Shopping Archives | Investormint https://investormint.com/shopping Personal Finance Tools and Insights Tue, 25 Feb 2020 17:31:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://investormint.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/cropped-investormint-icon-649x649-20170208-32x32.png Shopping Archives | Investormint https://investormint.com/shopping 32 32 Postmates vs Doordash Review https://investormint.com/shopping/postmates-vs-doordash https://investormint.com/shopping/postmates-vs-doordash#disqus_thread Wed, 26 Feb 2020 10:03:35 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=13482 Postmates vs Doordash: Unlike Postmates, you can’t use DoorDash for grocery delivery, liquor, or any consumer products that aren’t edible.

The article Postmates vs Doordash Review was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
postmates vs doordash

It wasn’t that long ago that home delivery of a hot meal meant you had to settle for pizza or Chinese food. Those days ended when delivery-on-demand services popped up. They provide a freelance labor force for local businesses to deliver meals to anyone (for a nominal delivery charge).

The average person has two food delivery apps, according to a survey from US Foods. In addition, each person is likely to use those apps three times per month. It’s clear we’re becoming more used to on-demand food delivery, but which do you choose?

You’ve likely used one of these services already, maybe even driven for one. Each platform has distinct differences in costs and which businesses it serves in each city. It can get confusing fast. We examined two of the most popular food delivery services to break down a Postmates vs DoorDash review.

Postmates Spotlight

POSTMATES SPOTLIGHT

postmates logo

Investormint Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

 

  • 3,500 cities
  • Free for first 7 Days
  • First 3 Deliveries Free with Referral Code

via Postmates secure site

How Does Postmates Work?

Postmates is like DoorDash, except it goes one step further. DoorDash focuses entirely on restaurants, but Postmates includes restaurants, grocery stores, and even retail stores. Not only can you get food, but also alcohol, clothing, and personal electronics.

Major stores like Walmart, CVS, PetSmart, Apple Store, 7-Eleven, and Old Navy are partnered with Postmates. Even MLB teams like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodger delivers through Postmates. Instead of Dashers, your delivery people are aptly called Postmates.

Like DoorDash, you can shop by search term, category, or business. Once you order, you’ll be notified when your order is received, prepared, and picked up for delivery.

You pay a service fee, delivery fee, and tip. Be sure to tip in cash if you want to ensure your driver receives the full amount.

The other difference between Postmates and DoorDash is availability. Postmates is available in 3,500 cities, while DoorDash is only available in 850 cities.

How to Get Postmates Free Delivery

Postmates delivery will cost you anywhere from $1 to $6 or more.

During peak hours, you’ll even notice blitz pricing. Postmates Unlimited costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 for a year and removes these fees for orders over $12.

On top of free deliveries, you’ll get access to exclusive promotional offers, giveaways, and events. The first 7 days are free too.

These are great ways to get free Postmates, and it has a referral program too. If you sign up using a referral code, you’ll get up to three free deliveries, and you can get a credit for more freebies if you refer your friends a family to the service.

Using a third-party app like Honey can help you find even more discount codes on services like Postmates.

Some stores offer specific discounts for ordering with them or with orders over a threshold from $15 to $30 or more.

How Does DoorDash Work?

If you haven’t used it yet, DoorDash is a mobile app and website that lets you order food from local restaurants that normally wouldn’t deliver.

You can find major brands like McDonald’s, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Panda Express, and Panera Bread deliver through DoorDash. The Cheesecake Factory is a DoorDash exclusive.

The interface is sleek and lets you search via restaurant, food type, or keyword. Like Uber and Amazon, DoorDash is essentially a logistics network that enables delivery to your door while you track each step. Delivery drivers are called Dashers.

As soon as you enter your order, the map will pop up, showing the status. In addition, you’ll receive a notification that the order was started. Your order will be tracked through the process as the restaurant receives it and prepares it, your Dasher picks it up, and it’s on its way.

You track your Dasher via the mobile app from the restaurant to your door (unless they leave the phone in the car). Because you pay up front, the transaction is faster than in-house delivery from a place like Dominos.

It’s still recommended to tip in cash to ensure your Dasher gets 100% of it.

How to Get DoorDash Free Delivery

DoorDash is a convenient service, but it comes at a price. Restaurants will charge you a delivery fee of anywhere from $1 to $6 or more. 

Of course, this delivery fee can be dodged, and it doesn’t cost your Dasher anything. That’s because restaurants also pay a commission to DoorDash for each order, along with monthly marketing costs to be featured.

When you first sign up for DoorDash, your first two deliveries are free. 

First-time orders with individual restaurants often give you free delivery too, and some restaurants offer free delivery on orders over a minimum of $15-30. There are two more ways to get free delivery.

1. Join DashPass

DashPass is a monthly subscription service that gives you free delivery or lower service fees on any DoorDash orders. It lowers the minimum threshold for free delivery to a $12 order.

The monthly cost is $9.99 per month, but it can be offset for certain Chase cardholders.

As of January 7, 2020, Chase Sapphire, Freedom, and Slate cardholders now have free DashPass for three months and a half-off discount for the next nine months.

That’s a total savings of $75 for a year of the service.

2. Refer Friends

DoorDash also offers referral bonuses of anywhere from $5-$30 when you refer your friends to sign up.

Your friend will get a discount on their first three orders, and you’ll receive a credit to be used on your next order. When combined with free delivery, you can end up with a free order.

Now that you understand DoorDash, let’s talk about its competition – Postmates.

Is Postmates Worth It? Is DoorDash Worth It?

As services, both Postmates and DoorDash are worth it, especially when you take the time to price shop between them. Use a referral code from a friend to sign up, and you’ll start off with a discount on top of the normal free delivery for first time users.

Large orders for parties and group events can be a great benefit of these services. The gas of taking multiple vehicles to a restaurant overtakes the cost of delivery. It’s not a replacement for a catering service, by any means, but on-demand food delivery is a useful service.

The convenience will inevitably cost you money, but you can mitigate these costs with due diligence and couponing. If you order delivery at least once a week, these are great services to use.

As mentioned above, there have been issues with drivers not being paid. These issues are being taken care of, and businesses that partner with Postmates and DoorDash are shouldering the financial burden. This makes it guilt-free for customers to use the services.

Postmates vs DoorDash Review: The Bottom Line

Both Postmates and DoorDash are useful services, but which one you choose ultimately depends on where you live. Some cities will only have access to one of these services, making the choice easy in those cases.

The choice is also easy if you want delivery from more than a restaurant. You can’t use DoorDash for grocery delivery, liquor, or any consumer products that aren’t edible. This is an easy choice as well for Postmates.

If both Postmates and DoorDash are available and partner with the business you want, the costs are comparable. It depends which of the services you choose to support, unless one is having surge pricing.

For Chase cardholders, free DashPass is a hard offer to pass up. For everyone else, it’s a matter of preference. Try them both and decide for yourself. Switch between them as convenient, and keep an eye out for promotional codes, coupons, deals, and discounts.

Bonus: What To Know About Doordash & Postmates

Each company is embroiled in lawsuits that can’t be ignored in any legitimate review of the services.

In fact, DoorDash was hit with a lawsuit by Washington D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine in late 2019 over misleading customers about where their tip money went.

Postmates has had its own share of lawsuit problems over dismally low courier pay. In fact, Uber and Postmates ended 2019 with a lawsuit to block the state of California from protecting its freelance workforce.

No consumer can in good faith use any service without understanding how its workers are treated. You may end up driving for one of these services yourself. We understand that’s a concern and will address cash tips to drivers to fix the paradigm.

Here’s what you need to know about DoorDash and Postmates before ordering.

The article Postmates vs Doordash Review was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
What Is The Best Chrome VPN? https://investormint.com/shopping/what-is-the-best-chrome-vpn https://investormint.com/shopping/what-is-the-best-chrome-vpn#disqus_thread Fri, 30 Aug 2019 09:21:34 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=12491 Best Chrome VPN: Many public WiFi networks could be at risk of cybercrime, and your sensitive data might be at risk. Using a VPN will provide you with a solution.

The article What Is The Best Chrome VPN? was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
what is the best chrome vpn

Think about the last time you connected to a public WiFi network. Perhaps you were waiting for a train. Or you were sipping a cup of coffee at Starbucks.

While you browsed your emails or watched the latest cute cat video on YouTube, you probably didn’t think about cybercrime. But the truth is, WiFi hotspots can be dangerous. In fact, hackers could have stolen your personal information – phone numbers, credit card details, and even photos.

Here’s a statistic that will make your eyes water: Around 25 percent of all WiFi hotspots in the world don’t use any encryption at all. This means your valuable data could be at risk. Names, addresses, email addresses, you name it.

What can you do about this problem?

Thankfully, there’s a solution – and it’s called a virtual private network. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about virtual private networks and which ones you should use.

What is a Virtual Private Network?

A virtual private network (VPN) is a type of technology that adds an extra layer of security when you connect to public and private WiFi networks around the world, whether it’s your internet service provider or a WiFi hotspot.

People use VPNs for a wide range of reasons. They might want to stay anonymous when browsing the internet, for example. Or use them to enhance their online security.

They are pretty easy to use, even if you lack technical knowledge. There are loads of VPNs on the market and, while they do pretty much the same thing, they come with various features.

What is the Best Chrome VPN?

Traditionally, people used VPNs with the Tor browser, which anonymizes search data and improves online security. However, this won’t work for everyone.

