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Smart Shopping

Resources to help you stay safe while shopping and find some good deals!

Web Resources

Bureau of Consumer Protection – an office of the Federal Trade Commission that “stops unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices by collecting complaints and conducting investigations, suing companies and people that break the law.” The site allows you to file a complaint against businesses that “don’t make good on their promises, or cheat people out of money.”

Better Business Bureau – a nonprofit organization that works to “set standards for marketplace trust…calling out and addressing substandard marketplace behavior, and creating a community of trustworthy businesses and charities.”

CNET – The “world’s leader in tech product reviews, news, prices, videos, forums, how-tos and more.”

Wirecutter – A division on the New York Times that “tests and reviews the best tech, appliances, gear, and more.” Wirecutter relies on a group of veteran journalists, scientists, and experts to review and “find the best stuff.”

The Strategist – Brought to you by the editors of New York Magazine, the site offers “the best deals, gift guides, and product reviews from around the web.”

BI Reviews – Business Insider, a “financial and business news website,” reviews everything from tech and electronics to beauty and personal care.

MRCPL Research Resources

Consumer Reports – Find the most recent product reviews and ratings for items such as electronics and cars in the online home of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Health Complete – Information fact sheets and pamphlets on many diseases and disorders, as well as videos, medical dictionaries, drug information, diagrams and images, and much more.

Try Before You Buy

Library of Things – Before you buy, try out everything from a power drill to a cake pan by checking them out at your library.

Shop Local

Richland County Chamber of Commerce Business Directory – the local business directory from the Richland County Chamber of Commerce, which includes Home and Garden, Restaurants, Manufacturing, Real Estate, and more.

Destination Mansfield: Shopping – “Affordable. Unique. Locally crafted. Whether you love a mall with all your favorite department stores, prefer a country market with hand-made Amish goods, or love wandering a beautifully-curated gift shop, Richland County’s shopping will inspire your sense of discovery as you unearth treasures and special souvenirs to take home.”

Gift Guides

Good Housekeeping Gift Ideas 2020 – the editors of Good Housekeeping have assembled gift ideas for “for Mom, the guys, kids, pets, and more. Or, get unique ideas for DIY presents.”

Today’s Gift Guide – NBC’s the Today Show has compiled a gift guide with multiple suggestions based on people, occasions, and interests.

Business Insider’s Ultimate Gift Guide – Offers ideas for “every budget, holiday, person, and more.”

Buzzfeed Gift Guide – Includes lists for stocking stuffers, last minute gifts, practical, unique, tech/gadgets, and more.

Apps

NOTE: All apps are available for iOS and Android

RetailMeNot – “RetailMeNot will deliver the deals you want from thousands of your favorite stores and restaurants. Take advantage of everyday savings on dining and curbside pickup, home office and school supplies, clothing, shoes, electronics and so much more.”

Flipp – “Browse thousands of weekly ads and circulars digitally with the Flipp app, and find deals from over 2000 stores including Walmart, Dollar General, Walgreens and more. Flipp makes it easy to save money on groceries, pharmacy, and other household essentials.”

Honey Smart Shopping Assistant – “Honey is your personal shopping assistant. Shop 400+ popular stores and millions of items in one app. The app automatically applies coupon codes, and exclusive perks. Keep your eyes peeled for Honey Gold bonuses on items, which means you’ll earn gold that you can redeem for gift cards at your choice of popular stores.”

Ibotta – “With Ibotta, you can earn real cash back every time you shop online or in-store. Simply check Ibotta before you shop in-store or online, travel, dine out, or make a purchase in your favorite apps, and you can get rewarded with cash back.”

Rakuten – “Get Cash Back rewards at your favorite stores! Enjoy unbeatable shopping deals and save with promo codes & coupons from Rakuten. Get cash back on things like food deliveries, and refer friends to earn $25!”

Print Resources : Books

Search Starters

Click on a topic to find books in the library catalog.

 

Mansfield/Richland County Public Library subject guides are assembled by our reference team. Please contact the reference department at 419.521.3110 if you would like more help with this subject.
Last updated 11/4/2020

Happy Holidays! All library locations will be closed on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1. All locations will close at 5 PM on Dec. 31. (Our Richland Mall Ontario branch will close at 4 PM). First Call 2-1-1 is available 24/7, 365 days a year.