HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: wex@cs.ulowell.edu (Paul M. Wexelblat)
Subject: Re: Standard Furniture Mark-Ups?  (Lighting Fixtures)
Originator: wex@cs.ulowell.edu
Reply-To: wex@cs.ulowell.edu
Organization: Univ. of Lowell CS Dept.
Distribution: usa
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1992 19:56:33 GMT


In article <1992Jul27.161443.14325@clpd.kodak.com>, price@linus.serum.kodak.com (Kevin Price (x37128)) writes:
|> From: price@linus.serum.kodak.com (Kevin Price (x37128))
|> Subject: Standard Furniture Mark-Ups?  (Couches)
|> Date: 27 Jul 92 16:14:43 GMT
|> 
|> 
|> Ok, I know that the "market value price" touted by the furniture dealers is
|> fiction - I have never seen a single item whose advertised selling price was 
|> within 30% of the so-called market value price.  And store-wide 50% off sales 
|> are pretty common.  So, a question for you experienced negotiators (or 
|> ex-furniture salespeople):  Just how steep is the typical mark-up on these 
|> items? How big a commission is involved on a sale?  

Being an experienced newsgroup poster, I know how to extend a thread
without addressing the initial poster's question...

The markup difference between list and net on lighting fixtures
(common brands, Progress e.g.) is 50%, that is about 20% over
wholesale.

{I.e. the guy paid about 30% of what he's trying to get from you if you
pay "list".}

Sorry I can't help about couches, but it seems like a helpful thread 
to cover as many products as possible.

-- 
Honk if you Teacup Chain...

	...Wex
From: davek@informix.com (David Kosenko)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Compressors & Air Tools
Date: 24 Jul 92 16:12:17 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Informix Software, Inc.

In article <6275@tekig7.PEN.TEK.COM> 
	dhuard@tekig6.PEN.TEK.COM (Douglas R Huard) writes:
>Back to my point:  Even though Sears is generally NOT one of my favorite
>places to shop, they do sell pretty good tools, both hand tools and power
>tools - I own probably thousands of dollars worth of Craftsman stuff that I
>seem to beat the hell out of every weekend, and never have had a single 
>problem.
>I'm not claiming that they are better then Snap-On, etc., but I'm happy with
>my Craftsman stuff...

The general rule I have heard for Craftsman tools is:

	If it has no moving parts, buy it.

The guarantee on their hand tools is pretty good (or at least used to
be - I haven't shopped at Sears in some time): lifetime.  If it breaks,
they will replace it.

Dave
--
Disclaimer: These opinions are not those of Informix Software, Inc.
**************************************************************************
The heart and the mind on a parallel course, never the two shall meet.
						-E. Saliers
From: baer1@nsc.nsc.com (Jeffrey Baer)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: Can foreigners call US 800 toll-free?
Date: 22 Jul 92 16:16:43 GMT
Organization: National Semiconductor, Santa Clara

In article <1992Jul17.193903.20564@hp9000.csc.cuhk.hk> b124767@hp9000.csc.cuhk.hk (Albert Lam) writes:
>Subject says it. Apologies of this is a silly question but actuall
>I do not know. 
>
>albert

You can, sometimes. For an AT&T 800 number, you can call the USA Direct
number for your country (008-1111 for Hong Kong) and ask the nice person
who answers to connect you with the 800 operator. That person will ask
you the 800 number and connect you. It is no longer a toll free call,
which is one problem. It is impossible to tell an AT&T 800 number from
another provider's 800 number, which is another problem. If it's not
AT&T's number, they won't connect you. I suppose if you could figure
out the provider in that case, you could use the same system with 
Sprint's or MCI's international operators.

jeff

-- 
"Nothing rings as true as silence."
Jeff Baer
National Semiconductor Corp.
baer1@nsc.nsc.com
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: martens@python.cis.ohio-state.edu (Jeff Martens)
Subject: Dehumidifier Recommendations 
Summary: In lieu of an ark.
Organization: Ohio State U. Dept. of Computer Science
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 09:30:52 GMT


What's a good dehumidifier to buy?