Most internet users have never used the Tor browser before and prefer to browse the internet via Google Chrome – the world’s most popular internet browser. Downloading and using the Tor browser would just be a chore, and most people aren’t familiar with its features.

NORDVPN SPOTLIGHT
nordvpn logo

InvestorMint Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

  • # servers: 2,900 worldwide
  • Bandwidth: High-speed unlimited
  • Price: $2.75 per month when buying a 3-year plan

via NordVPN secure site

You can use all of the VPNs listed below via Google Chrome without having to download any additional browser:

These three VPNs provide you with everything you need when browsing the internet anonymously. You don’t need to download any additional software and can run everything via Chrome. They are generally easy to use and come with various features.

However, if you want to take your VPN to the next level, check out the SurfShark extension for Chrome. It takes just a few minutes to install and comes with loads of features that you will love.

Why Use Surfshark Chrome Extension?

First up, Surfshark is really easy to use. Just download it, and it will provide you with additional protection when you connect your laptop or mobile device to a WiFi hotspot. You can use it on unlimited devices, and torrenting is still allowed. Plus, it unblocks Netflix.

Surfshark VPN utilizes a strict no-logs policy, which limits the type of data it collects. In fact, Surfshark only collects your email address, billing information, and diagnostics information.

You can also contact the company’s customer support if you have a problem with your service or just need some additional information about the various features available to you. You can contact a member of the team via email, for example.

Drawbacks of Chrome VPN vs Tor VPN

A previously mentioned, Chrome VPNs let you improve your online security without using the Tor browser. However, does this jeopardize your security when connecting to public WiFi hotspots?

The answer is: No. Both Chrome VPNs and Tor VPNs can protect your private information when browsing the internet and prevent any would-be hackers from stealing your data.

The main difference between Chrome and Tor VPNs is accountability. Research shows that security agencies could potentially target Tor.

Another difference between these two technologies is how your internet service provider (ISP) determines whether you are using a VPN.

In the first setup, Tor over VPN, your ISP sees that your computer is sending and receiving encrypted information with a specific server, and that is all,” says CompariTech.” The VPN server only sees that it is connected to a Tor entry node and that all of your surfing is being handled through that network.

In the second setup, VPN over Tor, your ISP sees that your computer is communicating with a Tor entry node.

Best Chrome VPN: Conclusion

Here’s the deal: One in four WiFi hotspots could pose a potential security threat.

Many public WiFi networks could be at risk of cybercrime, and your sensitive data might be at risk. Using a VPN will provide you with a solution. This connection method encrypts your data and allows you to browse the internet from your laptop or mobile device more securely. This makes it a good choice if you connect to WiFi hotspots when on the go.

However, with so many different VPNs on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Traditionally, people used Tor VPNs to anonymize data. However, in recent years, internet users have installed VPNs via internet browsers like Google Chrome.

Surfshark is a Chrome VPN that provides you with the protection you need. It’s easy to use and comes with loads of features, which generates peace of mind.

The article What Is The Best Chrome VPN? was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
Enjoy Flowers Review – Free Shipping, Quality Guaranteed! https://investormint.com/shopping/enjoy-flowers-review https://investormint.com/shopping/enjoy-flowers-review#disqus_thread Mon, 06 May 2019 09:25:50 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=11453 The pricing offered by Enjoy Flowers generally cannot be matched by local florists. Convenience, delivery times, and customer satisfaction rates are stellar too.

The article Enjoy Flowers Review – Free Shipping, Quality Guaranteed! was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
enjoy flowers review

Enjoy Flowers is a family-owned company that offers online flower delivery services.

It caters primarily to weddings, and lets you customize flower arrangements for ceremonies and receptions. If you need a helping hand, wedding experts are available to answer questions and to provide professional guidance.

You can choose from several different products, including DIY arrangements if you prefer. Another option is to gift a subscription that comes with a personalized card.

In this Enjoy Flowers review, we share what type of flowers are available, how much they cost, and when they will arrive.

Enjoy Flowers Spotlight

ENJOY FLOWERS SPOTLIGHT

enjoy flowers logo

Investormint Rating

5 out of 5 stars

  • Fast Delivery Times (4-7 days)
  • Quality Guaranteed
  • Free Shipping

via Enjoy Flowers secure site

How Does Enjoy Flowers Work?

gerbera daisy bouquetEnjoy Flowers is, at its core, a subscription box flower service.

It is similar to numerous other box subscription services that have cropped up online for which you pay a monthly fee and receive a box of various products with a particular theme, such as types of cosmetics or a style of clothing. In this case, the product is fresh-cut flowers.

All flowers are shipped within four days of being cut and are guaranteed for seven days of freshness upon arrival. You even get flower food to keep fresher blooms.

The varieties you receive may depend on the season, but you do have some control. Collection options include:

  • Farm-fresh bouquets
  • Signature bouquets
  • A do-it-yourself version of farm fresh

You can prepay your subscription or have Enjoy Flowers bill you with each delivery, but no commitment is required.

If something crops up whereby you need to skip a particular delivery or cancel your subscription outright that’s no problem either.

The wedding options are different in that there is no subscription involved; it’s a one-time purchase. You simply choose the collection you like, set an amount you want to spend, and indicate a date.

What Kind of Flowers Can I Buy?

The subscription products offered are organized into two main categories:

  • Farm Fresh
  • Signature Collection

Farm Fresh Flowers

red orange yellow rose bouquetThe Farm Fresh option features seasonal flowers.

These are chosen by floral experts to “brighten your space.”

They come in a hand-tied, vase-ready bouquet that can include your choice of 20, 30, or 40 stems.

All stems will be at least 50 centimeters long, and the varieties of flowers you can expect include:

  • Alstroemerias
  • Carnations
  • Charmelia
  • Green trick
  • Hydrangeas
  • Matsumoto
  • Pomponi
  • Roses
  • Spray roses

Signature Collection Flowers

The Signature Collection features premium blooms regardless of the season.

These arrangements are chosen by floral experts for classic appeal and sophistication and as ideal gifts.

You can choose between 20 and 40 stems for this option.

All stems will be at least 50 cm, and the varieties you can expect include:

  • Callas
  • Charmelia
  • Garden Roses
  • Hydrangeas
  • Kale
  • Leucospermum
  • Lilies
  • Pincushion
  • Proteas
  • Roses

Enjoy Flowers Pros and Cons

In order to decide whether or not Enjoy Flowers is right for you, you need to consider the various pros and cons of this service.

Enjoy Flowers Pros Enjoy Flowers Cons
Convenience: It’s easy to order flowers and select a regular delivery, which is particularly helpful if you run an Airbnb, small office, or other business establishment. Automatic Renewal: Some customers will shy away from the ongoing charges for deliveries. However, the flipside is customers who want regular deliveries can place orders on auto-pilot.
Product Quality: Each bouquet comes with a quality guarantee. And the selection of products is large. Lack of Precise Choice: Customers don’t have full control over flower selections as part of subscription box purchases. This can be viewed as a positive for those who simply want flowers to show up but don’t want the hassle of picking them monthly.
Price: Compared to similar services, the price is fair. Limited Return Options: No or few return options exist if you don’t like the flower selection delivered to you.
Free Shipping: No additional charge is applied to ship your bouquets of flowers.
Coupon Codes: If you are not in a hurry to receive flowers, discount coupon codes are frequently made available.

Is Enjoy Flowers Right for You?

white rose bouquetWhether Enjoy Flowers is right for you will depend largely on how you view the box subscription model in general.

This approach requires you to relinquish some degree of choice, and that may be problematic for some buyers.

Enjoy Flowers does not offer a returns option or a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the flower selection, which is something many of its competitors provide.

However, it does offer a product warranty, which means that if the flowers arrive damaged or if they fail within the guaranteed seven-day period, the company will send a new bouquet at no cost to you.

Compared to its competition, Enjoy Flowers is a stellar option. It is a convenient service for the person who wants fresh flowers regularly.

The product quality is superb, and the shipping container ensures it. Plus, the prices are fair compared to the competition.

Shipping is included at no additional charge, and coupon codes are often available.

Note that both the biweekly and monthly plans automatically renew. Therefore, you have to remember to opt out or to cancel the subscription as needed.

Are Wedding Flowers Available?

Enjoy Flowers offers eight distinct wedding collections:

Blushing Love – Emphasizes soft and elegant pinks and whites. Arrangements include fragrant calla, eucalyptus, garden roses, hydrangeas, and lilies.

Bordeaux – A striking combination of burgundy and green. This is a bold palette that features exotic flowers, such as African proteas, velvet touch scabiosas, peach garden roses, and calla lilies.

Coral Blossom – Offers a lush floral arrangement with blush and coral hues. The prominent flowers in this collection are charmelia, eucalyptus, garden roses, and scabiosas.

Enchanted Summer – Glamourous with rich summer hues and fresh aromas. This arrangement is a combination of Juliette roses, veronicas, and burgundy calla lilies.

Flame – Features a passionate pink collection with touches of peach and red. Intended for summer and vintage-themed weddings, flowers include charmelia, dusty miller, eucalyptus, and roses.

Lilah – Intended to be whimsical. It emphasizes soft lavenders as well as muted greens and pale pinks. Ideal for outdoor weddings, the flora includes garden roses, disbuds, and snap dragons.

Purity – Offers a classic choice for winter celebrations or just timeless appeal. These arrangements are white with a touch of green and include three varieties of roses as well as dollar eucalyptus.

