer merchant count, visitor reach and backing. With squillions of lesser sites popping up everyday vying for a slice of this lucrative “dollar-cake” (some even powered by the main players), trying to breathe new life into the price comparison concept has proven a struggle. In the UK a similar pattern is emerging, in respect to the millions of comparison sites emerging only. The big difference though, in my opinion, is that the ‘King of comparison shopping’ in the UK has yet to be crowned.
What would one look for in a good ‘price comparison’ King, if we were to crown one today?
Honesty – In other another words ‘transparency’. In this day and age of Urchin/Google Analytics even bedroom-ran businesses can see where their traffic is coming from and how many of their clicks are genuine and fair. Many merchants I know do still feel aggrieved with a lot of the comparison sites for still having outdated validation logic to calculate genuine clicks. PriceGrabber are probably the most honest out of them all and have a list as long as your arm (they invalidate clicks made by their own staff… gee, thanks) but I am sure they can do better. They invalidate duplicate clicks made within 30 seconds of each other on the same product, but I feel that is quite tight. Surely if someone finds your product on PG in the morning and then retraces their steps through PG in the evening, they should not have to pay for the same lead. Also if a browser with an IP based in Nigeria (no offense to my Nigerian brothers in need of a new top-of-the-range laptop) clicks on your store, you should not have to pay for the lead? The only company who delivers honesty in this area is CheckCost whose foreign policy is very xenophobic and excludes all clicks from IP’s based outside of the United Kingdom. They also give stores 24 hours breathing space between clicks made by the same browser on the same product.
Fair Rule – There is no doubt that when it comes to money and riches, most contenders for the crown are not bereft of short-change. Take Shopping.com, for example. Bought by eBay for a
If there is one industry that has had more articles written about it on forums and discussion boards and does not require another word said about it, it is the Price Comparison Shopping industry. Millions of words have been spent analysing, dissecting and often desecrating all of the major players in the field and, boy, are there plenty of players. In the US there seems to be some autonomy emerging with the Shopping.com and ShopZilla behemoths still number one for sheer merchant count, visitor reach and backing. With squillions of lesser sites popping up everyday vying for a slice of this lucrative “dollar-cake” (some even powered by the main players), trying to breathe new life into the price comparison concept has proven a struggle. In the UK a similar pattern is emerging, in respect to the millions of comparison sites emerging only. The big difference though, in my opinion, is that the ‘King of comparison shopping’ in the UK has yet to be crowned.
What would one look for in a good ‘price comparison’ King, if we were to crown one today?
Honesty – In other another words ‘transparency’. In this day and age of Urchin/Google Analytics even bedroom-ran businesses can see where their traffic is coming from and how many of their clicks are genuine and fair. Many merchants I know do still feel aggrieved with a lot of the comparison sites for still having outdated validation logic to calculate genuine clicks. PriceGrabber are probably the most honest out of them all and have a list as long as your arm (they invalidate clicks made by their own staff… gee, thanks) but I am sure they can do better. They invalidate duplicate clicks made within 30 seconds of each other on the same product, but I feel that is quite tight. Surely if someone finds your product on PG in the morning and then retraces their steps through PG in the evening, they should not have to pay for the same lead. Also if a browser with an IP based in Nigeria (no offense to my Nigerian brothers in need of a new top-of-the-range laptop) clicks on your store, you should not have to pay for the lead? The only company who delivers honesty in this area is CheckCost whose foreign policy is very xenophobic and excludes all clicks from IP’s based outside of the United Kingdom. They also give stores 24 hours breathing space between clicks made by the same browser on the same product.
Fair Rule – There is no doubt that when it comes to money and riches, most contenders for the crown are not bereft of short-change. Take Shopping.com, for example. Bought by eBay for a
May 18, 2009
Comparison Shopping For Convertible Tops – Vinyl Vs Canvas
Eli Kahn asked:
When it has come time for a replacement convertible car top, a first thought will be what fabric to go with. Car lovers can argue for days whether a canvas or vinyl convertible top is the better choice for a vehicle; however, it seems that the decision between the two will actually be based less on the durability or longevity of the two top fabrics and more on personal taste. At the end of the day, a convertible will look great with either material you choose to replace it with, and you will still be able to enjoy the best part of the car: riding with the top down.