Which should be avoided?

-- 
	"Bad nation!  Bad nation!  Shame on you for contaminating my
	Lake!" -- Mary Jacobs regarding L. Michigan.

-- Jeff (martens@cis.ohio-state.edu)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: roder@cco.caltech.edu (Brenda J. Roder)
Subject: Re: Married/Single/Taxes
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1992 22:52:10 GMT

hudek@polaris.llnl.gov (David Hudek) writes:

><||>
>In a misc.consumers article I did not save, someone mentioned the disadvantage
>of being married with regard to taxes. Someone else disputed that claim. I think
>that the first poster has a good argument. (The articles started out discussing

[Deleted explanation of marginal tax rates for married not changing at
twice the income levels of singles]

>I would be VERY happy if someone would disprove the contention that married
>couples are worse off tax-wise than singles, but that's how I read it.

One thing to remember in your thinking about married couples is that the hit
is worst if both partners make approximately equal amounts of money.  For
marriages where one partner is making a significant fraction of the money,
there can be a win since even though the marginal rates do not change at
half the singles, they are lower.  I don't know the numbers to be able to
tell where the break even point is.  Also, presumably the tax laws are old
enough that the supposed norm was a one income family not two.

-- 
-- Brenda (roder@cobalt.caltech.edu)
Thought before action, if there's time.
    _The Edge_  Dick Francis
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: kherron@ms.uky.edu (Kenneth Herron)
Subject: Re: Midas brake warranties
Distribution: usa
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1992 15:18:30 GMT
Organization: University Of Kentucky, Dept. of Math Sciences

kevin.jessup@mixcom.mixcom.com (kevin.jessup) writes:

>Midas supposedly has a "lifetime" brake shoe warranty.  It does not seem
>very realistic.  Can anybody tell me what the limitations are?

>It seems to me that if the rotors or calipers go bad, they would void any
>brake shoe warranty.  So, if Midas replaces the rotors AND the calipers,
>how long are the rotors and calipers "guaranteed" to last?  Not for a
>"lifetime" I'll bet!  Therefore, the "Midas lifetime brake warranty" is a
>flat-out lie!  Or am I wrong here?

Midas's warranty is on the brake shoes and *nothing*else*.  It is
lifetime in that you will get free brake shoes for the rest of the
car's life, but you still have to pay for labor to install them, and 
for any additional parts.  The brake shoes are of course a fairly
small part of the bill for a brake job.

If you elect not to pay any of these additional charges, Midas will
give you a set of non-warrantied brake shoes, which terminates the
lifetime warranty.

Their muffler guarantee works the same way.

Each Midas is individually owned so the service you get depends on the
owner, but their lifetime guarantees are little more than a gimmick to 
build repeat business.
-- 
Kenneth Herron                                           kherron@ms.uky.edu
University of Kentucky                                      +1 606 257 2975
Department of Mathematics           "Thanks to the magic of the slow-motion 
camera, we can now show you how ugly the inside of someone's mouth can be."
From: neilw@informix.com (Neil Williams)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: MSG
Date: 22 Jul 92 23:12:42 GMT
Organization: Informix Software, Inc.

In article <1992Jul22.144117.20399@walter.bellcore.com> jchen@ctt.bellcore.com writes:
>In article <1992Jul22.031156.29799@pony.Ingres.COM>, rion@Ingres.COM (Rion Cassidy (x3357) OGT) writes:
>|> I imagine that most people who frequent this newsgroup have seen or at least
>|> heard about the 60 Minutes story on Monosodium Glutamate.  
>
>There are a lot of misconceptions about MSG. 
>
>The problem with MSG is that some people are allergic to it, just like
>other natural substance that people are alergic to. If you have not experienced
>with MSG related reactions, you do not have to worry about it.
>
>There is  no clinical evidence to link MSG to any health problem to a
>normal person. Even for those who are allergic to it, the symptoms are
>typically short and mild. Very few had strong reactions, none has died
>of it.