Seaside – A blue and white collection intended for spring and ocean-side weddings. These arrangements include blue hydrangeas, dusty miller, eucalyptus, garden roses, and roses.

How Fast Are Delivery Times?

Subscription Delivery Times

tulip bouquetFor subscriptions, delivery times are based on scheduled delivery dates that Enjoy Flowers publishes in advance.

These scheduled dates are necessary in order for the flower farms to function optimally and to minimize the overhead of cutting, boxing, and shipping the flowers to customers.

Whether you opt for the biweekly or monthly plan, your first delivery will occur on the next scheduled delivery date.

Customers who opt for a biweekly plan will then receive their next box two weeks from that date, and for monthly clients, delivery will occur within seven days of the next billing cycle.

The usual delivery date is Thursday, and some customers will receive their flowers on Friday depending on where they live.

You have to place your order by Sunday 10:00 P.M. ET in order to receive your flowers on Thursday of the same week. Otherwise, you will receive your order the following Thursday.

Wedding Collections

For wedding collections, you can schedule your flowers to arrive in a precise window.

The company recommends three to four days in advance of the wedding.

Keep in mind that you need to finalize your order 40 days in advance of the wedding in order to enjoy the precision delivery of your flowers.

How Much Does Enjoy Flowers Cost?

Your price will depend on the collection you choose as well as the size of your order.

The prices listed are per delivery, so they apply either once a month or every two weeks.

Shipping is included in the price.

Farm Fresh Subscription

# Stems Price Range
Regular 20-25 stems $41.65 – $49.00
Medium 30-35 stems $48.45 – $57.00
Large 40-50 stems $58.65 – $69.00

Note that the Farm Fresh prices are the same whether you choose the do-it-yourself option or the premade bouquet. You can also opt to prepay for three months, six months, or an entire year at once.

These prepay options provide you discounts of 5%, 7.5%, or 15%, respectively, and your subscription will auto renew on that cycle.

So, if you choose 12 months, then you would be billed each year.

Signature Collection Subscription

# Stems Price Range
Single 20-25 stems $50.15 – $59.00
Double 40-50 stems $67.15 – $79.00

*Note that the prices listed here are current as of the time of this review and are subject to change.

What Is Enjoy Now?

combo bouquetEnjoy Now is the branding that Enjoy Flowers uses for its subscription service.

The company offers three core options:

Farm Fresh – Features seasonal flowers
Signature – Features premium varieties
DIY Arrangement – Farm Fresh but not in a bouquet

The do-it-yourself arrangement is for those customers who want to customize their displays.

The bouquets, on the other hand, are designed to be vase-ready.

You can choose between 20 → 50 stems per delivery. You can also choose to receive your deliveries once or twice a month. However, the exact combination of flowers is not customizable.

You can pay on a per-delivery basis. You can also skip a delivery or cancel the subscription at any time.

Subscriptions can also be prepaid 3, 6, and 12 months at a time (which come with discounts).

Prepaid subscriptions cannot be canceled, but you can skip a delivery.

Can You Gift Enjoy Flowers?

rose bouquetEnjoy Flowers does offer a gift option.

It works similarly to the prepay option discussed in the pricing section. One significant difference is that the order will not automatically renew unless you specifically make that change.

The person receiving your gift will get three or more deliveries depending on your choices, and each will include a signature box, a hand-tied bouquet, a personalized card, flower food, and simple instructions.

Note that while Enjoy Flowers does offer some preconfigured gifting options, those are not your only choices. You can also customize an order, add it to your cart, and select the “this is a gift” option.

Deliveries are generally received on Thursday or Friday.

If you place your gift order by Sunday 10:00 P.M. ET, then your gift will be delivered on the following Thursday or Friday.

Enjoy Flowers Review Summary

Environmentally Friendly

Although based in Florida, all of the flora Enjoy Flowers sells is grown, cut, and prepared at environmentally friendly flower farms in Columbia.

Excellent Pricing

The pricing offered by Enjoy Flowers generally cannot be matched by local florists.

These rates are also highly competitive with other online florists, and the budget options are quite favorable when compared to the competition.

High Customer Satisfaction

The online customer response to Enjoy Flowers is overwhelmingly positive. And the company has received significant attention from leading wedding websites and magazines.

Satisfaction rates among customers of the subscription boxes are very high as well.

Customer support is excellent, and the reps are eager to answer questions and even to send you photos of various products that the company has shipped.

Limited Selection

Choice is a bit limited, but this is a shortcoming of the business model rather than of Enjoy Flowers itself.

The brand should have a better returns option for new customers, which is something the competition often does offer, and automatic renewal may be a hassle for some customers.

Overall, none of these negatives stop Enjoy Flowers from being among the best options in this space.

Meet The Enjoy Flowers Team

Although the management has changed many times over the years, the current lead designer for Enjoy Flowers is Hernando Salazar.

He has more than 15 years of industry experience, and that experience includes working with high-end brands like Cartier and Tiffany.

The article Enjoy Flowers Review – Free Shipping, Quality Guaranteed! was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
Eaze Review – Marijuana Delivered https://investormint.com/shopping/eaze-review https://investormint.com/shopping/eaze-review#disqus_thread Wed, 24 Apr 2019 09:03:35 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=11424 Eaze is a marijuana delivery app that offers first time customers free orders and delivers in under an hour. It’s available in California and Oregon.

The article Eaze Review – Marijuana Delivered was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
eaze review

Cannabis isn’t yet legal in every state in the USA but for the fortunate few who live in areas where it is legal, a new delivery app has sprung up to save you the hassle of going to a local dispensary or the danger of visiting the wrong side of town to pick up your favorite leafy product.

Enter Eaze, the marijuana delivery app that you can think of as the Uber for marijuana delivery. Click a few buttons and your favorite strain of weed may be delivered on-demand without so much as needing to venture outdoors.

But how much does Eaze cost and is it worth? In this Eaze review, we answer all your questions from how fast Eaze delivers to what strains of weed are available on Eaze.

Eaze Spotlight

EAZE SPOTLIGHT

eaze logo

Investormint Rating

5 out of 5 stars

 

  • 1st time Orders Free
  • Free Delivery on orders of $50+
  • Fast Delivery Times

via Eaze secure site

Is Eaze Available Everywhere?

The rise of delivery apps for food was fairly predictable; people love great food that is delivered right to their doors.

Customers also enjoy the convenience of being able to order from a wide range of restaurants and have the cuisine brought directly to their locations.

It is a small stretch to imagine the same model being adapted for legal marijuana delivery, and the company that figured that out is called Eaze.

The business operates only in California and some parts of Oregon, and it claims to maintain compliance with all relevant laws at the federal, state and local levels.

Eaze serves the needs of customers who are able to legally purchase marijuana under state law.

What Does Eaze Do?

Eaze has been compared to Uber because of its ability to deliver cannabis products right to a customer’s location.

The app provides a way for customers to order from cannabis dispensaries that are properly licensed.

In a way it’s similar to Amazon because it’s not an actual online store, but it serves as a meeting place where vendors and customers can connect and do business.

Is Eaze Legal?

Even though cannabis stores can operate in California, many local jurisdictions can make it difficult or impossible for them to conduct business. This leaves customers wondering if the business model is legitimate or not.

Since California passed Proposition 64 in November of 2016, using marijuana for recreation has been technically legal since January of 2018; however, additional regulations imposed on the cannabis industry can make it difficult for providers to survive the transition.

Eaze has managed to remain compliant with the law and continues to provide the technology that makes it possible for customers to order cannabis products online with fast delivery times.

How Does Eaze Work?

Eaze is an app, not a direct retailer.

It allows customers to order from dispensaries without even having to leave their own homes.

Eaze enables customers to quickly find retailers who have an account with the company.

The product is sold through the platform, and all of the transactions are completed online.

Drivers are employed by the dispensaries, and they receive specific training on how to deliver the product to customers safely.

All delivery drivers are employed as traditional W-2 workers and complete background checks.

How Fast Can Eaze Deliver?

Most deliveries will be completed within the hour, and there is a wide range of affordable cannabis products available.

The Eaze platform makes it possible for customers to quickly access their preferred medical marijuana products in a safe and legal manner.

There is a large inventory of marijuana strains as well as other products similar to those found in physical dispensaries.

Does Eaze Support
All Strains of Weed?

Popular strains of weed include Kush, Durban Poison, Blue Dream and Northern Lights.

Products include:

  • Vaporizers
  • Capsules
  • Edibles
  • Topical ointments

Many local cannabis stores have a limited range of products in stock.

If the customer is looking for a specific strain of cannabis, it is easy to simply go online and select from the largest inventory available.

Find exotic strains like Flower Hybrid, Grandaddy Purp, Blue Dream and various types of Kush on the Eaze ordering site.

>> What Is The Most Expensive Bottled Water?

How Much Does Eaze Cost?

Eaze maintains that it operates within the regulations set forth in California’s 2018 Adult-Use Cannabis Regulations. However, compliance also increases the cost of doing business, so Eaze began imposing a delivery fee on each successful order.

The delivery fee is waived for the first order, and it is only applied to subsequent orders that are under $50.

Additionally, the delivery fees are based on the area where the order will be routed, and customers have to look up their region on the website to find out how much each delivery will cost.

For example, deliveries in San Francisco cost $10, but it is only $5 for Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego.

>> Best Online Flea Markets To Get Deals

Why Use Eaze?

Why do people prefer an online delivery system to a physical cannabis store?

Legalization is a major factor in why people order online; they don’t like to be associated with shady businesses or activities.

