From the category archives:

secrets

Surprising way salespeople get you to buy

by Gabrielle on March 22, 2010

Think it’s strange when a salesperson keeps you talking about your personal life instead of plugging the product you’re considering purchasing? He or she may simply be fishing to find something you share in common, such as the same birthdate, hometown or hobby. And for good reason! A study out of the University of British Columbia shows that we’re far more likely to purchase a product when we have something in common with the salesperson who’s selling it. That’s because we all have a fundamental desire to connect with others, and having something in common creates this connection, making you feel closer and more trusting of the other person instantly, the resesarchers explain.

[photo: Tennessee-Mary]

Is this sales strategy making you pay more?

by Gabrielle on March 11, 2010

Next time you need to make a purchase (such as a car, appliance or new home), watch out if the salesperson does this: He begins by flooding you with facts, technical jargon and even nonsense words. Then [more…]

Which is more believable: gossip or truth?

by Gabrielle on March 2, 2010

We’re more likely to believe gossip—even when it contradicts what we’ve witnessed with our own eyes! To prove it, researchers from Germany and Austria recruited 126 college students to participate in a revealing [more…]

Decoded: Your pet’s secret signals

by Gabrielle on February 28, 2010

Think you know everything about your furry pals? Maybe not! Here’s what animal researchers recently discovered about your cat and dog’s communication styles: [more…]

Beware: Freebies can drain your wallet

by Gabrielle on January 19, 2010

Love it when stores offer free samples, complimentary coffee or other giveaways? So do the store owners. That’s because freebies put you in a great mood, which [more…]

Curb cravings by muting TV commercials

by Gabrielle on January 13, 2010

Cheesy fries--yum.

Ever notice that your hunger spikes after watching certain television commercials for chips, cookies, cheeseburgers, fries and other tempting treats? It’s no coincidence. A new study in the [more…]

Secrets of outlet store shopping

by Gabrielle on January 6, 2010

You already know that outlet stores can save you a bundle on clothes and shoes. But, for the biggest money-savers, be sure to look for an “ugly” pricetag! “If it has two or three prices crossed out and it seems worn and tattered, you’ve found a great bargain,” assures Fatima Mehdikarimi, founder of shoppingqueen.com. These old tags indicate that they’re [more…]

Enjoy these secret fast food menu options

by Gabrielle on December 23, 2009

Bored by the choices at your favorite fast food restaurant? Mix things up by trying options that are available to the public, but aren’t advertised or listed on menus, like a…
* Neapolitan shake. In most eateries that sell shakes—such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Burger King—you can order a mix of flavors, for instance, a Neapolitan (vanilla, chocolate and strawberry), a Black and White (chocolate and vanilla) or a Creamsicle (a vanilla shake with orange soda). Prefer [more…]

Don’t be duped by phony online reviews

by Gabrielle on December 11, 2009

Ever buy a product based on good reviews you read online only to be disappointed in your purchase? You may have been reading raves written by fake reviewers—people paid to pose post glowing comments to boost sales. For truly trustworthy opinions, [more…]

You tip more when your waitress does this

by Gabrielle on November 25, 2009

Suddenly feel the urge to be a super-generous restaurant or coffee bar tipper? It may not just be the good service that’s inspiring you to throw in an extra buck or two. Wait staff have a few study-proven tricks up their towel-draped sleeve for motivating you to part with [more…]

Secret love messages in your IMs and texts

by Gabrielle on November 12, 2009

Quick—which word do you think women in the happiest relationships use more when talking with their mate: “I” or “we”. Surprise—it’s “I”! That’s the news from UCLA researchers who studied the electronic messages of [more…]