Ask MetaFilter questions in the shopping category

A Canadian alternative to Penzey's for spices?

kitcat — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:35:54 -0800

I was really pumped about placing a Penzey's order after reading through this question. I chose my spices with love and care. But I live in Western Canada and received an email saying that the shipping would cost $56 dollars - twice the cost of my order! I'm looking for an alternative, Canadian spice seller. I order from American companies regularly, and believe me, this is ridiculous. It was nice of them to warn me and I politely declined. But now I am sad, and am looking for a Canadian alternative of similar quality, or even an American one that might have more reasonable shipping costs.

You're perfect, I love you, now change.

telegraph — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:26 -0800

I've been using this case for my iPhone 4 for about a year now. Here's what I like about it: it doesn't cover the screen; it doesn't compromise the camera lens or flash; it is a smooth material that doesn't snag on my pocket (unlike, say, rubber); and most importantly, it has slots for credit cards that are very easily accessible. Here's what I don't like about it: all of the available colors are boring or ugly. Is there an iPhone 4 case out there that satisfies everything I love about this one but is more aesthetically interesting? At this point I would even consider different solid colors more interesting. (The one thing I am not willing to compromise on is card slots, so please don't recommend that. I know I'm being a brat.)

Thai Basil in NYC

willie11 — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:31:35 -0800

Where can I buy Thai Basil in NYC?

He's got the blues -- Where can I buy a harmonica in the SF bay area?

loquat — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:44:56 -0800

What are your recommendations for a music store in the SF Bay Area that carries a decent selection of harmonicas? My father's harmonica broke and he's miserable without one. We tried Guitar Store, and every other music store in Portland but they carry limited stock. The broken one is a Hohner tremolo harmonica and I don't know anything about them, but I'm hoping some of you SF locals could recommend stores for us to try.

He reedy needs one! (har, har!)

LaLa to Swaptree to Swap to...What?

softlord — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:31:21 -0800

Once upon a time, there was a site called LaLa.com which offered peer-to-peer CD trading services. You listed the CDs you had, the ones you wanted, and it paired up people who had what you wanted and wanted what you have. And all was right with the world. (can you see there this is heading?) Then Apple bought LaLa and swiftly shut it down, but not before they allowed people to migrate their want and have lists to a competitor called SwapTree, which offered the same service, but for movies, games and books too (hooray!).

A few years later, Swaptree became Swap.Com, got bought out by some scandinavians, and closed the trading portion of their site with no warning to the users. (boo!)

What I'm looking for is a replacement for the above functionality, focused mostly on CDs (ten years in the music biz = hundreds of CDs i'm not fond of), with an active enough userbase that it wouldn't be a total waste of my time to re-list.

I've found bookmooch.com for books, though all i've gotten is requests for my books rather than offers for the books I'm looking for.

Please hope me!

Should I buy a 1989 Volvo Station Wagon for $1800 CAD?

Catchfire — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:48:26 -0800

[Used Car Filter] My neighbour is selling his 1989 Volvo 240 DL Wagon for $1800 CAD. I currently own a 2009 Chevy Cobalt. We only want one car. Should I shed the Coby for the Volvy? I have a two-year old and a newborn. Insurance for the Cobalt is $232/month. According to the BCAA (provincial auto insurance for province of British Columbia, Canada) website, the Volvo will be around $220 / year. According to amateur internet searching, the Volvo is roughly better than half as good as the Cobalt in gas mileage. This is the extent of my knowledge of the difference between the cars.

We only intend to use the car for weekend tasks and vacations. I don't know how to fix cars, but maybe I could learn. My father and brother-in-law know a lot about cars. If I were to be completely honest, apart from the savings in insurance and space for the kids, my personal sense of style is way more on the vintage Volvo side than the new Cobalt. This is really a two part question: 1) Am I crazy to get rid of a new(ish) car for a would-be clunker and b) if not, what kind of questions should I ask the seller of the Volvo? Advice please!