I believe the Chinese have been using MSG for a looong time.  
My parents always used to use it, but my mother stopped after
hearing all the scare stories.  In fact, we used to call it
by the Chinese name before hearing the PC version - MSG.

I recall some confusion, followed by happiness, at realizing 
that the stuff on store shelves sold as "Accent" or "MSG" was
the same stuff we'd been using long before moving to the US.

--Neil
-- 
Neil Williams: neilw@informix.com

Seen on my last trip on United: "If you are seated in an exit row 
and can not (sic) read this card... please notify a crew member."
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: nathan@laplace.biology.yale.edu (Nathan F. Janette)
Subject: Re: ATTN: Citibank Cardholders
Reply-To: nathan@laplace.biology.yale.edu
Organization: Yale University, Department of Computer Science, New Haven, CT
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1992 16:48:10 GMT

In article <4512@bacon.IMSI.COM> jordan@IMSI.COM (Jordan Hayes) writes:
> Nathan Janette <nathan@laplace.biology.yale.edu> writes:
> 
> 	If that isn't enough to make you drop them, how about the
> 	notice they sent out a month ago about the rates becoming
> 	variable instead of fixed.  Sounds good at first, until you
> 	catch the line that states they can transfer the entire balance
> 	to their highest rate (19.8%) if they decide you've been a bad
> 	person.
> 
> Uh, maybe I missed something.

Yes, see below.

> Your interest rate is x%.  They say "for being a good customer (any
> customer is "good" these days :-) we'll drop your rate to (x-y)%, but
> if you change into a bad customer, it will go back to x%" ... this is
> bad?
> 
> I suppose they could have left it at 19.8% and you'd be happy?

It started at 16.8% fixed (gold card).  They want to change the
terms of credit *after* the purchases have been made. 

They are offering the chance to gamble in a game of chance
with the interest rates - but they can declare you the
loser at any time!  

Bye, bye, Citi-stank.

--
Nathan Janette		"I'm a NeXTstep man,
Dept MB&B, Yale Univ	 I'm a NeXTcube guy"
New Haven, CT
nathan@laplace.biology.yale.edu (NeXT)

Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: ceng@mdd.comm.mot.com (Curtis Eng)
Subject: How do I know if it's beneficial to file jointly?
Organization: Motorola, Mobile Data Division - Seattle, WA
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 22 Jul 1992 16:21:37 GMT

O.K. here's some questions for all you tax experts:

I'm getting married on new year's eve at 5:00 p.m.  If I sign the marriage
license on Dec. 31, does that mean we can file jointly on April 15, 1993?

And if I can, would it help us out to file jointly if:

a.  Our household income is about $70,000+.
b.  I make more money than she does.
c.  She is somewhat wealthy, and had to pay a lot because she has a lot of stocks
    and investments and a house.
d.  I will get a decent refund.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
From: kevin.jessup@mixcom.mixcom.com (kevin.jessup)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Midas brake warranties
Date: 31 Jul 92 13:33:38 GMT
Article-I.D.: mixcom.1992Jul31.133338.25685
Distribution: usa
Organization: Milwaukee Internet Xchange BBS, Milwaukee, WI U.S.A.


Midas supposedly has a "lifetime" brake shoe warranty.  It does not seem
very realistic.  Can anybody tell me what the limitations are?

It seems to me that if the rotors or calipers go bad, they would void any
brake shoe warranty.  So, if Midas replaces the rotors AND the calipers,
how long are the rotors and calipers "guaranteed" to last?  Not for a
"lifetime" I'll bet!  Therefore, the "Midas lifetime brake warranty" is a
flat-out lie!  Or am I wrong here?

