Save 52% on a Flip MinoHD Video Camera NOW

Posted on November 22, 2010 by

Save 52% on a 2nd Generation Flip Video Camera today onlyI just came across this great deal from Amazon.I was planning on getting a FLIP Video Camera for the Christmas holidays this year and can’t believe the deal they are offering. Here’s the rub: This is a special deal that only runs until 7:00 p.m. EDT TODAY – November 22nd.

If you aren’t familiar with the Flip Video Camera, here’s a few details I snagged from Amazon.
With the all-new Flip MinoHD, it’s now even easier to capture incredible HD video and share it with the world. MinoHD features 120 minutes of record time, so you’ll never have to miss another minute. A super-slim, pocket-sized design means you can take your MinoHD with you everywhere you go. And a large, 2-inch anti-glare display lets you enjoy your videos directly on your camcorder. Plus, MinoHD comes pre-loaded with FlipShare software, which makes it easy to organize, create and share your videos.

Sleek, Pocket-Sized DesignSleek, Pocket-Sized Design
Super-sleek MinoHD features an all-new design, complete with a unique, brushed-metal front and soft, rounded edges. Plus, MinoHD is slim and small enough to fit into any pocket or purse, meaning you can take it with you wherever you go. Whether you’re enjoying an adventurous vacation, hitting the town with friends, or just taking it easy at home, your MinoHD will let you capture all the action.

Incredible HD Video
MinoHD may be small, but it produces incredible HD video, even in low-light situations. Capture up to 120 minutes of video that will look crisp and vibrant on your HDTV. Plus, premier AAC audio means your videos will sound clearer than ever, too. And included HDMI output makes it simple to enjoy your videos on your HDTV.

Easy to Use
Like all Flip camcorders, the new MinoHD is incredibly easy to use. Power on, press record, and start capturing high-quality HD video within seconds. It’s really that simple. When you’re ready to share your video, flip out the signature USB arm and connect to your PC or Mac to launch pre-loaded FlipShare software.

Pre-Loaded FlipShare Software

MinoHD comes pre-loaded withFlipShare software, which makes it easy to organize, create and share your videos:

* Organize your videos. Drag and drop your videos into folders you’ve created, or use the automatic date-stamped folders.
* Create custom movies. Make movies featuring your favorite video clips, and add your own music to provide a more personal touch.
* Capture still-image snapshots. Use enhanced freeze-frame capabilities to grab a snapshot from any of the thirty frames that comprise each second of your video.
* Share privately. Send videos to your friends and family using attachment-free emails. Or create private Flip Channels to share your videos with specific groups of friends and family.
* Share with the world. Publish your videos directly to Facebook, YouTube and other sites, all with the click of a button.

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Holiday Shopping Using Layaway Plans

Posted on November 20, 2010 by

One way to do your holiday shopping even if you don’t have the cash on hand without needing to pay with your credit cards is to see if the merchant offers a layaway plan. Layaway plans are designed for people who want to buy products and services without using credit or paying the full price immediately.

When you buy an item on credit, you take the merchandise home with you. When you use layaway, you typically put down a deposit — usually a percentage of the purchase price — and pay over time; the retailer holds the merchandise for you in reserve. You take the merchandise only when you have paid for the item in full. During the holiday shopping period, most merchants require that the item be paid in full a few days before Christmas so that if something happens and you decide not to complete the sale, they have time to sell it to someone else.

It’s important to ask the merchant questions about how particular layaway plans work. Doing a little research on the front end can help you avoid problems later.

Online Layaway

Layaway purchase plans are not limited to brick-and-mortar retail outlets; some online merchants use them, as well. Some layaway sites operate like a combination shopping search engine and online shopping mart: The companies have hundreds of merchants and online retailers selling name brand items. First, you select a product. Then, you pay: some sites require electronic debiting from your checking account; others require that you pay by check or money order through postal mail. Still others allow you to pay with credit or debit cards, or use online payment services. Once you’ve paid the balance, the online layaway service pays the merchant, and the merchant sends you the product.

Some sites even offer layaway plans for non-retail items like travel, tickets to sporting events — even surgery. For example, if you’re planning a vacation to the Bahamas in six months, or scheduling a certain medical procedure like plastic surgery in nine months, there are websites to handle your payment plan.