Design within reach

ecmendenhall — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:39:15 -0800

I'd love to fill my apartment with Eames chairs and Braun speakers, but the great icons of industrial design are almost all hilariously expensive. So, on to plan B: What are the greatest knockoffs of great design? Here, for example, are some pretty good fake Eames chairs. Here is a serviceable copy of the Mondaine railway clock. Do you own a great knockoff of an iconic object, or something beautiful and functional that's heavily inspired by one?

What would be good party favors for a great-grandmother's 90th birthday?

Joe in Australia — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:38:02 -0800

A relative of mine's great-grandmother is having her 90th birthday party this Sunday, in New Orleans. She's expressed a wish to have each of the 25-30 guests receive a small present, up to $15 each. Any suggestions? It has to be something I can obtain and wrap before Sunday afternoon.

Help me find a specific what-to-buy-for-baby website?

miriam — Tue, 21 May 2013 13:55:37 -0800

I'm looking for a specific website that details what to buy for a newborn. Here's what I remember: It was one person's site, not on Parents.com or about.com or anything like that. The author, a mother, lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. There were multiple sections, like one for strollers, one for bouncy chairs, etc. It was very comprehensive and kind of funny. I think I actually found it here on AskMe, but I can't for the life of me find it again. I know, that's not much. But maybe you remember this?

Recommendations for binoculars for wildlife viewing?

darsh — Mon, 20 May 2013 05:38:15 -0800

I would like recommendations for a good pair of binoculars, primarily for wildlife viewing. I did look through previous questions , but they focused mostly on use for concerts and birdwatching - the primary users of these live in Kenya, so think game parks and reserves. Price is around the $500 mark, as we only want to buy these once and then use forever, but certainly, if you have strong feelings about any you've used above that range, I want to hear it!

How can I cheaply forward a package from France?

Merzbau — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:44:50 -0800

I want to buy a book from a publisher in France, but the shipping rates they charge are astronomical. What options do I have? The publisher is Perrotin. They're asking €33.05 to ship a single hardcover book, which is ludicrous, but I can't find it for sale anywhere else. Does anyone have any experience with freight forwarders in France (or elsewhere in Europe) who could redirect a package to the US for a more reasonable price? I don't mind waiting.

Graphic ID please

jvilter — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:40:55 -0800

Can someone help me find this graphic? It's shown on a tee shirt, but I would prefer it in the form of a poster or even a note card. I'll take the tee if that's all there is. I think it would make a nice office decoration for my lighting designer husband.

A USB key doesn't really lay right in an envelope, you know?

sparklemotion — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:28:49 -0800

How do I gift a physical representation of an MP3 download? Mr. Motion's birthday is in on the way and one of his gifts is tickets to see one of his favourite artists live this fall. Because the time between the birthday and the show is so long, I'd also like to give him a copy of this artist's newest album to listen to for now.

I could buy him the physical CD, but that seems like just giving him more work (since he'll have to rip it, then figure out storage for the physical disc -- our household doesn't really have those anymore). I know he'd really prefer to just get it in a digital format right away.

My ideal presentation for this gift would be something like one of those little iTunes Free Song/App cards that you get from Starbucks. There's a code on the back that you enter into iTunes and then it takes you right to the download for the media. I would also be fine with printing out an email with a code on it that he can type in at his leisure, I just want something physical that I can put in a card with the tickets.

So... how do I do this?

Parameters:
1.) Store: I'm ok with iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon MP3 (anywhere where he could eventually download a DRM-free MP3 (or better yet FLAC) version).

2.) Must be able to provide a download code for the specific album. I know I could buy an amazon gift card code for the amount of the current price but I don't like that solution because: the price could go up between now and when he downloads, also it adds extra steps, also gift cards are basically cash, and there is (in my opinion) something decidedly unromantic about giving cash, even if it is intended for a specific thing.