BTW, I don't need a brake job, I just hate Midas! ;-)

-- 
Kevin Jessup, bbwwbb@mixcom.mixcom.com
"You've got to know when to code 'em, know when to load 'em, know when to
emulate, know when to run.  You never count your money, when your sittin' at
the keyboard: there'll be time enough for countin', when the software's done."
Xref: sparky misc.consumers:14521 misc.wanted:7340
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 1992 14:30:56 EDT
From: <RVU@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,misc.wanted
Subject: Affordable health insurance plan

Could someone suggest an affordable health insurance plan for low income
families?

G. Rauniyar
From: rw@donner.Rational.COM (Bob Weissman)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: How do I know if it's beneficial to file jointly?
Keywords: joint, filing, separate, tax
Date: 28 Jul 92 00:55:05 GMT
Distribution: usa

Since the previous poster's address suggested California residence, I
thought I'd take this opportunity to point out the following:

If you are married and live in a community property state, the IRS
regards all income as joint.  They will disallow any savings you may
realize by filing separately.

Sigh.

--
-- Bob Weissman
-- Internet: rw@rational.com
-- UUCP:     uunet!igor!rw
--
Xref: sparky misc.consumers:14687 misc.taxes:2851
From: wicklund@intellistor.com (Tom Wicklund)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers,misc.taxes
Subject: Re: Wierd CA Sales Tax Law
Date: 30 Jul 92 15:21:04 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: Intellistor, Inc.

In <PHR.92Jul29214647@soda.berkeley.edu> phr@soda.berkeley.edu (Paul Rubin) writes:

>   [Story about how Togo's charges sales tax for hot sandwiches and
>   carbonated drinks to go, but not cold s/w's or uncarb. drinks]

>The idea is you're not supposed to get charged tax on food that you
>buy to take home and eat later (a "necessity").  However, hot sandwiches,
>carbonated drinks in open containers, etc. obviously aren't intended
>to be consumed that way.

Colorado had a similar situation about 14 years ago (I don't know if
it's true today, every city has a different tax rate and I don't try
to track them).

At one point, a city official stated that if one bought a cup of
coffee and put a lid on, it should be charged at the lower rate; if
without a lid, at the higher rate.

The problem with this was that the state and city collected the larger
of actual sales tax receipts or what should have been received based
on invoices.  The business probably had to pay at the higher rate
regardless.
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: Brady_David@Tandem.Com (David Brady)
Subject: Re: WARNING KODAK batteries leaked!
Organization: Tandem, Inc.
Date: Fri, 31 Jul 1992 18:15:37 GMT

In article <wb9omc.712523592@dynamo.ecn.purdue.edu>
wb9omc@dynamo.ecn.purdue.edu (Duane P Mantick) writes:
>
>With reference to the leaky KODAK batteries, I have to wonder if that
>was an isolated experience.  I have been using KODAK batteries in
>all manner of equipment for quite some time and NEVER, EVER once
>had a leaking battery.  I *do* scrupulously follow manufacturers
>suggestions on these things......
>
>Quite honestly, it has been YEARS since I have seen ANY battery
>leak....
>
>Duane
>

I had one D battery (in a set of 8) leak while brand new into my recently (at
the time) purchased portable stereo.  They were Energizers.  The damage was: a
noticeable spot on the carpet, oddly spotted white shorts, and, of course, the
stereo.  I contacted the folks at Energizer who (with a bit of prodding) paid
for the damages.  They wanted me to send the stereo to them at my expense and I
told them to come and get it.  They never got it.

Funny thing though - a year later the stereo came back from the dead and 5
years later it sits in my office.  It has a few problems (if anyone can help me
with these, since I'm on the subject, I'd appreciate it!): the volume is
affected by pulling out the headphones or tapping/whacking it on the case (kind
of embarrassing sometimes) - when the volume is out of touch with the control,
the balance control doesn't affect the sound AND the volume comes out of one
speaker much louder than the other.  Also, the sleep feature that the unit has
doesn't work any longer - you should be able to put a tape in, press play, turn
off the unit, and when the tape is over it turns off.  The only visible damage
from the batteries are on the 'base board' (internal) of the unit.  The unit
has modular boards which plug into this base unit.  Very well designed.  It
basically looks like there is corrosion and some of the bridges (lines?) on the
main (bottom) circuit board appear damaged.

