Which products or goods improve with age and use? [more inside]
posted by Earl the Polliwog on Oct 28, 2009 - 36 answers

Can someone tell me if MiGo still makes this screwtop travel mug (which doesn't leak and can be put into a backpack) with a rubber gasket top? [more inside]
posted by mccn on Jul 2, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm in France, and I need to buy a washing machine, and maybe a TV. I am going to need it/them delivered. Can anyone recommend an online retailer? Cheap is good.
posted by handee on Jun 8, 2009 - 4 answers

I am looking for the best consumer products in its category that is universally recognised, as long as it is in a reasonable price, ie not several times more expensive than the competition. While Mac OSX, the Dyson vaccuum cleaner, Blackberry smartphones, Moleskine Notebooks are obvious examples, Axiom Audio(audiophile speakers at fabulous value for money), Michel Thomas Language learning CDs, or Fujitsu Scansnap scanners are not so well known. Generally, products that get off the chart rating in unbiased reviews, but are not well known in the mainstream. [more inside]
posted by tusharj on May 31, 2009 - 21 answers

Should I send my counterfeit goods back? [more inside]
posted by pdb on Apr 26, 2009 - 33 answers

What's the typical usable life of common household items? [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot on Jan 13, 2009 - 17 answers

Me and the Mrs. will be having our first child in late March. We've already bought a few clothes and miscellaneous items, but I'd like to know what should we get now? Parents, what are some things (like bottles, strollers, bouncy seats, etc.) that you wish you had had on Day One but didn't? [more inside]
posted by zardoz on Jan 12, 2009 - 42 answers

If retailers are being hit hard with a recession, then why am I not finding bargains? [more inside]
posted by abdulf on Nov 14, 2008 - 15 answers

This week a lot of things I own have worn out or have broke, and many of my other belongings will probably "expire" in the next year or so. No big deal, but what I'd like to do is purchase high quality durable goods that will last 5+ years. I'm also concerned of possible hyperinflation so I don't mind spending. What realiable durable goods would you buy? [more inside]
posted by lpctstr; on Oct 19, 2008 - 22 answers

The only difference between regular vodka and super premium vodka is the price. Double shielded, gold plated speaker cables work just as well as cheap ones. What other consumer goods have "premium" versions that are identical to the budget version? [more inside]
posted by andrewzipp on Sep 29, 2008 - 55 answers

Can I donate proceeds of the sale of something to a presidential candidate? [more inside]
posted by jimmy0x52 on Sep 11, 2008 - 10 answers

My girlfriend admittedly struggles with makeup, so her routine is quite simple. Can anybody in the New York area recommend a great place to learn how to apply makeup, get makeup tips, and purchase makeup in person with a stylist. I am looking for a business, stylist, or salon in Manhattan. Excellent customer service is key and somewhere they will take the time to teach (willing to pay for lessons) here how and what makeup to apply and not something like going to Macy's to the makeup counter. Open to paying for lessons, makeovers, etc. Any ideas?
posted by bobadoci on Sep 8, 2008 - 19 answers

Help me find durable, comfortable, wear-to-the-office women's shoes in a style that won't look dated in a few years. [more inside]
posted by jujube on Jan 29, 2008 - 11 answers

I'm moving to London, and need to find a home goods store. [more inside]
posted by awesomebrad on Sep 27, 2007 - 22 answers

Are there any stores that sell counterfeit goods in Portland, Oregon? [more inside]
posted by cmonkey on Jun 27, 2007 - 9 answers

So one of my buddies back East is flying out here to Seattle tomorrow on business (he's an apparel designer looking for cool inspirational ideas that he hopes Seattle can offer). Where should I take him? [more inside]
posted by johnstein on Apr 20, 2006 - 6 answers

Is well-canned food that has sat around in extreme temperatures safe? I recently bought some canned goods, let them sit in the back seat of my car in 100+ degree temperatures, and when I went to pick them out, they were painfully hot to the touch. Would this alter their safety for consumption?
posted by wildblueyonder on Jul 20, 2005 - 10 answers

I am looking for a web-based solution to use as a community services/goods trade board *other* than phpbb, something more akin to ebay...my google skills are failing me... [more inside]
posted by gren on Jun 13, 2005 - 3 answers

I have a friend coming in from China in a few weeks and they offered to get me anything I wanted (cheap of course). But I'm stumped, what is really good that is made from China that I can ask for?
posted by Napierzaza on Apr 16, 2005 - 28 answers