This issue becomes compounded when a new customer is faced with a huge green icon in a physical storefront window.

It reduces privacy and can leave people feeling exposed.

Customers enjoy an additional level of privacy when purchasing products through a dispensary associated with the Eaze platform.

Online dispensaries are also able to carry a large inventory of supplies, products and related items.

Physical stores may have only a smaller selection of cannabis items and related supplies. They might also be located in an area that is inconvenient for some customers.

Buyers often prefer the delivery model to the local dispensary model that might require them to walk for hours or spend extra time doing their own driving.

In addition, some medical marijuana patients have restrictions on how much they can travel because of a medical condition. Delivery reduces the problems associated with access.

Regulatory Risk:
What You Need To Know

Legalization is always a tricky line to navigate for the company, but many customers find that the Eaze provides them with a higher level of assurance than local cannabis stores can offer.

The platform simply charges a fee for the service of connecting the customer with the dispensary.

This allows the consumer to remain confident in the process while securing their purchase through the most convenient method available.

Eaze has been navigating the regulatory hurdles since the legalization movement began, and the company is fully compliant with all legal requirements to operate in California.

>> Order Online Anonymously with NordVPN

Two Thumbs Up:
Delivery Times Are Guaranteed

Guaranteed delivery times adds value to each transaction, and this is something customers get excited about. It makes ordering convenient and secure.

Gone are the days when a customer would have to do a deal in a shady area of town in the dark.

Now it is possible to simply place an order online and wait for the driver to come to the customer’s location.

Most deliveries are completed within an hour, and the fees are waived if the order is over $50.

The actual delivery time will depend on the customer’s location as well as the availability of drivers in that area.

First-time customers also have the order fee waived, so they get to enjoy a free delivery experience.

To find the relevant delivery fee, simply enter your address into the Eaze database, and the applicable fees will apply to the order.

Most of the fees are based on ZIP code area, and the normal range is between $5 and $10.

>> Is Prime Pantry Worth It?

Pros and Cons of Eaze

Eaze Pros Eaze Cons
Fees Waived: Orders over $50 result in no delivery fees. Limited Geographical Availability: Eaze is only available in California and Oregon.
Very Convenient: No visits to shady parts of town are needed when using Eaze because deliveries arrive to your home.
Wide Variety of Weed Strains: Find exotic strains like Flower Hybrid, Grandaddy Purp, Blue Dream and various types of Kush on the Eaze ordering site.
Free First Order: First-time customers also have the order fee waived, so they get to enjoy a free delivery experience.
Legally Compliant: In the states where Eaze operates, it is compliant to state laws.

What You Need To Know
Before Ordering

Eaze is convenient for customers who are able to meet the criteria for ordering cannabis online.

There are some preliminary steps that must be taken before ordering. This ensures the safety of all delivery drivers and meets the requirements of the relevant laws.

Customers must provide proof of identity and residence, which most find fairly convenient.

However, the company can only operate in some parts of California and Oregon due to the patchwork of legal restrictions imposed on municipalities.

This is mostly leftover legislation from the prohibition era.

Is Eaze Right for You?

Using Eaze is convenient for patients who have acquired permission to buy medical marijuana to treat various conditions.

Many doctors understand the value of prescribing medical marijuana to people with diseases like multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, Crohn’s disease, cancer and other ailments.

However, once a doctor prescribes medical marijuana, patients have to figure out how to purchase the substance.

Eaze provides a platform that makes it possible for patients to order medical marijuana and have it safely delivered to their current location.

Eaze is ideal for medical marijuana patients who have a valid ID, appropriate doctor’s recommendation, phone number, and online access.

This information is protected under the HIPAA regulations that protect the privacy of patients in all medical institutions.

Eaze Review Summary

Online ordering of cannabis is a convenient, affordable and safe alternative to purchasing from local dispensaries.

Using the Eaze platform also cuts down on travel time, which can be a burden for people who live in areas where local dispensaries are not available.

Marijuana products are available through the online ordering platform provided by Eaze.

The company does not make money directly through product sales but instead receives payment from the dispensaries who sell directly to the customers.

The online purchasing method guarantees delivery within a reasonable time frame, and results in a level of convenience that is hard to beat.

Some customers mention that this alternative enables them to avoid walking long distances to the nearest dispensary. They also get to avoid long drives that require them to spend time and gas on this task.

Having the product delivered right to the door is a major perk for many customers who experience traveling limitations due to medical conditions.

The article Eaze Review – Marijuana Delivered was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
7 Online Flea Markets To Get Deals! https://investormint.com/shopping/best-online-flea-markets https://investormint.com/shopping/best-online-flea-markets#disqus_thread Wed, 03 Apr 2019 08:51:36 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=11265 Visiting flea markets is a fun, cheap way to get the things you need. You’re already familiar with offline markets but where do you go to find the best online flea markets? Digital flea markets are available for people who …

7 Online Flea Markets To Get Deals! Read More »

The article 7 Online Flea Markets To Get Deals! was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
online flea marketsVisiting flea markets is a fun, cheap way to get the things you need. You’re already familiar with offline markets but where do you go to find the best online flea markets?

Digital flea markets are available for people who prefer to shop from the comfort of their own home. They allow customers to browse listings, visit several vendors, and get items they need without spending a lot of money, and all without leaving the house!

Some online flea markets allow you to haggle, too, just like at physical flea markets, so that you can negotiate an even lower price on the items you most want.

If you’re new to the world of online flea markets, you’ll want to check out some of the ones we’ve listed below.

1. Etsy

Etsy is best-known as a marketplace for handcrafted, one-of-a-kind items. You can find pretty much anything you want here, as long as someone has thought of making it themselves!

This online marketplace is popular among jewelry makers and candle makers; people who make these items for a living often sell them using this platform.

Etsy isn’t just about craft items, though. If you’re into anything vintage, this marketplace may be for you.

Some vendors on Etsy sell vintage games as well as clothing from the 1970s or earlier. If you collect clothing, games, or music from the past, you’ll want to stop here first.

2. vFlea

vases and urns for salevFlea’s goal is to give users a similar experience to walking through a physical flea market. Users can browse through the items offered by different vendors and decide on the spot what they want to buy.

Items are of varying quality and interest, though you can search by category to narrow down what you’re looking at.

Once you find something you want to buy, you have two choices:

  1. You can buy the item at the advertised price or
  2. Haggle!

Haggling works the same as it does in a real-world flea market. You make an offer and the vendor responds with a counter-offer until you reach a mutually agreeable price. Then you pay for your item and everyone leaves happy.

The seller has final say over any offer you make so you’ll have to get them to agree to your offer if you want to haggle.

vFlea also has a barter feature.

If you have items you want to get rid of, you can trade them with vendors for the new items you want. As with haggling, both sides have to agree to the barter, but if you can make this kind of deal, you can save yourself money and trade items that are no longer of use to you for things you need and want.

>> Compare Sealy Vs Serta

3. Fleabay

Fleabay offers a wide variety of items for sale – everything from used furniture to community events!

The site works similarly to classified ad sites such as Craigslist in that vendors post ads announcing items for sale and buyers respond to those ads in order to purchase the item. If you find something you like, you fill out a contact form to arrange for the sale.

This method is often slower than other platforms offer, but if you want an item that you can’t find anywhere else, Fleabay might be the way to go.

There are very few restrictions on what you can buy or sell at this site, though you can’t sell human body parts, drugs, or anything that infringes on copyright or other laws.

Some items, such as used airbags, are considered questionable and Fleabay will evaluate them on a case-by-case basis before allowing them to be posted for sale.

>> Browse Online Securely with NordVPN

4. Fleatique

wagon baskets stool garden toolsFleatique is a vintage online flea market that offers a variety of items at cheap prices.

You can search through item listings to find whatever items you are looking for, and Fleatique also has a garage sale section you can browse if you are looking for items that cost a dollar or less.

Like most online flea markets, Fleatique offers unique items that you can’t find anywhere else.

The platform also includes a personal shopper feature, which allows you to put in keywords so that you can search for specific items.

The personal shopper will scan new uploads daily and email you results so that you can get online and buy the item you’re looking for as soon as it comes in.

>> Build Your Own Online Store

5. DaWanda

DaWanda (now Etsy Germany) is the ultimate flea market site for DIY project fans.

Like Etsy, it offers a wide range of handmade items for sale, but it doesn’t stop there.

DaWanda also offers plenty of online guides for completing various DIY projects, including a bunch of recipes if your favorite DIY craft is cooking.

DaWanda also offers yarn and other materials for sale that you’ll need to complete craft and other DIY projects.

6. Bonanza

bottles for saleBonanza is one of the largest online flea markets around!

This site offers a ton of items for sale in a number of different categories. You can browse by category or search for specific items using the toolbar. Bonanza also offers lots of tools to help you refine your search.

In addition to physical items, Bonanza offers a marketplace to sell digital downloads. You can purchase digital artwork, designs and patterns for your own embroidery projects, instruction manuals and other ebooks, and a range of other digital items for just a few dollars each.

Bonanza also features a catch-all “everything else” category that you’ll want to visit if you’re into metaphysics or collect unusual items.

The everything else category has a little bit of everything, as implied by the name. Whether you’re looking for vintage games, crystals and other metaphysical items, or gadgets that went out of style years ago, you’ll find it here.

A subset of the “everything else” category is “weird stuff”. This is the place to go for novelty items such as earrings made out of bones, practical joke items like stinky sprays, and strange gadgets.