To put things in perspective, here are some factors to consider when choosing between a canvas or vinyl convertible top:
1. Look – The canvas convertible top will arguably win in the looks category because it more resembles the classic convertible look. Obviously this depends on the brand used, but the canvas convertible top still maintains that classy look that a lot of car owners are trying to achieve. The vinyl top looks great too, but can’t offer that soft-top appearance of the canvas.
2. Sound – For some car owners, a quiet ride is of utmost importance. This factor may go to canvas as well, because the wind won’t bounce noisily off of it as it may with the vinyl top. However, since many riders will generally ride with the top down as often as possible, this may not be an issue.
3. Cleaning – This can be a main factor when choosing what material is best for your car. The vinyl top is well known as easy to clean. Substances like tree sap or bird droppings, that will generally adhere deep into the canvas fabric, can easily be cleaned off the vinyl surface. Yet with proper maintenance, both tops can be kept looking at their best for many years.
4. Price – The price difference between the two can be upwards of $100, with the canvas having the higher price tag. This can be a main issue for some, but you may find yourself willing to pay the extra money if you feel the canvas is the right look for your car.
5. Environment – The environment the car will be exposed to may end up being a deciding factor as well. If the car will be kept in a garage when not in use, then you will be able to keep a canvas top looking its best for a long time. This isn’t an issue with the vinyl top, which can resist more of the wear and tear the outdoors throws at it. Obviously, the optimum situation for any convertible owner would be to live in a Southern Californian climate, which allows for top down riding all year round, and won’t cause as much wear when the top is up.
Clearly, regardless of which fabric is chosen for your replacement convertible top, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your car for years to come.
Rafael
When it has come time for a replacement convertible car top, a first thought will be what fabric to go with. Car lovers can argue for days whether a canvas or vinyl convertible top is the better choice for a vehicle; however, it seems that the decision between the two will actually be based less on the durability or longevity of the two top fabrics and more on personal taste. At the end of the day, a convertible will look great with either material you choose to replace it with, and you will still be able to enjoy the best part of the car: riding with the top down.
To put things in perspective, here are some factors to consider when choosing between a canvas or vinyl convertible top:
1. Look – The canvas convertible top will arguably win in the looks category because it more resembles the classic convertible look. Obviously this depends on the brand used, but the canvas convertible top still maintains that classy look that a lot of car owners are trying to achieve. The vinyl top looks great too, but can’t offer that soft-top appearance of the canvas.
2. Sound – For some car owners, a quiet ride is of utmost importance. This factor may go to canvas as well, because the wind won’t bounce noisily off of it as it may with the vinyl top. However, since many riders will generally ride with the top down as often as possible, this may not be an issue.
3. Cleaning – This can be a main factor when choosing what material is best for your car. The vinyl top is well known as easy to clean. Substances like tree sap or bird droppings, that will generally adhere deep into the canvas fabric, can easily be cleaned off the vinyl surface. Yet with proper maintenance, both tops can be kept looking at their best for many years.
4. Price – The price difference between the two can be upwards of $100, with the canvas having the higher price tag. This can be a main issue for some, but you may find yourself willing to pay the extra money if you feel the canvas is the right look for your car.
5. Environment – The environment the car will be exposed to may end up being a deciding factor as well. If the car will be kept in a garage when not in use, then you will be able to keep a canvas top looking its best for a long time. This isn’t an issue with the vinyl top, which can resist more of the wear and tear the outdoors throws at it. Obviously, the optimum situation for any convertible owner would be to live in a Southern Californian climate, which allows for top down riding all year round, and won’t cause as much wear when the top is up.
Clearly, regardless of which fabric is chosen for your replacement convertible top, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your car for years to come.
