Power Tools
Based on the research done by www.worldwidewebsize.com as of June 2010, the indexable web contains at least 21.58 billion web pages accessible via the internet. This is based on the number of pages indexed by the four leading search engines (Google, Yahoo, Bing and Ask). More amazing than the massive size of the World Wide Web, is the fact that the estimate is considered to be conservative.
While most would consider this amount of information a good thing. The truth is, finding exactly what your looking for can be nothing short of exhausting. Even with the incredible search technology available to us, at times, it's truly hopeless.
Certainly we are not telling you anything you didn't already know. The question is, what are we all going to do about it? It is our belief that we need to take control of this mountain of information, instead of letting it control us.
Our list of web resources is the beginning of our effort to help sort through the millions of products, retail stores and websites accessible on and offline. The following links are some of the best free to use tools available on the web. Remember to check back occasionally to take advantage of the new tools we will be adding to our resource list.
Product Resources
Purchasing a product should be a fairly well thought out affair, especially in the case of high ticket items like jewelry or electronics. These products require some serious research before purchase for several reasons. The two most obvious are price and quality. Unless you are very wealthy and unconcerned with the value of a dollar, you can save yourself a lot of time, money and aggravation by doing a little homework first.
Any product or service over $50 can vary widely from one brand or manufacturer to another. Most people don't have the time or energy to do the necessary research to find exactly what they are looking for. This can cost you an enormous amount of money over your life time. If you only consider the number of products you bought that didn't serve their purpose - the costs associated with returning them can add up quick...money, time, effort and more. All of which could have been spent doing other more productive and useful things.
Google Product Search Beta
Find and compare products from online stores across the web.
Price Grabber
The industry innovator in online comparison shopping.
Shop Wiki
A guide designed to help consumers find specific products on the Internet with ease.
Like.com
Combining the best in Computer Vision and Machine Learning technology with the expertise of designers.
Become.com
The only fully integrated Web-wide product search and comparison shopping site on the Internet.
Retail Store Resources
Unfortunately finding the right product is only part of the battle. Once you know what you want or need, it's time then to get the best price possible. The range in prices for the exact same product or service is truly astounding. Most of us, are not willing to put the effort in to get a fair deal and usually over pay. The amount of savings that extra effort is worth easily equals one days wage per month.
If you're beginning to feel like you haven't been fair to your hard earned money, then we are making progress. One last bit of incentive for those a little more stubborn than the typical slacker. If you did enough research to save yourself an average of just 15% on your purchases and spend $250/week for 50 years, you would save ninety-seven thousand and five hundred dollars. Well, if that isn't good reason to take a look around before saying "wrap it up" - then surely one does not exist. Oh and by the way, if invested properly, earning a modest 5% per year compounded annually...better sit down for this...you would earn four hundred and thirty thousand five hundred and ninety dollars and two cents. So do yourself a favor, stay home and do a little shopping - it sure beats work and your bank account will be none the wiser.
Wikipedia
Comprehensive list of department stores across the United States.
Malletin
Find shopping centers and outlet malls in your neighborhood with the most complete US mall directory.
Malls-info
Hours, contact information, directions, and reviews of shopping malls.
Coupons.com
It's almost like printing free money with your home computer.
Wow-coupons
The best of printable store coupons.
Other Resources
The Retail Bulletin
Our free on-line service delivers the latest company news, breaking stories, and summaries of media coverage of the retail sector.
Retail Choice
Start your search now and find the career you deserve – not just the job you want.
Business Training
Free ethical learning and development resource for people and organizations in the retail industry.