7. Ebay

antiques for saleEbay is one of the first online flea markets and it’s still going strong today. Ebay has always been known primarily as an auction site, but there’s a lot more to it than that.

Ebay auctions require buyers to place bids on items. The seller usually sets a minimum acceptable price as an opening bid and then bidders offer more than that price.

You receive notifications in your email or on your phone if someone outbids you on an item you want so that you can make a new bid if you want. When the auction closes, the highest bidder wins the item and pays for it.

Ebay also offers a Buy it Now! option on some items.

Buy it Now works more like a traditional flea market in that if you are willing to pay that price and have the money to pay it, you can get the item without going through the auction process. This is especially useful if you come across a deal on a popular item that you don’t want to miss out on.

Regardless of which method you use to buy, you will have the opportunity to rate the seller.

The platform allows customer ratings to help other buyers know which vendors are trustworthy and which are not.

Sellers can also rate buyers so that other sellers know if a buyer backs out of deals or doesn’t pay for items as agreed on.

>> Give The Gift Of Stock To Loved Ones

The article 7 Online Flea Markets To Get Deals! was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
9 Reasons You’ll Love I Heart Publix https://investormint.com/shopping/i-heart-publix https://investormint.com/shopping/i-heart-publix#disqus_thread Tue, 02 Apr 2019 08:37:55 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=11241 Publix is a popular supermarket in the Southeastern United States because of its low prices and awesome deals. If you shop at Publix, you’ll love I Heart Publix, a site run by a fan of the store who wants to …

9 Reasons You’ll Love I Heart Publix Read More »

The article 9 Reasons You’ll Love I Heart Publix was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
Publix is a popular supermarket in the Southeastern United States because of its low prices and awesome deals. If you shop at Publix, you’ll love I Heart Publix, a site run by a fan of the store who wants to help other shoppers save money.

Check out our top 9 reasons why you need to visit this site.

1.You’ll Save Money With Exclusive Deals

Did you know that Publix has discounts and deals that it doesn’t advertise in its weekly circular? If you use I Heart Publix, you’ll get access to all of these money-saving deals.

Michelle, the owner of the site, posts a weekly blog that is filled to the brim with exclusive deals and discounts. Not only will this save you money, but also time, as the blog is interactive.

As you read, you can click on the items you’re interested in to add them to a printable shopping list within the site.

This ensures that you won’t forget to look for non-advertised deals once you get inside Publix to do your weekly shopping!

>> Find Out How To Create A Budget

2. Network With Other Shoppers

mom daughter shopping cartPart of the fun of using I Heart Publix is its ability to bring shoppers together.

The platform features a forum where you can ask questions, post about deals you know about, and get to know other Publix shoppers. By participating in the forums, you can gain access to even more savings by pooling your knowledge!

You can search for topics that interest you (including the deals in your area) and post as much as you’d like.

Many people not only post deals in the forums, but also review products they’ve bought from Publix. This helps you decide what you want to buy before you set foot in the store so that you don’t waste time and money on products that aren’t useful to you.

In addition to gaining knowledge about Publix deals through the forums, you can make friends. If you meet other Publix shoppers who live near you, you might be able to arrange a shopping trip that could be the start of a beautiful new friendship.

>> Related: Trade Socially at tastyworks

3. Learn About Penny Item Deals Ahead of Time

In some states, Publix offers time-limited penny item savings. In most cases, these deals last for only 24 hours and require you to use a coupon that is printed in the Publix circular.

This can be a pain if you don’t subscribe to the newspaper where the circular is printed or accidentally throw yours away before you look for the deal.

Sometimes, people put a lot of time and effort into searching for the penny item coupon, only to find that the item of the week isn’t one that interests them at all. It’s annoying and frustrating to track down the circular only for this deal to not be worth your time!

I Heart Publix makes this easier. While the site doesn’t offer the penny item coupon itself, it does send out a weekly reminder that lists the item(s).

You can quickly skim your email to see if the item interests you before you put any effort into getting the coupon and heading out to Publix and skip the whole process if it doesn’t.

>> Best Penny Stock Brokers 

4. Easily Enter Giveaways

Giveaways are a shopper’s dream! These are contests where entrants have an equal chance of getting an item for free, which saves them money as well as making them feel great.

Unfortunately, many sites make giveaways so difficult to enter that it’s not worth the effort. That’s not the case on I Heart Publix. This platform offers super easy to enter giveaways on a regular basis.

At I Heart Publix, giveaways work like this:

  1. Michelle posts a blog reviewing a particular Publix item and explaining its pros and cons.
  2. At the end of the blog, she asks a question that doesn’t take a ton of effort to answer.
  3. All you have to do is answer the question and you’re in!

At the end of the contest period, Michelle chooses a commenter at random who receives the giveaway.

If you enter a lot of giveaways, the chances are that you’ll win sooner or later, and in the meantime you’ll be interacting with other shoppers, making friends, and helping people understand whether this product is something they want to buy.

>> Whoa! Is Rachael Ray’s Net Worth Nearly $100 Million?

5. Easily Find the Coupons You Need

I Heart Publix features a searchable coupon database. You can type the name of an item you are looking for into the search bar to see what coupons are available. Once you find a coupon, you just click it to access and print it.

Many of these coupons are offered through coupon services rather than through Publix itself, so you may need to sign up for the service the first time you use it, but after that you’ll be able to collect all the coupons you need to save a ton of money at Publix.

There are also Publix-specific coupons on the site. If you have a Publix card, you can load digital coupons that you find on I Heart Publix right onto your card so that when you swipe it at the register, your discounts will be automatically applied.

Or, if you prefer paper coupons, you can access the entire booklet of Publix coupons right on your computer and print out the ones you plan to use, saving you time and effort.

>> Planning A Vacay? Grab A Hotel Bargain

6. Get Previews of Upcoming Deals

grocery market cart with veggiesI Heart Publix doesn’t just give you information about current deals. It lets you travel into the future to see what deals are coming up!

Every week, Michelle posts a preview of the Sunday circular on I Heart Publix so that you can see what deals are coming up ahead of time.

This is great if you like to plan your grocery shopping in advance. You can decide what to buy before the circular even comes out!

>> Check Out Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card

7. Get Cash Back

I Heart Publix not only saves you money at the grocery store but also offers you the opportunity to get cash back through shopping apps like Ibotta.

These apps offer you cash back on grocery purchases that fall within specific guidelines.

If apps aren’t your thing, you can also sign up for rewards programs via the I Heart Publix site.

Brands such as Kelloggs offer loyal customers rewards through these programs. If you purchase a certain amount, you will get cash back or coupons for future purchases.

>> Get Financially Savvy with Rich Dad Poor Dad

8. Get The Largest Collection of Circulars and Coupons

I Heart Publix posts the circulars and coupons from every Publix store and a few related stores.

If you look at the ad match-ups, you can find deals that might not have been advertised in your local circular.

This can add up to a lot of additional savings!

>> Save Smarter with the Stash app

9. The Shopping List Feature Makes Shopping Easy

I Heart Publix doesn’t just list ads and coupons — it also features a printable shopping list. Every product listing on the site is linked to the shopping list so that you can add products you want to buy with just a click of the mouse.

In addition, the shopping list shows you how much you’ll spend and how much you’ll save so that you can stay within your budget while planning your shopping trip.

Once you’re ready, just print the list and go off to Publix to buy what you need!

>> Invest On Auto-Pilot with Betterment

The article 9 Reasons You’ll Love I Heart Publix was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
BigCommerce Review – Build Your Online Store Easily https://investormint.com/shopping/bigcommerce-review https://investormint.com/shopping/bigcommerce-review#disqus_thread Tue, 15 Jan 2019 10:32:32 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=10122 BigCommerce enables businesses to create online storefronts easily. Low monthly pricing is available to new businesses while large businesses have flexibility to customize their online stores.

The article BigCommerce Review – Build Your Online Store Easily was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
bigcommerce review
E-commerce sales are projected to top $1.18 trillion a year, according to Forrester Research. And BigCommerce has its eyes set on capturing its fair share of this market by getting businesses online easily with ready-made storefronts.

With its turnkey shopping cart and easy setup, it’s no wonder BigCommerce already supports around 100,000 businesses, including big names like Toyota and Sony.

Most of its customers however are smaller businesses who earn between $50,000 and $400,000 a year.

So you might be wondering whether BigCommerce is the right solution for your business. Or whether competitors like Shopify would better suit your needs.

In our BigCommerce review, we cover everything you need to know to make the right decision.

BigCommerce Spotlight

BIGCOMMERCE SPOTLIGHT

bigcommerce logo

Investormint Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

  • Easy to build online storefront
  • Pricing starts at $29.95
  • Trusted by ~100,000 businesses

via BigCommerce secure site

What You Need To Know About BigCommerce

If you have an offline store and want to move online, BigCommerce is your one stop shop.

With BigCommerce, you can start selling products on the internet within minutes without having to know a lick of code.

All you have to do is upload your product list, pick your storefront design, and you’re good to go.

But that’s not all.

Ongoing tasks like inventory tracking and order management, as well as payments integration fall under the BigCommerce umbrella too.

You’ll still make all the important front-end decisions regarding design, sales, and promotion, but you’ll be able to outsource back-end functionality to BigCommerce.

You don’t need to be a tech whiz either.

Things Google cares about to rank your page like how fast your website pages load are all taken care of by BigCommerce.

bigcommerce jenis ice cream shop

That’s good news because you won’t lose potential customers who hate waiting for more than a few seconds for a website page to load.