Rafael
May 17, 2009
Compare Homeowner Insurance Rates Online
Andrew Bicknell asked:
When it comes to saving money one of the best things to do is comparison shopping. By looking around and resisting that first choice impulse buy you can find savings on just about anything. This is true when you compare homeowner insurance rates online as well. The competition for insurance dollars is fierce so it can pay to shop around.
Most all of the major insurance companies have a major presence on the internet which gives their prospective customers the ability to get quotes without ever leaving their house. Not only is this convenient but it also makes it possible to get multiple quotes in a very short amount of time.
When you get ready to start filling out the online quote forms it helps to have the information you need on hand next to your computer. Most of the information can be found in your existing homeowners policy, so pull that out of your files and give it a look through. This is also a good chance to make sure that your current policy provides adequate coverage for your needs. If it does not you can make those adjustments while filling out the online forms to ensure that the quotes you get provide the coverage you need.
The online quote forms are pretty straight forward and will ask for information about the following things.
1. The size of your home in square feet, the type of construction materials used, and the year it was built.
2. The amount of coverage you need; this is usually based on the amount it would cost to rebuild your home in the event it is destroyed. If you have a mortgage there is probably a minimum amount required as well.
3. This can be a good time to do a home inventory because personal property is also insured so it can pay to get an accurate estimate.
4. The amount of the deductible you are willing to pay. The minimum required is usually $500. If you raise it to $1000 you can save up to 25% off your monthly premium.
5. Proximity of your house to the nearest fire station and in some cases the nearest fire hydrant.
6. Security systems and fire/smoke alarms.
Once you have filled out the form with all the necessary information click the submit button and there’s a good chance you’ll have your quote within a few minutes. It is recommended that you get at the very least 4 quotes if you want to properly compare homeowner insurance rates online.
Ronnie
When it comes to saving money one of the best things to do is comparison shopping. By looking around and resisting that first choice impulse buy you can find savings on just about anything. This is true when you compare homeowner insurance rates online as well. The competition for insurance dollars is fierce so it can pay to shop around.
Most all of the major insurance companies have a major presence on the internet which gives their prospective customers the ability to get quotes without ever leaving their house. Not only is this convenient but it also makes it possible to get multiple quotes in a very short amount of time.
When you get ready to start filling out the online quote forms it helps to have the information you need on hand next to your computer. Most of the information can be found in your existing homeowners policy, so pull that out of your files and give it a look through. This is also a good chance to make sure that your current policy provides adequate coverage for your needs. If it does not you can make those adjustments while filling out the online forms to ensure that the quotes you get provide the coverage you need.
The online quote forms are pretty straight forward and will ask for information about the following things.
1. The size of your home in square feet, the type of construction materials used, and the year it was built.
2. The amount of coverage you need; this is usually based on the amount it would cost to rebuild your home in the event it is destroyed. If you have a mortgage there is probably a minimum amount required as well.
3. This can be a good time to do a home inventory because personal property is also insured so it can pay to get an accurate estimate.
4. The amount of the deductible you are willing to pay. The minimum required is usually $500. If you raise it to $1000 you can save up to 25% off your monthly premium.
5. Proximity of your house to the nearest fire station and in some cases the nearest fire hydrant.
6. Security systems and fire/smoke alarms.
Once you have filled out the form with all the necessary information click the submit button and there’s a good chance you’ll have your quote within a few minutes. It is recommended that you get at the very least 4 quotes if you want to properly compare homeowner insurance rates online.
Ronnie
May 13, 2009
Satellite Internet – Your Gateway to Working From Home
Harvey Markus asked:
If you work from home or run a business out of your home office, you may be doing your work a disservice by using dial-up. It slows you down, drops your service frequently, and leaves you feeling frustrated. Nowadays, your work depends on the web, and you shouldn’t be settling for inferior service. Switching to satellite Internet could change the way you do business. It’s time you started working from home with an Internet service that can actually handle your workload.