I only ask because they don't make stereos like this anymore (Pansonic RX-C20):
very small, incredibly well built with great speakers, aux inputs, and a decent
soft-touch tape player.  Would I have any luck in repairing this thing or,
maybe, I can order a replacement board from Panasonic?

I'll repost this with a better subject line if I don't get any responses....

David
From: lstowell@pyrnova.mis.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: MSG
Date: 23 Jul 92 03:17:04 GMT
Reply-To: lstowell@pyrnova.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Organization: Pyramid Technology Corp., Mountain View, CA
Originator: daemon@sword.eng.pyramid.com

In article <1992Jul22.144117.20399@walter.bellcore.com> jchen@ctt.bellcore.com writes:
>
>There is  no clinical evidence to link MSG to any health problem to a
>normal person. Even for those who are allergic to it, the symptoms are
>typically short and mild. Very few had strong reactions, none has died
>of it.
>
    I am allergic to the stuff...if you think migraine headaches are
    a "short and mild" symptom, how about I come over and give YOU
    one?   

>That is why FDA does not regulate the use of it, only the labeling of it for
>those who are allergic to it.
>
>The whole thing was blown out of proportion in 60 Minutes.
>
    You are obviously not allergic to the stuff...nor a physician
    who has to deal with people who are.  

    Sensational yes, but if you've ever had a cluster or migraine, I
    seriously doubt if you'd consider the experience "mildly
    annoying".   Maybe if you enjoy brushing your teeth with an air
    hammer...   
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: saseph@hal.unx.sas.com (Ed Hughes)
Subject: Re: Misprinted Ad with great prices
Originator: saseph@hal.unx.sas.com
Date: Thu, 23 Jul 1992 20:55:54 GMT
Distribution: usa
Organization: SAS Institute Inc.


In article <1992Jul23.004620.11385@oracle.us.oracle.com>, ylee@oracle.uucp (Yichin Lee) writes:
>
>
>Consumer advocates among the netters,
>
>A local golf equipment shop, the Nevada Bob's in Belmont, California, put out 
>an ad in a direct mail package that reached me yesterday. In the ad they 
>advertised golf gloves for 4.99, golf balls for 13.99 etc., and also, let
>me quote: " ANY SHOE IN STOCK $5.00,  Limit 1, must present coupon,
>Expires 10/15/92."
>
Well, I think Nevada Bob just isn't being creative enough!
Say you walk in and hold them to the ad.  All they've gotta
say is "Okay, any shoe for $5?  Limit one?  Do you want the
right shoe or the left shoe?"  I bet that SECOND shoe goes
for a slightly higher price! :->
This ad, of course, is quite a boon to all one-legged golfers...
-- 
Ed Hughes, SAS Institute  | "I'm human; now shut up and pass the salt!"
Cary, NC                  | --Crow, "Rocketship X-M," MST3000
                          |
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: dan@cae.prds.cdx.mot.com (Dan Breslau)
Subject: Re: Supplemental Health Insurance??? Does it exist???
Organization: none
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1992 13:29:10 GMT

chrz@tellabs.com (Peter Chrzanowski) writes:

>I don't quite understand the logic of having insurance pay for predictable,
>probability-one expenses. 

>That is, I mostly need insurance to pay for low-probability, high-cost
>losses: catastrophic medical care, for example, or the loss of my home.

>The saying that comes to mind is, "nobody will insure a burning building".
>If Bonnie has, say, $1500. in predictable, uncovered expenses next year
>it would be surprising if anyone would contract to pay these expenses 
>(supplemental insurance) for any less than $1500.  Would you?