Layaway Tips

Get the merchant’s layaway policy in writing. Look for details on:

  • The terms of the layaway plan: how much time you have to pay for the merchandise or service; when your payments are due; the minimum payment required; and possible charges for using the plan, like a service fee. Find out if there is a fee or a penalty for missed or late payments: Will your contract be cancelled? Will the merchandise be returned to inventory?
  • The refund policy: If you decide you don’t want the merchandise after you’ve made some or all the payments, can you get a refund? Retailers’ policies may differ: some give you all your money back; others may charge a non-refundable service fee; still others may offer a merchant credit for the amount you paid.

Check out the business. Contact your state Attorney General’s Office,  local consumer protection agency, and your local Better Business Bureau. They can tell you if consumers have filed complaints against the retailer or online service.

Keep good records of the payments you make on layaway merchandise. They may come in handy if you have a problem with the seller.

What Laws Protect You?

Layaway plans are not specifically governed by federal law, but unfair or deceptive sales practices are illegal under the FTC Act. Check with your state attorney general, local consumer protection agency, and your local Better Business Bureau to find out if state or local laws cover layaway purchases.

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Holiday Shopping on a Budget

Posted on November 18, 2010 by

The holiday shopping season is upon us and here’s a few tips on how you can shop smart and stay within your budget.

Make a list and set a budget. List the people you plan to buy gifts for, the type of gifts you plan to buy, and how much you plan to spend. Include the cost of cash gifts, holiday travel, extra food, wrappings, decorations, greeting cards, and postage. If it relates to the holiday season and it costs money, add it to your budget.

Shop around. Check out both local stores and online. A “sale” price isn’t always the “best” price. Some merchants may offer a sale price on the item you want for a limited time; other merchants may offer items at a discount everyday.  If shopping online, don’t forget to include the shipping costs.

Look for price-matching policies. Some merchants will match, or even beat, a competitor’s prices.

Go online. Check out websites that compare prices. Again, if you decide to buy from an online merchant, keep shipping costs and delivery time in mind.

Watch out for bargains: Carefully consider bargain offers that are based on purchases of additional merchandise. For example, “Buy One, Get One Free” or “Free Gift with Purchase.” If you don’t really want or need the item, it’s not a deal.

Coupons aren’t just for groceries. Coupons are useful when they save you money on what you’re already planning to buy. Check coupons for any restrictions. For example, do expiration dates apply, or do you have to spend a certain amount before you can use the coupon? Some retailers will accept  coupons from their competitors. Check with the retailer before you leave home to learn their policy. Search online for “coupons” and you’ll find several websites that allow you to print coupons for everything from food to childrens toys, to family portraits.

Ask about price guarantees. If you buy an item at regular price and it goes on sale the next week, can you get a credit or refund for the discounted amount?

Layaway makes a comeback. As more people used credit cards to buy, layaway went out of fashion.  Now with credit getting tighter, and people just putting away their cards, layaway purchase plans are back in fashion.  When you use layaway, you typically make a deposit – usually a percentage of the purchase price – and pay over time until you have paid for the item in full. In exchange, the retailer holds the merchandise for you. To avoid problems, get the store’s layaway policy in writing.

Keep an eye on your wallet. Don’t flash cash. Keep an eye on your credit or debit card during transactions, and get them back as quickly as possible. If your cards are lost or stolen, report the loss or theft immediately to the card issuers.

Use credit and debit cards with care. Save your receipts. You need them for returns and exchanges. Check credit and debit card sales and return receipts against your monthly bills and statements, and report any problems to the credit card issuer promptly.

Ask about refund and return policies. Many merchants may have different refund and return policies for sale items. For example, clearance merchandise may be on final sale, meaning no refunds or exchanges.

Keep good records. Whether you’re ordering by mail, phone, or online, it’s important to keep detailed information about the transaction, including your order number, shipping costs and dates, warranties, and refund and return policies.

Ship early. If you’re sending gifts to out-of-towners, factor in extra time for shipping. If you wait until the last minute, you may pay a hefty price for express or overnight shipping.

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