Have you been ripped off? Again?
The internet, like the rest of the free market world, discriminates between those that know what they are doing and don't know what they are doing. You know what I am talking about when you take your car to the mechanic and he hands you a bill with an itimised report of how your "service" cost $700. The same goes for example if you are buying a new TV and you wouldn't know plasma from plastic and LCD from calculators. All you do is open your wallet and say, take whatever you want.
Well it doesnt have to be that way. Here are some websites that can keep you on top of things.
Staticice - www.staticice.com.au is a website that allows you to compare the cost of computer and related parts with shops from all around Australia. Needless to say this has created great competition and at the very least, gives you an idea what you should be charged when you waltz into Myers or David Jones etc looking for a new modem for example.
Shopbot - www.shopbot.com.au deals with a greater range of comparisons looking also at electronics, health and beauty, computer games and even appliances...
Ninemsn - www.shopping.ninemsn.com.au allows even more comparisons but i'm not quite sure how comprehensive it is.
There are also other websites that provide hints about bargains and "hacks" for your local area so www.google.com something like Perth hacks or Perth bargains and see what you get. The internet era means you shouldn't be so easily ripped off. If you know of other websites that help in the following areas, you may help a fellow reader (or blogger):
- Trades people
- Perth credit card deals
- Mechanics (maybe even with reviews etc)
- Real Estate and Mortgage brokers
- Health professionals
Next time we will look at "limited time" websites that claim to give you bargains.