Things you really should know

Ahhh, the entry that gives away the little secrets. The ones that most people don't know about, the ones most people should.

How about this one to start. There are 1000's of online dating, singles, intimate and networking sites. Some are 'private' which means they do not belong to a larger network of 'online sites'. These pose virtually no problems as they keep their databases secure and do not share personal information, IP addresses and photos with other sites.

A vast majority of these sites (and others in different categories) belong to a large network. The sites if you take the time to browse through all have the same sort of template look to them. If you scroll to the bottom of the home page, there likely will be a link or a mention of the Network.
These sites are very likely to share the details of who you are. In some cases, that could be your personal profile and/or pictures, for some, the entire profile is shared and put out on all of the Network's sites.

When the entire profile or pictures are shared within the Network that also means those pictures that have been tagged as 'private' - meaning that you technically can only give access to other to view them. I say technically because what often happens is that once they are posted on a Network Affiliate site, the restriction is removed.

How much of this happens? I met a women a few years back who had posted her nude photos in a 'backdoor' limited access area of a large Network site. She was shocked when she received an email from a friend telling her that her 'private nudes' where posted in the open on a dating site. It took her over a month to get her pictures off the site - however, they are likely still floating around somewhere.

Want proof? Check out this smiley happy people and tell me they know their pictures are all over the internet.

Did you know that if you live outside of a major centre, shipping using a dedicated carrier (FedEx, UPS, Purolator) could be costing you 50% more? Did you also know that if you drop you package off at an outlet, not even the main depot, you automatically save the fuel surcharge and the extra cost.

I just recently shipped a small package to NYC. If FedEx picked up at my home office, the cost would be $36.00 more. Instead, I drove the package 20 minutes away to an outlet and saved. Not to mention, in shipping time, it cuts a day off in most cases.

Did you know that when you take your vehicle in for an oil change, it is the mandate of the Service Writer to up sell you? Did you also know that when it comes to this, for whatever reason, most customers end up paying for duplicated services? Point in hand, tire rotation is often included in spring and fall maintenance promotions, if however you go in and request a rotation with your oil change, the Service Writer is apt to try to sell you a 'maintenance package' which include the service. You however will still be billed for the rotation.

Another 'trick of the trade' is in the wording that the Service Writer uses: Instead of using phrasing, as they should; 'the suggested maintenance with respect to changing your transmission fluid if every 20,000kms' they say, you are 'due for a .......... and your warranty will be void if you do not'.

Service Recalls are one way a dealership brings money back in the door. Chances are very good that the recall has no impact on safety or performance of your vehicle, unless it specifically says 'safety recall' or similar. Chances are very good though, that you got the notice in a 'down time' for dealership service.

Dealership use a variety of means to bring a customer back in to the dealership and make money in the 'back end'. Yes, that is right. Dealerships don't make their money upfront in the sale; they make it when you go in for service. In fact, 'we' are even ranked by the dealership and automaker as customers. These rankings will determine if we get special promotions, coupons etc.

How can you make sure it is not more than the nuts getting screwed on your auto? Ask questions, demand answers that make sense and if you are not happy with the reply or have caught a person in the dealership trying to weasel your money out of your pocket - demand to see the dealer principal. They are the ones that care overall if you leave happy or ticked. If you don't get anywhere with them, go higher. (I once took a complaint about a truck engine spitting oil everywhere right up the line to the President of Ford Canada - it paid off).

Did you know that Grocery stores needs to stay within an acceptable variance concerning the 'correctness' of their barcodes? Meaning that when you check out, the bar code should be reflective of the price on the shelf. Did you know, that if you don't check your receipt and pay attention going through check out, chances are very good that you are giving the store extra money every time? Take the moment and glance through the receipt before you leave the store. I have a friend that says she catches errors in excess of $5 per week - over the course of a year, it adds up.

We'd love you to share your tips and tricks with the rest of the readers - don't be shy.
Have a Hot Cherry Day!