Something To Consider When You Buy

When someone shops around for a new tablet, television or phone they do some comparison shopping that mostly involves the price, features, specifications and warranty coverage. But have you considered how much you would need to pay to get some of those repairs done, in and out of warranty?

Unfortunately some companies don’t allow customers to repair their own purchases, even after the warranty has expires, resulting in either high fees or electronic waste. But Canada is slowly progressing towards a law that would enable consumers to access manuals, parts and instructions on how to to their own repairs.

Bill 72 may have been voted down in Ontario recently but it is expected to pop up in other provincial legislatures. And meanwhile the consumer can keep track of what it costs to repair their purchases, or access ifixit.com for tips and trick on fixing out of warranty products.

An Openmedia Petition destined for Federal Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains is also available, so please consider signing this petition.

Thank you.

July 4th, 2019 Comments Off on Something To Consider When You Buy Canadian Law, Consumer Information Rob McIntyre

Be Safe

I’m sure quite a lot of you will be enjoying events and concerts through-out Canada today and I thought i’d recommend a few things:

  • Stay Hydrated – Unfortunately many will consider foregoing hydration to retain a position in line or a view of the stage, especially will those long lines at the portable toilets. But dehydration isn’t something to be played with on a hot day so drink plenty of water and watch your alcohol intake.
  • Pack A Small Medical Kit – Better safe than sorry. You can find some that can be thrown in your backpack or pocket.
  • Wear Ear Plugs – They’re cheap, they protect your hearing and they do not hinder your experience.
  • Pack A Lighter Wallet – You won’t need all those cards and documents so why bring them along? All you need is a bank card, a credit card or two and cash. Leave the library cards, security cards and most of your credit cards at home. This will make your wallet thinner and easier to conceal. And you could always hide cash somewhere on your body or use the payment app on your smartphone if it’s an emergency.
  • Consult Your Latest Weather Forecast – Conditions change so it’s best to check the latest local weather forecast just before you leave and pack accordingly. You don’t want to be caught off guard without water, an umbrella, sunglasses and/or sunscreen.
  • Use Public Transit – It’s always best to either take public transit from home or a parking facility closer to the event’s site. And some are offered free, like here in the National Capital Region, so consult your local public transportation’s web site for details.
  • Locate The Nearest Pharmacies To The Event – Some major chains like Shoppers Drug Mart or Rexall will have select stores remain open, mainly in the largest cities, and you might want to know where they are, in case you need pain relievers or other things you forgot to pack. You can also save these locations on your phone, in case. And yes, some grocery store chains (like Loblaws, Metro and Whole Foods) will also have select stores open for limited hours as well.
  • Take Your Time – The traffic is always bad after the event. Everyone’s trying to leave at the same time so there’s no point in rushing it.

Have a great time ! And don’t forget to browse the Canada Day Celebration Sale offers at Newegg.ca.

Once You Know, You Newegg

July 1st, 2019 Comments Off on Be Safe Events Rob McIntyre

In Manitoba This Weekend?

Countryfest is happening in Daufin, MB until the 30th and will be featuring quite a few big name country artists, including Toby Keith, The Nitty Gritty Band, Terri Clark, Charley Major, Jason Aldeen and dozens more.

80’s Canadian rock band Platinum Blonde will be performing on the Credit Union Corral Stage at 11:30 pm on Saturday.

June 28th, 2019 Comments Off on In Manitoba This Weekend? Events Rob McIntyre

Ticketmaster Settles

Ticketmaster L.L.C., TNow Entertainment Group, Inc. and Ticketmaster Canada LP has agreed to pay $4.5 million dollars to settle the Competition Bureau’s case against them for misleading prices, according to a news release that was issued today by the bureau:

“As part of a consent agreement registered with the Competition Tribunal, the companies will also establish a compliance program to ensure their advertising complies with the law and will implement new procedures to prevent advertising issues in the future.”

The Bureau had concluded that Canadian consumers were paying 20% to 60% more than the advertised price due to fees, which were mandatory. And had decided to sue Ticketmaster and several other associated companies on January 25th, 2018 (PDF).



June 27th, 2019 Comments Off on Ticketmaster Settles Canadian Law, Consumer Information, Music Industry, Uncategorized Rob McIntyre

OTA Television Changes Along The Border

Yesterday I received a notice from WPBS-TV, the PBS station based in Watertown NY that broadcasts to Eastern Ontario, that they will be changing over-the-air channels on July 29th, 2019. And apparently several American television stations have already begun transitioning to new channels to free up frequencies for wireless services.

People who use television antennas in southwestern Ontario area have already needed to rescan to find WMYD broadcasts from Detroit on June 1st, 2019 and a new wave of channel changes are expected in July, this transition eventually ending in the summer of 2020.

If you’re getting these stations from cable, satellite or online, you will not see any changes. But if you use a television antenna to get any American station you will need to pay attention to notices by your favourite stations, that will be posted on their official sites and social media feeds for information related to this transition.

Many channels will also start airing notices featuring known personalities from television programs like The Doctors, Inside Edition, Entertainment Tonight, Dr.Phil, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy a month or so before their transition date. And monthly roundups of these transitions are also posted on the official TV Answers Blog, with occasional posts regarding individual channels appearing on TV Answer’s Facebook page.

I’m a bit too deep into Ontario to get American television stations via my antenna but thought people along the border would like to know.

June 27th, 2019 Comments Off on OTA Television Changes Along The Border Consumer Information, Events Rob McIntyre

Mark Your Calendars

Prime Day will be on July 15th & 16th this year. And Canadians can also get a free year of Amazon Prime by opening an All-in Banking Package account with Manulife.ca, provided you use this unlimited daily banking account to make 10 in-store or online purchases per month for the first two months you’ve had this account.

I’m not paid by the bank but thought you’d like to know. And yes, I do believe current Amazon Prime members would have their membership extended by a year on that offer.

By the way, you should keep an eye on Newegg.ca, who may also be offering deals to their Premier members on these dates. And both Indigo and Barnes & Noble are also known to have competitive sales and discounts at the same time.


June 25th, 2019 Comments Off on Mark Your Calendars Consumer Information, Events Rob McIntyre