Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

RefurbDepot

Finding electronics, home theater or appliances at a discount is near impossible due to manufacturer unilateral pricing polices. But there are tricks… buying floor models, last season, scratch and dent and refurbished product. The savings can be as little as 20% but more often are really steep… upwards of 80%.

www.RefurbDepot.com is an online store that sells only factory refurbished product. Here you’ll find a wide range of product from home theater to computers, scanners to telephones and anything in between.

I spotted some terrific deals here. A Samsung SP-P4251, 42” widescreen plasma HDTV is on Refurbdepot.com for $1,199.95 instead of the original list of $6,999. That’s an 80% savings! A HP Pavillion DV8113CL notebook would originally retail at $2000. But there is a refurbished one on this site at $999.A Panasonic KX-FPG376 plain paper fax is $89 instead of $220.

Most manufacturer-refurbished items will come with a warranty for 90 days to 2 years and meet original factory specs. It’s another way to save.

CounterfeitChic

Ah, the world of fashion knockoffs.

You’d never have guessed how pervasive this world is until you read the blog CounterfeitChic.com. Written by law professor Susan Scafidi, who hides a copy of Vogue in her briefcase, you’ll find she her pulse on the business and legal aspects of business of knockoffs. Informative, insightful and full of stuff you would never have thought about before.

From Old Navy knocking off designer denim leader 7 for All Mankind to Urban Outfitters knocking off Lavin necklaces, the scoop is here with loads of extra inside info. Susan touches on just about every aspect of counterfeiting designs and products, from imports to home grown varieties along with inside industry information and insight. It’s a compelling read and a must for anyone who has ever bought a knock off ….or never has.