Other concerns of small business owners like the security of customer information is outsourced to BigCommerce who stores credit card information securely.

A further plus is the ability to create cyberstores that are customized for mobile devices.

What is BigCommerce Next?

BigCommerce Next is a 2014 upgrade to the basic BigCommerce platform that allows online merchants to connect with potential customers through third-party apps.

Merchants can add these functionalities to their online stores with a single click.

Using the Next platform, merchants can also connect with mobile management apps to stay informed about performance metrics and inventory updates in real time.

BigCommerce Next is integrated with Google Trusted Stores.

How BigCommerce Works

Once you create an account with BigCommerce and log in to it, you’ll be taken to your control panel and prompted to set up your BigCommerce store.

Simply enter information about your products, shipping options, and tax rates.

That’s all the info you need to launch a bare-bones store.

When your store goes live, the “Getting Started” page will be replaced by your BigCommerce dashboard.

A vertical menu on the left side of your dashboard contains links to feature options.

For example, when you click “Store Design,” you will be taken to a page that displays templates, themes, and styles.

In addition to viewing your data, many of the dashboard menu options have an option that allows you to edit that data if you wish.

Is BigCommerce Right for You?

E-commerce solutions are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The right e-commerce platform for your business will depend on your budget and how important features like custom design options, customer care, marketing support, and website loading speed are for you.

Here’s the skinny on BigCommerce:

Ease of Use

The user interface is relatively straightforward.

Nevertheless, even the simplest e-commerce technology can seem a bit daunting if you have no previous experience.

Expect a learning curve if you are a first-time user just as you would with any new product or service.

Get Up To Speed Quickly

One of BigCommerce’s strengths is that it offers users excellent information to help successfully navigate any difficulties while building and managing their online stores.

How-to guides can be accessed by clicking the “Help” option on the vertical menu to the left on the dashboard.

And a help center is available with dozens of instructional videos, FAQs, and both user and developer guides.

BigCommerce has an active user community where you can find answers to specific issues or join special interest groups like “Ask a Design Partner,” “Marketing & SEO Advice,” and “Critique My Site.”

Customer service support by phone is available 24/7 in nine countries.

Hosting

BigCommerce is a hosted online store management system.

You don’t actually buy the software to set up an internet shop; instead, you subscribe to it, which means you’ll pay a monthly fee to license its use.

This saves you from having to invest in technology upfront.

Partnering with a hosted service can save you money you might otherwise spend on essential IT services such as server hosting and maintenance, firewall management, mail hosting, and application hosting.

BigCommerce Review: Features

Design Templates

BigCommerce clients have access to 7 free themes and more than 120 premium themes.

Every theme contains several different styles, so the content management system offers lots of choice.

bigcommerce themes

Themes have been selectively designed to optimize search results.

Clients with a working knowledge of HTML, cascading style sheets, and web design can customize Stencil framework themes; this is not an option for clients who elect to use Blueprint framework themes.

Sales Tools

A number of tools are available to track inventory levels efficiently.

Plus, you have complete control over setting your own shipping rates.

Whether products are physical, digital, or service-based products, you have the option to add custom fields to your product descriptions or even import product SKUs from other sites and track returns easily too.

Setting up product categories is a simple task; there’s a “Bulk Edit” option that accelerates the process of designating products.

Within each broad category, you’ll upload individual products manually.

You can create a number of options to describe products, which comes in very handy if you’re dealing with products that come in an assortment of colors, sizes, and shapes.

Plus it’s easy to collect custom data from customers, such as inscriptions they might want on a piece of jewelry.

Each inventory item has its own product screen.

Image optimization technology is integrated right into the BigCommerce software; not only does this allow your potential customers to view the products they’re interested in purchasing right away, but your shop’s webpages will be served more quickly, which has the potential to improve your products’ search rankings.

Marketing Tools

At your fingertips is an extensive marketing tool set that can be used to offer customers a customized shopping experience.

Built-in marketing tools include:

  • Banners
  • Blogging software
  • Coupon codes
  • Google AdWords
  • Yahoo search marketing
  • Email marketing through integrated platforms like Constant Contact, MailChimp, and HubSpot
  • Abandoned shopping cart notifications
  • Search engine optimization (SEO)

BigCommerce integrates seamlessly with a number of online marketplaces, thereby enabling e-merchants to launch channels on Amazon, eBay, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and even Alibaba.

It is the only e-commerce platform that integrates with Google’s Merchant Center, which means products can be sold via Google Shopping.

Analytics

For data lovers, sophisticated metrics are offered with even the most affordably priced plan.

Track where your customers came from, whether they’re new or returning customers, what products they’re searching for, and the last time that they bought something.

You’ll also be able to access abandoned shopping cart reports at the Plus subscription level and higher.

BigCommerce Pricing

Subscription Packages

Prospective customers can try the platform out for free for 15 days.

Four subscription packages are available:

Plan Pricing Per Month Sales Under
Standard $29.95 $50,000
Plus $79.95 $150,000
Pro $249.95 $400,000
Enterprise Variable Variable

If you exceed annual sales limits, you will be compelled to upgrade to the next highest-priced plan.

Plus is the most popular plan.

Users who pay annually for the Plus and Pro plans receive a 10 percent discount.

Core services available with all four plans include:

  • Unlimited file storage
  • Full content management functionality
  • Payment gateway integration
  • High-quality search engine optimization options

The abandoned shopping cart tool and the ability to store credit card information are only available to Plus customers and above.

Transaction Fees

BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees.

Payment Gateway Fees

You will pay fees to whichever companies process the payments you elect to receive through your online store.

BigCommerce offers full integration with PayPal, Amazon Pay, Stripe, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets as well as more than 60 other pre-integrated payment gateways that serve more than 100 countries.

It also partners with PayPal to offer clients discounted PayPal transaction fees.

BigCommerce Pros and Cons

BigCommerce’s biggest plus may also be its biggest minus: It’s such a comprehensive platform with so many core features that it’s easy to become overwhelmed by everything it offers.

Pros Cons
One Stop Online Store: Practically everything you need to create a compelling online store is already integrated into BigCommerce’s software. ❌ Variable Fees: The annual sales limits and forced upgrades amount to a kind of hidden fee that penalizes clients for success.
No Transaction Fees: BigCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees on any of its plans. ❌ User Experience: The visual template editor can be difficult to use.
Cross Channel Storefront: BigCommerce allows you to maintain a presence on strong shopping channels like Amazon, Google Shopping, and eBay as well as on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram.
Free Trial: 15 days free
Responsive Storefront: Your storefront can be viewed online and mobile devices.
Single Page Checkout: Customers can easily purchase products on your online store.

BigCommerce Alternatives

Alternatives to BigCommerce include:

BigCommerce Review Summary

BigCommerce is an out-of-the-box e-commerce solution that offers great inventory management support, sophisticated marketing tools, and the ability to sell across multiple channels.

It may be the right choice for your online store if:

  • You don’t want to have to worry about IT-related concerns
  • You want access to a single shopping cart solution that offers optimal functionality
  • You’re interested in selling more products by offering those products across a variety of different shopping channels.

BigCommerce FAQ

Is BigCommerce Legit?

In 2018, a round of funding led by Goldman Sachs raised $64 million; this brings the total amount raised by BigCommerce since it was founded in 2009 to $200 million.

With strategic alliances in place with PayPal and Google, as well as eBay, Google and Alibaba integration, BigCommerce’s goal is to help its customers build their brands on multiple platforms across the globe while dramatically cutting the operating expenses associated with a large online presence.

The bottom line is BigCommerce is trusted by tens of thousands of business and top tier investors globally.

The article BigCommerce Review – Build Your Online Store Easily was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Comparison https://investormint.com/shopping/nordvpn-vs-expressvpn-comparison https://investormint.com/shopping/nordvpn-vs-expressvpn-comparison#disqus_thread Tue, 18 Dec 2018 10:57:54 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=9905 NordVPN is cheaper, has an outstanding user interface, and 24/7 customer support. ExpressVPN is best for users looking to unlock BBC iPlayer.

The article NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Comparison was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
nordvpn vs expressvpn

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which is better? Picking between these two top VPN providers boils down to what matters most to you: pricing, logs, jurisdiction, privacy, refund policies, and customer support.

On price, NordVPN can’t be beaten, and it frequently runs specials that make its cost even more affordable.

ExpressVPN wins over indecisive customers by offering a 30-day money-back guarantee, but requires upfront payment.

Netflix users are spoiled for choice. With NordVPN you may be able to access Netflix streaming media even if you’re in a geographic location that Netflix doesn’t serve.  And ExpressVPN is compatible with several streaming media services including Netflix too.

ExpressVPN customers have access to live support chat 24/7. Plus, the company incorporates network block features so that if you drop your connection to its server, all other internet traffic on your computer or mobile device will stop.

NordVPN also offers 24/7 customer support via a live internet chat channel, and the company’s kill switch feature will activate if your VPN connection goes down. This means that programs accessing the internet outside NordVPN’s secure channel will be immediately terminated.

As you can see already it’s a neck and neck race, but who comes out on top: ExpressVPN or NordVPN?

Why Choose NordVPN?

NordVPN’s control panel offers plenty of bells and whistles that allow end users to customize their VPN experience to a high degree.

End users can access the network through desktop applications for the Windows, Linux, and MacOS operating systems.

Network access is also available through customized apps for iOS and Android mobile devices.

