I think we may have had a similar thread a year or so ago, couldn’t find it. And anyway, I’m pretty sure that one was limited to new products. I’m not sure how to set the criterion for inclusion on the list. I was thinking of saying something like “Would you pay twice as much for it if that’s what the cost was?” but then I’d have to include almost everything at Staples - yeah I’d pay 40 cents for a ball point pen if I had to, or $6 for a ream of paper. True but boring.
So let’s just include anything that you think is worth mentioning.
I have two rather uncommon products to start:
Strassburg sock - cured my plantar fasciitis (heel pain) in one day. $40, vs hundreds, maybe more for podiatrist visits, orthotics, etc.
Odors Away - one drop takes the smell out of the room for an hour or so. One of my offices is above a Chinese restaurant so I get to use it once in a while. Costs about $3 for two year supply
And one common one:
Toyotas - Any make that anyone I know has ever bought.
And one service:
AAA - discounts are incredible. Make up the cost and then some on the first pair of eyeglasses at Lenscrafters
I swear I do not own stock in any company making $ off the above.
from a more girly side of things… this is going to sound insane but…
eyelash extensions.
Its $200 for the first application and lasts for about 3 months and then touch ups are $100 but the difference is so incredible. All of a sudden you look amazing and no one can figure out what it is. I got so many people being like “wow…you really really pretty…whats different” Plus you never have to mess with eye makeup. Everyone thinks I’m crazy but I’m telling you. Its this really subtle thing that ends up making you like 50% hotter. I’ll never go back
An airport shoeshine. $5 plus tip for something that makes a huge difference in your appearance, plus it is like a foot massage as well. Seriously one of the best values for cost I know of.
Covergirl Outlast Lip Color totally blows my mind. It’s $10-12 a tube, which is a bit more than your standard lipstick tube, but SO worth it. The stuff never comes off, maintains beautiful color, and isn’t the least bit sticky. I can totally make out with my husband and nothing smears off on him. I guess you have to be a makeup wearer to truly appreciate the novelty of a lipstick that claims to be long-lasting… and actually is!
And since we’re on beauty products, Pantene Shampoos and Conditioners. Nothing can even compare. Again, a little more pricey, but worth it.
I add to that every good video game ever made. They might cost $50 a pop, but if you’ve got 50 hours of play time in there, you’re talking $1 an hour for entertainment. It’s really very cost-effective.
I’ve been using him for 15 years, and he still only costs about $200. He’s the best. I don’t know from tax forms, and I don’t want to know. I just want to sign it and cash my refund.
Furniture removalists. They’re relatively cheap (compared with the cost of the new house) and they can move all of your furniture much more efficiently.
Getting my hair colored vs. doing it myself at home. Same with the mainicure/pedicure. The salon does a much better job than I ever could, no mess at home and I have fun doing it.
Many will disagree with me but I think homeowners insurance is a good value. Where else can you collect hundreds of thousands of dollars after a tragedy strikes. It’s not perfect, but you’d never be able to rebuild or get a mortgage without it.
I don’t know if this is worth a separate thread, but I’ve been wondering if the travel agency is any better than Travelocity, etc. The one experience I had with them suggests it is. I guess I should use them more often. Any other experiences with AAA travel agency?
This obviously is the truest statement ever posted here on the dope.
I will second (third, fourth?) the dope. Where else can I get this much knowledge and entertainment for what I pay? Hell of a bargain.
I will also add dress shirts from L L Bean and Eddie Bauer. I don’t know just how them make them, but they fit, and they truly are no-iron. Take them out of the dryer and hang them, and they look like they were pressed on an ironing board. If you travel, take them out of the suitcase, and hang them in the bathroom. After your shower they again look brand new.
Well worth the price.
Tivo. Untether yourself from TV show schedules, and no messing with tapes or DVDs. Tell Tivo what you want it to record and it just does it. Even if the show moves to a different time or day. It even records shows it thinks you might like during it’s free time (these never interfere with your scheduled programs.) When you’re ready to watch TV you just pick what you want to watch from a list of show titles. And even when you watch live TV, you can pause it and resume whenever you want.
The Tivo box itself used to be expensive, but with some of the rebates offered it’s free or nearly free now. And the service is around $12-$14 a month. Being able to do what you want without rushing home to see a show you want to watch is worth every penny.
