Latest reports from Consumer Online

Latest reports from Consumer Online

STORES ONLINE

Utah-based StoresOnline uses seminars to sell overpriced websites that have left New Zealanders feeling ripped off.

http://www.consumer.org.nz/newsitem.asp?docid=1930&category=News

AIR NEW ZEALAND LOYALTY SCHEME

Frequent flyer points are a never-ending cause of frustration. But that's about to change for Air New Zealand customers, when a new loyalty scheme is launched.

http://www.consumer.org.nz/newsitem.asp?docid=1931&category=News

DISHWASHERS

We tested another four models: two Simpsons, a Miele and a Dishlex, bringing the total number to 19.

http://www.consumer.org.nz/internallink.asp?topic=Dishwashers

WALL OVENS

Looking for a perfectly-cooked roast chicken, or an immaculate batch of scones? We put six electric wall ovens to the test, and found two to recommend.

http://www.consumer.org.nz/internallink.asp?topic=Wall%20ovens

INSURANCE DISCLOSURES

Every year, some people have their insurance policies scrapped because they didn't tell all when they first applied for cover. Could this happen to you?

http://www.consumer.org.nz/internallink.asp?topic=Insurance%20disclosures

EXTENDED WARRANTIES If you're buying a home appliance and the retailer offers you an extended warranty, don't be tempted. In most cases, they're trying to make you pay for protection you already have.

http://www.consumer.org.nz/internallink.asp?topic=Extended%20warranties

* * CONSUMER ONLINE TURNS 3 * *

It's our birthday, and you get the presents ...

30% OFF ALL BOOKS!

We're having a BIG BOOK SALE - with 30% off all our books and binders! Be in quick - Sale ends 31 August 2004. For a full list of available titles, see

http://www.consumer.org.nz/books

PLUS, BE IN TO WIN!

All current members on 31 August will automatically be in to WIN one of 3 DVD players and The Lord of the Rings DVD movie trilogy sets! For more information, see:

http://www.consumer.org.nz/newsitem.asp?docid=1930&category=News

* * CAN YOU HELP? * *

Your chance to help us research topics for upcoming reports and articles.

HEAT PUMPS If you own a heat pump, are you satisfied with its performance? Has it ever frozen up? Have you noticed a signficant decrease in your heating costs, enough to justify the price?

ELECTRICITY VS GAS Do you use gas to cook, or heat your house or hot water? Are you satisfied with the cost and convenience? Have you switched from gas to electricity recently or vice versa. If so, why?

HOME LOAN LENDERS Have you had a particularly good or bad experience with a non-bank home loan lender (not a broker)? How did you choose them, and how do you rate the service you received?

BUILDING HOUSES Have you recently built or renovated? What energy conservation features did you use? Did you choose any other features for a specific purpose, such as types of flooring, roofing or wallboard?

INTERNET SHOPPING Do you shop online? If so, which stores do you regularly visit, and what sorts of things do you buy? Have you had any issues with customer service, or tried to return any products?

ONLINE SURVEYS Have you, or has someone you know signed up to participate in paid online surveys?

To comment on any of these topics, use our online form: http://www.consumer.org.nz/about/helpus.asp?category=Can%20You%20Help

* * COMING SOON TO CONSUMER ONLINE * *

GSM mobile phones - our database will include test results and specifications for 40 models!

Plus: Household savings, pain relief, chiropractors, artificial sweeteners. Tests of printers, water blasters, photo editing software, and more ...

* * ABOUT THIS UPDATE * *

This update was brought to you by Consumer Online, New Zealand's trusted source of independent consumer advice. For more articles, test reports and best buy recommendations, go to Consumer Online. http://www.consumer.org.nz

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