3.) Must be able to print out something with a code on it. I know that through Amazon, I can "give the album as a gift", but unlike with gift cards there seems to be no option to print the code, the only choice is to send an email. I don't want to send him an email, I want to physically hand him a card. I would send the email to myself and then print it for him, but from Amazon's sample email (screenshot), it doesn't look like they email a code with instructions, but rather just a link to click. (there is an order # there -- can anyone confirm that he'd be able to download it from that order number).

So, has anyone given a gift in this way before? I can't be the only tech-happy old-fashioned romantic with a credit card, can I?

What time is it? Time to get a new watch!

donut_princess — Sun, 12 May 2013 07:46:39 -0800

I need a ladies watch with an alarm that is waterproof and I could also wear to work. I need a ladies watch and I'm having trouble finding one that suits my needs. I definitely need one with an alarm and hopefully one that I can wear 24/7 (so waterproof would be best). The problem I'm running into is that most watches that fit this description seem to be a stereotypical sports watch: large, plastic-looking, brightly colored, or chunky in a I'm going for a run type of way. This won't work for more business type occasions.

Are there watches that are waterproof, have an alarm, and don't look like they necessarily belong at a gym? I can afford $100 tops.

So far the only thing I have run across that sort of fits the bill is the Timex Ironman All Day Sleek. Are there any better (or even just other) options out there that I am missing?

Adding a strap to a bag

pakora1 — Sat, 11 May 2013 12:07:41 -0800

Wondering if this is possible and where would I go to get this done-adding a strap to a bag that I bought I bought this bag overseas and would like to add a shoulder strap to it to carry as a shoulderbag. Right now I can't lug it over my shoulders and can only hand carry (by the handles shown on the bag). Also, this is a leather bag and I was told that I would mess the leather up if I tried something like this. The original manufacturer is not based in USA. Couple of questions-

First off are there any stores that would do such work, if so what do I search for in my area?
I did a quick search but couldn't find any stores that sell straps that go with this orange bag. Any recommendations for stores would be great

Thanks so much!

Need to find a necklace in nyc for mother's day.

jefftang — Fri, 10 May 2013 09:27:02 -0800

I'm looking for a necklace similar to these: But maybe nicer. Can anyone recommend a place in or near manhattan where I can find necklaces like this?

Looking for retailers with lifetime guarantee / warranty

Borborygmus — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:19:37 -0800

I'm a huge fan of retailers who have lifetime guarantees or warranties. I'm trying to make an effort to buy more from these places. The retailers that I've enjoyed with these features include REI, Eddie Bauer, The North Face, Eastpak, Jansport and Koss headphones. Are there any more I should be aware of? I've heard about Briggs & Riley suitcases and Craftsman tools. Please let me know of any others and of your favorites.

Sunflowers bunches for sale in central Connecticut?

ovenmitt — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:54:46 -0800

Hi CT mefites. I'm looking for help locating sunflowers in grocery/box stores between Windsor Locks and Storrs before I travel there next week. On Saturday I'm flying into Bradley and heading towards UConn and wanted to bring some sunflowers for my party host. I saw buckets full of them today at my Trader Joe's in the midwest, but the closest TJs to my hotel is decidedly out of the way and I am looking for alternatives. I've got some time constraints to coordinate with the flower pickup, so before I call a florist and special order, I wanted to use the hive to locate stores off 84 that might have them stocked in a grocery floral section.

Jewelry Shops in NYC, budget of $250.

OsoMeaty — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:55:45 -0800

I'm looking for recomendations of jewelry shops in NYC (Manhattan or Brooklyn) that sells jewelry between $100-$250.

Save me, Amazon Prime

BlahLaLa — Thu, 09 May 2013 12:58:19 -0800

What can I order from Amazon Prime RIGHT NOW to be delivered for Mother's Day? Got three moms/mom-types in my life who need something and I haven't done jack shit to deal with it yet. I have Amazon Prime, however. Can this be configured to save my ass?

I know Mother's Day is Sunday, but nothing gets delivered then, and I'd rather not do flowers. All three are living in fairly remote areas where the choice of "local items to be delivered," other than flowers, is limited or non-existent. So I'm thinking Amazon. Hit me with your suggestions, PLEASE.