NordVPN uses OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec protocols for encryption.

NORDVPN SPOTLIGHT
nordvpn logo

InvestorMint Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

  • # servers: 2,900 worldwide
  • Bandwidth: High-speed unlimited
  • Price: $2.75 per month when buying a 3-year plan

via NordVPN secure site

Pricing

NordVPN’s plans start at $11.95 per month, but if you commit at signup to a one-year plan, that price is reduced to $6.99 a month.

If you commit to a three-year plan, the price is slashed to just $3.99 per month.

Logs

VPN logs are records of the incoming and outgoing connections end users make as they connect to a VPN network.

These logs have the potential to compromise end users’ privacy and anonymity. For example, they may contain data like the end user’s IP address, the VPN’s own IP address, and the time stamps that indicate when the end user was using the VPN network.

NordVPN logs are non-existent, which means it can never be compelled to provide customer data since the data does not exist.

Jurisdiction

NordVPN is based in Panama and follows the laws of that jurisdiction.

Panama has no data-archival requirements. Because there are no mandatory data retention laws in Panama, NordVPN is not legally compelled to keep logs.

Privacy

The standard encryption used is 256-bit AES encryption, which is very difficult to crack.

Users gain access to sophisticated peer-to-peer (P2P) protocols as well as double VPN servers.

This enables users to send and receive data simultaneously across two servers.

Refund Policy

NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee; however, if a customer wishes to cancel an account because of technical difficulties, the service asks that you allow it to take a shot at troubleshooting your VPN configuration issues.

If you cancel your subscription in the middle of a service period, you will not receive a refund for the unused portions.

Where NordVPN Falls Short

Although NordVPN offers 24/7 customer support via a chat channel, it does not offer phone support to customers who might prefer that option.

For customers who live in the United States, NordVPN’s speeds can be slow at times.

Speeds tend to be faster and more consistent in Europe where the company maintains more servers.

With that being said, it’s important to note that NordVPN’s speeds are fast enough to stream Netflix content with only an occasional hiccup.

Why Choose ExpressVPN?

ExpressVPN’s servers work across 94 countries.

The company offers apps for routers as well as for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux operating systems.

Its user apps seem to favor functionality over customization, and even the apps for desktop computers look as though they were designed for mobile devices.

Secure VPN protocols used by ExpressVPN include OpenVPN, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP.

Pricing

At $12.95 per month, ExpressVPN’s pricing is slightly higher.

However, you can save money by signing up for a six-month plan, which will bring your costs down to $9.99 per month.

You can also sign up for a 12-month plan, which will decrease the monthly amount you pay to $8.32.

Logs

Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN keeps no records of the time or duration of its customers’ activities.

Neither does it track any of the websites or servers that customers visit so there is theoretically no way that a customer’s privacy or anonymity can be compromised.

Jurisdiction

ExpressVPN is physically located in the British Virgin Islands where there are no data retention laws.

The United States government does not have the authority to compel companies in the British Virgin Islands to produce logs.

In the unlikely event that a court order could be obtained to mandate the release of user information, ExpressVPN would only be in a position to release the information it uses to ensure customer payments.

Privacy

Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption as its base encryption protocol.

In addition, it allows end users to customize privacy and security settings by implementing options in their own OpenVPN config files.

Refund Policy

You can cancel your account at any time within your first 30 days of service for a full refund from ExpressVPN with no questions asked.

Beyond that 30-day window, refunds will be made solely at the discretion of ExpressVPN.

When refunds are made, they will be issued in U.S. dollars to whatever form of payment you used for the original purchase.

Where ExpressVPN Falls Short

Compared to the majority of VPN services, ExpressVPN is pricey.

Although it does offer a refund policy if you’re dissatisfied with the service after using it for 30 days, a free trial is not available.

ExpressVPN offers users very few protocol options, which means that end users only have a limited ability to customize their VPN experience when they use this provider.

In particular, ExpressVPN does not offer sophisticated P2P protocols, which means it may not be the best choice for end users who merely want a VPN for torrenting.

NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Comparison

NordVPN Pros & Cons ExpressVPN Pros & Cons
Pricing: Monthly, quarterly and annual plans are all cheaper at NordVPN. Connectivity Reliability: ExpressVPN has more stability in terms of network speeds in the U.S.
Privacy Options: NordVPN has a no-logs policy and user data is anonymous because it’s a Panama-based entity. Speed Test: ExpressVPN has faster download and upload speeds.
Customer Support: 24/7 chat is available to customers. Customer Support: 24/7 chat is available to customers.
Netflix: Users can access Netflix. BBC: Users can access both Netflix and BBC iPlayer
No Phone Support: Chat support is available but no phone support is available. Few Protocol Options: End users only have a limited ability to customize their VPN experience

NordVPN Vs ExpressVPN: Connectivity Reliability

NordVPN has more than 4,400 servers located in over 60 countries. In contrast, ExpressVPN has slightly more than 2,000 servers located in 94 countries.

A large number of NordVPN’s servers are clustered within continental Europe, which means that NordVPN is able to provide excellent connectivity there.

It has fewer than 2,000 servers serving the United States. Because of this, its performance in the United States can be a bit erratic.

One of the reasons why NordVPN may connect more slowly than ExpressVPN is because of its unique double VPN feature.

While splitting data into two streams on two separate servers gives the data an added level of security, it can also lead to slower speeds.

ExpressVPN enjoys a reputation as one of the fastest VPN services available to end customers.

This is partly because it maintains more servers but also partly because ExpressVPN gives users access to unlimited bandwidth, meaning that it puts no restrictions on the amount of data it allows users to upload or download.

NordVPN Vs ExpressVPN: Speed Test Comparison

Internet speed tests gauge NordVPN’s average download speeds at 31 megabytes per second. Its average upload speeds are gauged at 6.55 megabytes per second with a latency of 19 milliseconds.

Internet speed tests gauge ExpressVPN’s average download speeds at 59 megabytes per second. Its average upload speeds run at 11 megabytes per second with a latency of 113 milliseconds.

NordVPN Express VPN
Download Speeds 31 Mbps 69 Mbps
Upload Speeds 6.55 Mbps 11 Mbps
Latency 19 ms 113 ms

Unblocking Capabilities Comparison

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN will help you get around regional restrictions you may be encountering that are keeping you from accessing your favorite streaming media sites.

However, you may need to experiment with connecting to different servers until you find one that is able to connect to your streaming media service.

Compare Privacy Options

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are both excellent solutions when it comes to protecting customers’ privacy.

They each use very high levels of encryption, and these levels of encryption are currently considered unbreakable by encryption experts.

Additionally, both NordVPN and ExpressVPN operate in jurisdictions where mandatory data retention laws do not exist.

Customer Support Comparison

Both of these top VPN providers offer 24/7 customer support over a dedicated chat channel.

As top VPN providers, they also respond to email questions and complaints. ExpressVPN has earned a reputation for responding more quickly to emails than does NordVPN.

Neither VPN service offers customer support by phone.

Both maintain comprehensive online knowledge bases with FAQ sections as well as video guides that simplify the process of setting up VPN apps. These resources can help address many of the questions end users may have.

NordVPN Vs ExpressVPN Summary

Monthly and annual plans are cheaper at NordVPN vs ExpressVPN.

NordVPN also wins when it comes to privacy by offering a kill switch and a no-logs policy whereas ExpressVPN may be required in a worse case scenario to provide payment information of customers.

ExpressVPN may edge out NordVPN when it comes to speed reliability because the bulk of NordVPN’s servers are based in Europe. However, streaming large bandwidth applications like Netflix is no problem for either of the best VPN providers.

The bottom line is if cost is your number one priority NordVPN is the way to go but if consistency of speed is your top priority ExpressVPN may be worth the extra cost.

FAQ: What Is A VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) permits users to send and receive data securely using shared or public networks.

VPNs rely on point-to-point connections that use encapsulation and traffic encryption protocols.

Encryption prevents unauthorized users from accessing data packets that are sent using the VPN, and it also allows VPN users to remain relatively anonymous.

VPNs are widely used by telecommuters, people who want to protect their identities while using public Wi-Fi, and those who want to browse the internet or download files anonymously.

The article NordVPN vs ExpressVPN Comparison was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
What Is The Most Expensive Bottled Water? https://investormint.com/shopping/what-is-the-most-expensive-bottled-water https://investormint.com/shopping/what-is-the-most-expensive-bottled-water#disqus_thread Thu, 13 Dec 2018 10:25:55 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=9825 Beverly Hills 9OH2O Luxury Collection Diamond Edition is the most expensive bottled water in the world, priced at $100,000 per bottle.

The article What Is The Most Expensive Bottled Water? was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
most expensive bottled water

Grabbing a 24-pack of bottled water at the market is usually inexpensive and convenient. Most bottles are less than $1 each. However, there’s a separate world that revolves around fancier products. Check out our top 10 list of the most expensive bottled waters.

10. Fine

fine water from japanBelow Mount Fuji in Japan is a spring that’s dedicated to the Fine bottled-water company.

With 750ml priced at $5, this water ranks alongside Tasmanian Rain at the bottom of our list of the most expensive bottled waters.

This water is special because of its unique origin. Fine water runs through volcanic rock, and this allows minerals to leach into the running stream.

The water is pulled from a deep level. In fact, the depth is practically at the 2,000-foot mark.

As a result, pollutants from the air and other sources don’t have a chance to permeate into the water. For this reason, the manufacturer prices the product at the high-end.