Satellite broadband operates at speeds much faster than dial-up. In fact, you can surf the web at speeds up to 30 times faster than dial-up. This enables you to download thousands of web pages and documents each month. It also allows you to better enjoy hundreds of photos, movies, and music downloads. Whether you’re using the web for work or fun, you’re covered with quick speeds, making the most of your online time. What used to take your dial-up minutes to download can be accessible in seconds with satellite Internet broadband. Finally, your Internet will wait on you for a change.
Most important to your work is being able to stay connected through various outlets, whether it’s online, through the phone, or by fax. Satellite Internet uses satellite technology to transmit signals from your home to your provider’s center. Through these signal transmissions, you’re connected to the web. This means your phone lines are free and you no longer have to worry about missing important calls to the detriment of your work. When you work from home or own your own business, you can’t afford to be choosing between being online and being on the phone. You need to be able to do both and with satellite Internet broadband, you can.
You may be under the impression that a fast, reliable connection through satellite Internet may not be possible for you because of your rural location. However, satellite is available to residents all across the continental United States. All you need is a clear view of the southern sky and electricity, and you’re ready to go! Satellite Internet broadband picks up where cable and DSL providers left off and caters to customers regardless of how far out they live. Now, your rural location doesn’t have to impede you from utilizing an Internet service that can take your work or business to a whole new level. What’s more, this service comes at an affordable monthly cost.
Don’t let your work or independently owned business suffer under the inconveniences of dial-up service. Instead, rely on the superior capabilities of satellite Internet broadband. It’s quick, frees up your phone lines, and is available even in the most rural areas of America. Furthermore, it’s an affordable solution to one of your business’ biggest barriers. Essentially, it’s perfect for any ambitious entrepreneur working from home or running a business from his or her home office. Make the smart business move to a reasonably priced service that will propel your work or independently owned business.
Glen
If you work from home or run a business out of your home office, you may be doing your work a disservice by using dial-up. It slows you down, drops your service frequently, and leaves you feeling frustrated. Nowadays, your work depends on the web, and you shouldn’t be settling for inferior service. Switching to satellite Internet could change the way you do business. It’s time you started working from home with an Internet service that can actually handle your workload.
Satellite broadband operates at speeds much faster than dial-up. In fact, you can surf the web at speeds up to 30 times faster than dial-up. This enables you to download thousands of web pages and documents each month. It also allows you to better enjoy hundreds of photos, movies, and music downloads. Whether you’re using the web for work or fun, you’re covered with quick speeds, making the most of your online time. What used to take your dial-up minutes to download can be accessible in seconds with satellite Internet broadband. Finally, your Internet will wait on you for a change.
Most important to your work is being able to stay connected through various outlets, whether it’s online, through the phone, or by fax. Satellite Internet uses satellite technology to transmit signals from your home to your provider’s center. Through these signal transmissions, you’re connected to the web. This means your phone lines are free and you no longer have to worry about missing important calls to the detriment of your work. When you work from home or own your own business, you can’t afford to be choosing between being online and being on the phone. You need to be able to do both and with satellite Internet broadband, you can.
You may be under the impression that a fast, reliable connection through satellite Internet may not be possible for you because of your rural location. However, satellite is available to residents all across the continental United States. All you need is a clear view of the southern sky and electricity, and you’re ready to go! Satellite Internet broadband picks up where cable and DSL providers left off and caters to customers regardless of how far out they live. Now, your rural location doesn’t have to impede you from utilizing an Internet service that can take your work or business to a whole new level. What’s more, this service comes at an affordable monthly cost.
Don’t let your work or independently owned business suffer under the inconveniences of dial-up service. Instead, rely on the superior capabilities of satellite Internet broadband. It’s quick, frees up your phone lines, and is available even in the most rural areas of America. Furthermore, it’s an affordable solution to one of your business’ biggest barriers. Essentially, it’s perfect for any ambitious entrepreneur working from home or running a business from his or her home office. Make the smart business move to a reasonably priced service that will propel your work or independently owned business.
Glen
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