Why Amazon isn't always the best place to buy gadgets online

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

This article was first commissioned by TheRankTank

The buying habits of the everyday shopper have changed considerably. Retail outlets continue to diminish, as a solid proportion of us opt to do our shopping online. Gone are the days of heading to Woolworths or Jessops to pick up a bargain, or get the excellent customer service we rely on. Today the likes of Amazon dominate our thoughts, whilst many retail stores have had to embrace the change in habits, and make a viable business online.

Amazon has been an online leader, but there are some downsides

For many years, Amazon (warehouse pictured) has been the preferred choice to buy gadgets online. However it isn’t always the best place to purchase the latest technological advances, from cameras and game consoles, to iPods/MP3 players.

Before committing to buying online, make sure to check out the latest deals. Sure, Amazon is going to be on many people’s shopping list. They definitely do an excellent range of products but it might not be the best deal around. The process can be time-consuming but it will be better in the long run to save money if a more specialised website is offering the same product you are after that Amazon has. In that way, having knowledge of online shopping websites before you begin is advantageous. There’s eBay, the standard online shop from retail stores, Play.com or specialist shops. For example, the choice of printer cartridges is better on Amazon, but prices are often far more expensive to a specialist shop like Printerbasics.com.  

When going to shop on Amazon, the important face-to-face transaction with shop assistants is lost. In the recession, the success of the online market has driven gadget-driven stores like Comet to the wall, whilst others such as HMV and Game have been in administration. It is fine to shop online and again, Amazon can offer a better range, and handy information about the product but not the technical information that might be required. Consumers after a new tablet or laptop should always try Currys/PC World. The sales assistants are there to do a job, will offer tremendous service to buyers and nine times out of ten, you’ll walk out of the store with the latest model and a huge smile on your face for the faultless shopping experience. No matter what they try, Amazon can’t offer this.

The risk of shopping online is the quality of the product. Amazon does offer some quick delivery options and free shipping of products, but third-party websites won’t, and that could mean paying over the odds for the item the customer is after. The service is not always totally reliable, and the estimated dispatch date can be inaccurate. Be aware of high postage charges on Amazon. At the end of the day, they are a business just like anyone else who want your money and are keen to make a handy profit at the end of the year.

Amazon is a good starting point for many but make sure to shop around to get the best buy and always be aware of the product you want before purchasing.

Categories: Amazon, eBay, HMV, Jessops, Laptop, Money, Play.com, Printer Cartridges, Retail, Tablet

The UK's best selling male grooming products

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

All articles are available and were written on TheRankTank.com

Earlier in the summer, I wrote some retail pieces for the website TheRankTank.com.  The Rank Tank is a site that promotes the best selling products for a variety of companies, and it is the job of the writers like myself to produce detailed and informative content about the various sectors assigned to us.

There are areas on the site for a whole range of products.  This ranges from toys and games to computing and entertainment segments.  I was set the task of researching the top five male grooming products.  

Below is the top five, led by V05 Extreme Style Matt Clay

V05 EXTREME STYLE MATT CLAY

BEST PRICE: £2.50 at Amazon

Using V05 Extreme Style will give many men the good look

Most men want to look good, whether that is for an important business meeting or looking to impress the ladies on a night out in the town.  So you need to get the right hairstyle, and this won’t be a problem with use of V05 Extreme Style Matt Clay.  Its job is to create a choppy look to your hair, making you feel amazing without having to work hard to get the ideal look.

This product is ideal for those looking to create definition with a matte finish and at its current low price, is an absolute bargain.  The product was winner at the FHM Fashion & Grooming Awards in 2007 so it is unlikely users will be disappointed with the final result.  To use, simply apply a very small content onto dry hair, work a small amount of clay between your fingers, run through your hair and create the choppy look you dreamt of.  The unique formula of V05 Extreme Style Matt Clay (pictured) also means it washes out extremely easily without needing to worry about any effects afterwards.  So if you’re looking to create an intriguing look without shine, Matt Clay will do the job required.

