LondonCommerceFilter: Business trip to London (from US) coming up, and I've got a free initial jetlag day that I'd like to spend shopping-- preferably for cool, unique, not-too-expensive, suitable-for-gifting items I'd be unlikely to find in the US. I'm specially interested in women's accessories (scarves, jewelry); toys and games; (travel-friendly) foods; tchotchkes; and used/antique books. Any must-visit shops? [more inside]
posted by gallusgallus on Apr 15, 2013 - 23 answers

I've noticed that mineral oil marketed to those who will use the oil on butcher blocks is much more expensive than food grade mineral oil that is marketed to those who will use the oil as a laxative. I buy the cheaper version, thank you very much. Are there other items out there where one can save a buck or two by purchasing the more cheaply marketed version of an item?
posted by starkraven on Jan 9, 2013 - 56 answers

Which groceries are worth spending more money on and which are not? [more inside]
posted by queens86 on Aug 20, 2012 - 67 answers

Please help me curb shopping impulses and addiction. Please share with me ideas on how to resist impulses to buy. [more inside]
posted by BlueMartini7 on Nov 14, 2011 - 20 answers

Overstock.com has just started something called the "Main Street Initiative" where they create and promote small business microsites. I have a few questions about this. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind on Oct 31, 2010 - 1 answer

Is there a site where I can mass-order small restaurant gift cards, preferably with some financial advantage? [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on Sep 30, 2010 - 4 answers

You are a foodie, you don't eat out often, and you manage to spend less than $400-500 on food a month for two people, including going out. How do you do it? [more inside]
posted by two lights above the sea on Sep 22, 2010 - 66 answers

When I'm shopping for things, what should I be negotiating a price on? I know about the usual stuff, such as buying a car or jewelery or furniture or white goods. But to try and save money where I can, I want to know what else should I be be negotiating for a better price on... stuff that I might not think to be negotiating for a better price on? Groceries? Newspapers? Cigarettes? What have you found success in negotiating a better price on in the past that might normally seem non-negotiable?
posted by Effigy2000 on Sep 10, 2010 - 14 answers

Help me find the perfect leather tote! [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama on Jun 30, 2010 - 10 answers

How much should I be paying for a shirt/blouse/shoes/pants? Help me recalibrate my expectations of shopping for clothes. [more inside]
posted by Phire on Jul 28, 2009 - 24 answers

I'm drowning in clutter and my bank account is empty. How do I change? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 29, 2008 - 24 answers

My wife and I will be moving stateside from Bermuda next year. We will be moving into an empty house with NOTHING except outdated wardrobes and cash. With that said, we will be acquiring a lot of stuff. We will need cars, furniture, appliances, electronics, art, tools, clothes, insurance, etc. etc. How can we maximize our investments in all this stuff? What is your opinion on getting good deals in each of these categories? Our financial planner suggested we incorporate to get some tax write-offs. Another friend said to look into SwapLease. Yet another said to buy all of our furniture in North Carolina. If you were starting with nothing, how would you approach it? Should I walk into Best Buy and tell the manager to make me a deal? Should we buy used cars? Hit garage sales? Buy fine art and antiques? Get a part-time job at the Gap? Where and how can I find the best deals / best investments?
posted by jasondigitized on Aug 14, 2007 - 12 answers

What are the most effective ways to monetarily support my favorite artists? [more inside]
posted by sarahsynonymous on Dec 26, 2006 - 13 answers

Have you noticed a link between a person's age and whether he/she pays for purchases with exact change? [more inside]
posted by wryly on Aug 30, 2006 - 77 answers

I'm looking for an inexpensive (less than $80 if possible), quality, brown leather messenger bag. It'd be great if it was big enough to hold my HP Compaq nc6000 (1.34 x 12.51 x 10.31 in). [more inside]
posted by tnoetz01 on Jun 28, 2006 - 8 answers

Is it true that Levis jeans go for "big bucks" overseas... or am I just making this up. If not, where do I go online to emplty my closet-O-Levis.
posted by bamassippi on Nov 2, 2005 - 28 answers

Help me decide when paying a premium for organic / GMO-free / etc. is worth it. [more inside]
posted by tkolstee on Sep 21, 2005 - 19 answers

Just today our engineering students society found $5000 in a safe we didn't know we had. Now we've got to spend it, preferably in some useful and/or awesome way. Do you have any suggestions on what a students society might want to spend it on? [more inside]
posted by sirsteven on Sep 9, 2005 - 20 answers