American toys for German kids

plantbot — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:47:48 -0800

What are some great gifts I could bring from the US (northeast) to kids in Germany who range in age from 3 to 8 years old? What cool kid stuff is available in the US that might be novel for kids in Germany these days?

Should i trust this amazon seller?

earthquakeglue — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:37:03 -0800

I ordered a box set from an amazon user at the end of april listed as "like new" which it wasn't. Asked for a refund, and he asked for more details and pictures which i gave, then i heard nothing for well over a week. So i decided to file an a to z claim on Monday, then today (Thursday) he says how he had been locked out of his bank account due to some banking issue. Now he's all gung ho to give me a refund after i send the stuff back and drop the a to z. I feel a little weary trusting him. He has good feed back, but it's only 6 feedbacks. Should i do as he suggests or continue letting amazon look into it?

Is West Elm really better than Ikea?

snickerdoodle — Wed, 08 May 2013 06:42:50 -0800

Is West Elm worth the price premium over Ikea? We are looking for a dresser and other basic furniture storage for a temporary sublet. The priorities are cheap, quickly available, and not so crappy that I'll resent buying it every time I use it. It does need to last 2-3 years, be sturdy enough to withstand toddlers and fat cats, and not a complete nightmare to assemble.

I can see online that Ikea is in the sub $300 range, while West Elm is almost three times as much. Is the price premium worth it in our circumstances? Bonus points for other options in the same price range.

What non-sketchy sites can I buy unscented bath beads from?

Canageek — Tue, 07 May 2013 20:09:03 -0800

My Mom used to love using bath beads, but we haven't been able to find them for ages (We used to get them at a little red shop instead of a bigger store; I think it was a body shop inside of a Sears or Bay or something like that?) Anyway, I figured I would get her some for mother's day. This is turning out to be a lot more challenging than I anticipated. I'm pretty sure they are still around, as a Google Image search for bath beads gets pages and pages of nice, pretty shapped beads. However, Google doesn't find much on that term on the first couple of pages, and directly searching the types of shops that pop into my head (The body shop, The Bay, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart) don't have them.

I'm not used to this: Normally when I type a term into Google 1.5 billion people want to sell me said item. Now, I've only found one site that looks decently respectable so far, and a bunch of Amazon sellers.

Since this is going in a bath, I'd rather something from a respectable chain, or company, rather then Random Amazon Seller 434632. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've found The American Soap Company and they look OK, 1) but I've never heard of them before: Are they a respectable manufacturer? Do they make good bath beads? and more importantly, 2) all their beads seem to be scented. My Dad is very, very sensitive to smells, so perfumed bath beads are a no-go; I'd rather not have her gift give him headaches. A really weak vanilla might be OK, but anything stronger then that is a bad idea.

Also, the site has to ship to Ontario without a crazy shipping charge.

Oh, and I know it won't arrive in time, opps.

Disbelief with Amazon Fees.

phaedon — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:36:56 -0800

I have so many used books to sell that I decided to start posting them on Amazon, and much to my amazement, they are selling like hotcakes. In the meantime, I'm having a hard time parsing the unbelievable "fees" Amazon is charging me. Is this for real? Am I doing something wrong? What are my options? So let me give you an example. I have an individual account with Amazon and I only have a few hundred books to sell. I list a book at $4.00 and I am responsible for shipping - a $3.99 allowance given to me. Luckily, that's a little over what I actually need to spend shipping something via media mail. But let's set that aside.

For the $4.00 item, Amazon charges me "Amazon fees" of $2.94. 73% of the sale goes to Amazon - this seems like a totally ridiculous amount to me. Luckily I gain about a dollar back on shipping costs, but then again I have to pay for the envelopes and spend my time waiting at the post office.

So is this just a total waste of my time? Are there any tricks I should know about? Should I charge more for books at the risk of them not selling, or find a better place to sell? Any insight or experience would be much appreciated.