TONY & GUY MEN STYLING FIBRE

BEST PRICE: £6.95 at Amazon

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tony & Guy with use of this product

The Styling Fibre for Men from the recognised brand Tony & Guy (pictured) will create a matte finish and some casual looks, although this product should only be used in moderation and not in large contents.

Established back in 1963, Tony & Guy are celebrating their 50^th anniversary of existence this year so why not take advantage of this milestone.  It is one product that once used for the first time; you will probably use it again.  Loosen the product between the palms of your hands and work delicately through dry hair for a hold that is bound to provide satisfaction.  Tony & Guy Men Styling Fibre will provide the opportunity to integrate creative looks with classic styles providing a slick and smooth finish.

L'OREAL EXPERT HYDRA ENERGETIC BLACK CHARCOAL FACE WASH

BEST PRICE: £5.10 at FeelUnique.com

Dullness and stickiness is a thing of the past with the use of L'Oreal

Some care more about hair and skin than others, and L’Oreal certainly fits into the former category.  No wonder this is the case when adverts in their established history on TV have included the likes of actor Gerard Butler and dashing former French footballer David Ginola.

Now L’Oreal has come up with a product that makes male skin look superb, especially in tough times.  For the first time ever, the Expert Hydra Energetic X-Treme introduces black charcoal – a purifying agent in a foaming wash.  The job is to eliminate the dirt and pollution that can crop up on the skin on a daily basis, an issue when working in the big UK cities.  The effects could mean your skin looks dull and has lost its shine edge.  This is when L’Oreal (product pictured) comes in to sort the problem out.

The product acts on skin and dethrones the dirt effect.  Not only that, but it helps fight five problems that can be caused by daily city grime.  Stickiness disappears; dullness is beaten and the shine in skin returns, alongside tackling blackheads and enlarged pores.  This is a cleansing innovation that must be tried.  L’Oreal continues to set the standard because you’re worth it!

VEET FOR MEN HAIR REMOVAL GEL CREAM

BEST PRICE: £7.15 at FeelUnique.com

Veet For Men Hair Removal is suitable for use on many areas

Those concerned about hair removal should fear no more, especially when using the Veet for Men Hair Removal Cream. For use in the shower, the many ingredients contained, including Magnesium Trisilicate, Propylene Glycol and Potassium Hydroxide will leave skin smoother for longer than you’d get from regular shaves and that often stubby regrowth of hair.

The cream is suitable for use on many areas of the male body, such as chest, back, shoulders and legs. Simply put the product on delicately, and rinse off for smooth skin in no more than four minutes. If that is a bit too quick, then try six minutes but no more than that, otherwise the excellent results can’t be guaranteed.

Before use for the first time, make sure to read the directions for use. It might sound tedious but to get the best skin comfort, then I recommend doing this before use. And don’t use on your face or in more private areas.

It might come with plenty of requirements, but Veet for Men have come up with a top product and have been vigilant to let people know of what could happen if not used properly. However use it correctly and you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.

JUST FOR MEN HAIR COLOURANT

Best Price: £6.99 at 123 Hair & Beauty

Another pressing concern for many men who age is how grey our hair gets.  So don’t complain and do something about it. Use the Just for Men Hair Colourant product, and those worries will become a thing of the past. The shampoo-in hair colour targets 100 per cent of those grey hairs, and is the most traditional way to deal with a problem like this. Afterwards, your hair feels gentle, calm and good once again.

Just For Men eliminates the grey hair factor

Just for Men (pictured) have come up with a variety of different colours that range from sandy blond to ash brown. The above price on the website 123 Hair & Beauty is for the natural jet black colour. The cost can vary depending on hair colour at some outlets, but we aren’t talking vast differences.

What’s more, this isn’t a product you use for five minutes then you need to purchase more. One application should last the minimum of a month and if lucky, upto six weeks before needing further use. Grey disappears in just five minutes, often a shorter length than an average shave.

The instructions for use are simple. Apply, wait five minutes then rinse out. Just for Men Hair Colourant ensures grey hair drifts away in almost an instant.

Categories: 1963, 2007, Amazon, Colour, Cream, David Ginola, FHM, Gerard Butler, Hair, L'Oreal, Matt Clay, Men, Retail, UK, V05