[...]
>If the only purpose of "Health Care reform" is to get someone else to pay,
>I doubt we'll be happy -- since we're all the "someone elses".  I mean, you
>don't expect to get, say, $1000. in medical expenses without seeing your
>taxes rise at least $1000. ?

>I understand why people buy insurance to pay for low-probability, high-cost
>events such as, say, treatment for spina bifida or cancer.  But what is the
>purpose in having insurance pay for routine stuff like office visits (other
>than to allow providers to raise prices) ?  It's as though we all took out
>food insurance, and then filed claims whenever we went to a food store.


>It's not as though things somehow, magically become "free" when someone 
>else pays.  Who's this "someone else", other than you and me? 

There's much truth in what you say -- but some of these policies show
a bureaucratic mentality which is disconnected from the real world, and
*doesn't* even increase the bottom line.  Two examples come to mind: One,
as in Bonnie's case (deleted), a lot of preventitive care is not covered,
even though it's been shown in many cases to be the most cost-effective
treatment available.  An insurance company which covers such care could
very well save money in the long run.

Two, many policies do not cover outpatient care for
many treatments, even though it's only a fraction of the cost of inpatient
care.  ("If you're *really* sick, you'd be in the hospital."  Yeah, right.)

Dan Breslau
dan@codex.com
Disc claimer:  "Hey!  That's my floppy!"

Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: ashabana@agsm.ucla.edu (Ahmed Shabana)
Subject: Re: Citibank bill dispute
Date: 22 Jul 92 10:04:39 PDT

timlee@public.btr.com writes:

>markm@wri.com writes:
>|When my wallet was stolen in Boston, I was able to pick up a new American  
>|Express card just two blocks from my hotel, and less than 36 hours after I  
>|reported the theft.  It took me two weeks to get a replacement MasterCard.

>From which issuer?  Mastercard and Visa service quality depends a
>lot on the issuer.

I agree. When my wallet was stolen I received a new Citibank Mastercard 14
HOURS after I reported it but it took another bank 18 DAYS to replace
their Visa for.  

Ahmed
--
_____________________________________________________________________
Ahmed A. Shabana	         |" Unless otherwise indicated
Anderson Graduate School of Mgmt.| products do not include anchovies"  
U.C.L.A.			 | Fine print in Dell computers brochures. 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: frankie@osc.edu (Frankie Harris)
Subject: Buying Furniture from North/South Carolina
Organization: The Ohio Supercomputer Center
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 21 Jul 1992 21:58:10 GMT

A few years back, I recall hearing people speak about what a good deal
they got buying furniture from manufacturers in either North or South
Carolina (can't remember which) via catalogs. Are any of you familiar with
this method and does it really give you a much better selection and
price? I'm specifically looking for a kitchen set and can't find any thing
that is really high quality. I don't mind paying a good price as long as
it's worth it but so far I've seen a lot of junk, IMO. 

If you know of a way to go through the manufacturers (or are they wholesalers;
I know, they're probably manufacturers selling at wholesale prices:)), please
write. I'll gladly take addresses and phone numbers, too!

Frankie


Newsgroups: misc.consumers
From: billn@hpcvaac.cv.hp.com (bill nelson)
Subject: Re: MSG
Organization: Hewlett-Packard Company, Corvallis, Oregon USA
Date: Wed, 29 Jul 1992 06:09:12 GMT

evanh@sco.COM (Evan Hunt) writes:
: >
: That's not the only problem with it. MSG can contain gluten; for people with
: celiac disease (like my wife) it is literally poison.

Someone correct me, if I am wrong. But, these are two completely unrelated
proteins with similar names. MSG is based on glutamic acid, not gluten.

... deleted ...

: Sounds good to me. I see no reason why it should be banned. But it should
: DEFINITELY be labelled correctly. Label reading for a celiac is complicated
: enough already; hearing that MSG may be lurking in unsuspected places is
: really rotten news.

But it is. It appears in most foods you eat. I think you are worrying
unnecessarily.

Bill
Newsgroups: misc.consumers