By Scott Nyerges on July 31, 2010 in
Like many publications and websites, we at ConsumerSearch welcome reader feedback, be it a question, a comment or a complaint. From time to time, we like to answer reader mail on the blog; in some cases, the particular question or comment is a common one. Read on for a sampling from the ConsumerSearch inbox. In some instances, letters have been edited for length.
Dear ConsumerSearch: Just a note that BitDefender may be a good anti-virus program, but their business practices are questionable. If you give a credit card number in purchasing their software, just try to cancel your "subscription." They say you can cancel, but just try it! Yuk! — Larry
Dear Larry: There's nothing more frustrating than a website that's hard to navigate, especially when all you want to do is reach a live human being in customer service. I took a look at the BitDefender website and found some information on canceling your subscription. I also found — after a lot of digging — a link to their customer-service support number. You'll need your product registration ID number in order to access it.
Dear ConsumerSearch: I don't know if you take reviews from outside the likes of Consumer Reports, etc., but I recently bought the Tanita HS-302 bathroom scale based on the recommendation on your site, and it is everything you said it is. It's accurate and precise.
However, there doesn't seem to be any sort of a rechargeable battery, or at least if there is, it doesn't hold a charge for very long, meaning that it has to be in bright, direct light when you weigh every time. Considering bathrooms aren't always the brightest rooms in the house (mine certainly isn't), this a significant drawback to this scale's otherwise outstanding design. — David
Dear David: As we note in our report on bathroom scales, the Tanita Solar Digital Scale HS-302 does not require batteries or electric power, but is instead powered by a solar cell that works with either sunlight or interior lighting.
We do indeed consult Consumer Reports, among other sources, for our report on bathroom scales. Interestingly, none of them mention the issue that you've encountered, which may be because few of the sources we cite conducted the
kinds of hands-on tests that we prefer.
I would suggest trying to position the scale in a different part of your bathroom (if there's room) where the scale might get more light from your fixtures.
Dear ConsumerSearch: This is a warning to all consumers buying IRenew bracelets. This Milford, Ct.-based company preys on the elderly who hope the bracelet will bring stability and help with balance, which in itself is dangerous. They are cheap plastic items but the infomercial was soooo promising. Cost for 4: $39:98, cost for shipping: $31.80, so total with tax: $78.06. To return it was difficult and costs $31.80 to ship back. Warn your readers! — Marcia
Dear Marcia: The IRenew bracelet is just one of many such products that have become popular in recent years as professional athletes and celebrities endorse them (Phiten is another brand). ConsumerSearch looked into these bracelets recently, and unfortunately there is an utter lack of reliable review sources that conduct independent testing of such products to see if they really work. However, we have found more than a few complaints from other consumers such as yourself, saying that these bracelets are worthless.
In general, if you want to lodge a consumer complaint of any kind, I would suggest contacting the Better Business Bureau. You can contact them at www.bbb.org. If you have been unable to resolve your purchase issue, you can also contact your state attorney general's office.
Dear ConsumerSearch: I use my futon in a small room for something to sit on. I also leave it closed and also sleep on it at night. What Consumer Search articles would you suggest for me? I want a better mattress for sleeping. I also want it to be a comfortable for sitting on. Again, my futon is simply a chair for sitting. I also sleep on it UNOPENED;
UNEXTENDED. — Dan
Dear Dan: Gosh, that doesn't sound very comfortable! ConsumerSearch does not review futons. We do, however, have an excellent buyer's guide on mattresses, which discusses the different kinds of mattresses that are available. We also publish a full report on air mattresses, as well as a full report on sheets.
If you're set on buying a new futon, our sister site About.com has some good info on shopping for a new futon. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Do you have a question or comment about something you read at ConsumerSearch? Drop us a line! We also have a FAQ section with answers to many common reader queries. And thanks for reader and writing!