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]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
by Gabrielle on January 13, 2010

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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]
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…]