Shopping recommendations

Kudos to Best Buy! We had to buy a new washing machine because ours was needing its second $400+ repair, which is about half of the cost of replacing the machine. So after thoroughly digesting the Consumer Reports article, which I just happened to have on hand, and searching the internet for more information, we decided to go to Best Buy and see if the planets were lined up enough for us to use one of the 10% discount coupons we often get in the mail, but have never been able to use on anything (due to exclusions, timing issues, etc.). The other benefit to Best Buy shopping is the rewards points, which basically return cash. But you know the deal with Consumer Reports: you can never find the same model number of the product they recommend, which means you can't really be sure that you're getting something as good as you hope. Well, what a deal we got!! And that's why I'm passing along this recommendation to shop at Best Buy. We not only were able to use the discount coupon, but delivery and installation: FREE. Removal of old washer: FREE. The coupon was valid January 5-8 but they let us use it TWO DAYS EARLY!! Their service agreement was also very inexpensive compared to those from other stores. We love Best Buy!!

Also, kudos to BED, BATH and BEYOND. We recently returned one of those pod coffee makers that for unknown reasons, stopped working. We didn't have the box any more. I did find a receipt, and we bought it over a year ago. I remembered returning something there a while back and the manager said, "we take any return, any time", so I thought we should give it a try with the coffee maker. There were no questions asked. We were given the option of pulling a new one of the same kind off the shelf, or store credit for the full amount, or a full credit to my charge card! Now that's what I call BEYOND in the service department!