When you taste this water, you’ll note that it has a gentle texture on your palate.

There are no impurities to deal with as you taste the subtle flavor of pure minerals. It’s sold in a bottle that’s reminiscent of fine champagne.

Sipping Fine is part of the enjoyment process.

9. Tasmanian Rain

At $5 per 750ml, Tasmanian Rain is one of the most unique drinks you’ll ever experience.

As the name suggests, Tasmanian Rain comes from Tasmania, where rainfall is plentiful.tasmanian rain bottled water

This water isn’t harvested and then bottled like that from other manufacturers though.

The manufacturing process includes the bottles being set out to catch the rainfall, so each container holds water that comes directly from the sky.

If you’re concerned about pollutants, you’re in luck when it comes to Tasmania. This region is known for its incredibly clean air, which equates to exquisite bottles of water.

Because Tasmanian Rain does have some hardness to it from natural processes, the manufacturer improves the liquid by adding bubbles. You end up with a refreshing bottle of water with every sip.

8. Aqua Deco

aqua-deco-bottled-waterA hint of sugar seems to be hidden within the Aqua Deco bottles of water.

At first glance, each bottle appears to have a glacial shape. This design isn’t a coincidence because the manufacturer wants to convey that the water comes from a glacier.

Northern Canada is known for its snow, ice and wide-open spaces.

Aqua Deco comes from a spring in this region that offers filtered glacial water.

A mixture of sand and gravel near the glacier created a perfect area for water filtration.

The varied soil sizes allow the water to have a nearly perfect pH value. It also has a low mineral content.

For all of these reasons, the manufacturer prices this water at $12 per 750ml.

7. 10 Thousand BC

10 thousand bc bottled waterA remote location can be a treasure to a bottled-water company.

Meet 10 Thousand BC bottled water, which hails from Canada. It’s a spring water that’s derived from a remote glacier.

In fact, you must spend three days traveling before you can reach the bottling plant.

This factory remains an enigma in the water industry, especially because a boat ride is required to reach the location.

The manufacturer, Hat Mountain Glacier, is far from any cities or human contact.

As a result of its location, there are no pollutants that affect the water. It’s quickly bottled to retain its quality.

The bottle is a work of art with a frosty appearance that reflects the pure glacial water within it.

If you’re looking for pure water, 10 Thousand BC stands tall with only four parts per million of TDS, or total dissolved solids.

With this purity in mind, $14 for 750ml may be a deal!

6. Veen

veen bottled waterVeen water comes from a spring located in Finland’s Lapland.

As if this location wasn’t isolated enough, the spring also resides among the village people of Tengelio, who respect nature as a rule.

The resulting water is practically free from any nitrates.

At $23 per 750ml, this water is more expensive than other brands.

It has a unique smoothness as you drink it, which may be due to the water’s glacial origins along the Arctic Circle.

You won’t find many minerals in this water, either. They have been naturally filtered out as the spring moves through Lapland’s clean and natural environment.

The water arrives at Tengelio where two hills meet. The soil is made up of sand and gravel that combine to become the perfect filter for some of the finest water around.

The water comes in a tall and transparent bottle. There’s nothing to hide here, and the water’s purity speaks for itself.

Veen also offers mineral water as a complement to the spring variety. This water is just as expensive because it also comes from unique origins.

5. Bling H2O’s The Ten Thousand

blingh2o the ten thousand bottled waterSpending $40 per 750ml on water may seem expensive, but you get what you pay for with Bling H2O’s The Ten Thousand.

One glance at the bottle will make your eyebrows go up. It’s completely decorated with Swarovski crystals.

Beneath the crystals is a bottle that reminds you of champagne and good times.

Don’t let the bottle fool you into thinking that this is just a marketing scheme, though.

The water is one of the finest drinks around. The spring from which the water is sourced is located in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Referred to as the English Mountain Spring, this source of water is pure.

The manufacturer moves even further toward perfection as they bottle the water.

A total of nine steps are completed before the water is filtered enough for the public.

With its vacuum seal, the bottle protects the purity of the product until it is opened. The water is crisp and fresh and tingles the tongue as it goes down.

4. Fillico

fillico bottled waterThe Nunobiki spring is found in Japan, and it supplies Fillico with its superb water.

The city of Kobe is renowned for its use of the spring for both pure water and sake production.

Enthusiasts will be happy to note that this spring is isolated from any other agricultural process, which protects its purity.

At about $219 per 750ml, this water is one of the more expensive around.

In addition to offering superior water, Fillico bottles its product in unforgettable packaging.

The bottles are actually shaped like the king and queen found on a standard chess set.

The implication is that Fillico is fit for royalty with its smooth taste and refreshing sensation.

You’ll also find Swarovski crystals on these bottles.

With its focus on handcrafting, this manufacturer is known to customize their products to boost their allure.

The bottles remain in high demand because the manufacturer can only make a limited amount each month.

3. Kona Nigari

kona nigari bottled waterKona Nigari is currently the third most expensive water around. Expect to pay $402 per 750ml.

There’s a good reason for this pricing. Kona Nigari comes from a deep-sea location near Hawaii.

The manufacturer pulls the water from a depth of 2,000 feet. They then desalinate and bottle it. The resulting product offers a clear and pristine sensation as you sip it.

Because of its distinct source, Kona Nigari has many health benefits attributed to it. Electrolytes found only in the deep sea are preserved in the water even after desalination.

Fans report that they feel more hydrated with Kona Nigari than with average water. Skin improvements are purported benefits that result from the water hydrating the body.

The bottle may be a subtle black container, but it hides a truly tasty water that’s different in every way.

2. Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani

acqua di cristallo tributo a modigliani bottled waterThis bottled water takes second place as the most expensive product to date. A single bottle costs $60,000. The price makes sense when you know what goes into this water.

The manufacturer pulls from three separate water sources for Acqua. Icelandic glacier water, French spring water and Fiji Islands spring water are the main ingredients. Within an individual bottle is a global representation of pure water.

The taste is reportedly a transporting experience. The purity involved with each source combines to form a luxurious drink. It’s no longer in production, though, so testing the purity isn’t possible.

The bottle that holds this pure water is a sight to behold. It looks like a sculpture, and its design was inspired by an Italian artist named Amedeo Clemente Modigliani.

Across the handcrafted container are 24-karat gold accents and a touch of gold dust.

1. Beverly Hills 9OH2O Luxury Collection Diamond Edition

beverly hills 9oh20 luxury collection diamond edition bottled waterThe most expensive bottled water in production today is the Beverly Hills 9OH2O Luxury Collection Diamond Edition.

It currently sells for $100,000 per bottle.

The manufacturer has made only nine bottles of the water, so snagging it may be difficult once its popularity grows.

The water used for this collection comes from springs in the Sierra Nevada part of Northern California. As the Sierra Nevada is full of pristine water sources, it only makes sense that it’s used in the bottling for this Luxury Collection.

Beverly Water, the manufacturer, goes a step beyond just water collection.

During the processing steps, proprietary minerals are added to the water.

You’ll find calcium and potassium as common ingredients. The other minerals are designed to enhance the taste as you carefully sip the beverage.

One of the factors that impacts this bottled water’s price is the container itself. The bottle, designed by famous jeweler Mario Padilla, has 600 white diamonds and 250 black diamonds. In addition to diamonds, white and 14-karat gold make up the cap.

The bottle may have more value than the water if you compare the details. However, they complement each other with an eye-catching appearance and soft sensation on the tongue.

The article What Is The Most Expensive Bottled Water? was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
What Does NordVPN Do? https://investormint.com/shopping/what-does-nordvpn-do https://investormint.com/shopping/what-does-nordvpn-do#disqus_thread Mon, 12 Nov 2018 10:14:41 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=9392 NordVPN hides all of your internet traffic, communications, transactions, and other sensitive information from your ISP. It has more than 5,000 servers across the world, which is a huge advantage over most VPNs.

The article What Does NordVPN Do? was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
nordvpn

Investormint provides personal finance tools and insights to better inform your financial decisions. Our research is comprehensive, independent and well researched so you can have greater confidence in your financial choices.When browsing and shopping online, there is very little actually protecting your identity and personal data.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that extends a private network over a public network, allowing you to access the web securely by routing the connection through a server. It’s a smart way to add privacy and security when browsing on public and private networks, including Wi-Fi hot spots.

By using a VPN, you can protect sensitive information like logins, emails, and bank account data from prying eyes. It can also mask which websites you visit.

Virtually everyone can benefit from a VPN, but they aren’t all created equal. Here’s what you should know about NordVPN, which is well regarded for its strong features, huge server network, and speed.

NordVPN Spotlight

NORDVPN SPOTLIGHT
nordvpn logo

InvestorMint Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

  • # servers: 2,900 worldwide
  • Bandwidth: High-speed unlimited
  • Price: $2.75 per month when buying a 3-year plan

via NordVPN secure site

How Does NordVPN Work?

A VPN like NordVPN works by creating a secure connection between a remote server that’s run by the VPN provider and your device.

When you connect to a NordVPN server, all internet traffic is channeled through an encrypted tunnel that makes it very hard for anyone to track you or steal your data.

Your device, such as your laptop or phone, will also be assigned the IP address of the VPN’s server to mask your identity and make it look like you’re located in a different location.

Without a VPN, your internet service provider (ISP) receives a request to access the internet and redirects you to a website. The ISP can monitor all internet traffic that passes through their servers, meaning you really have no privacy.

NordVPN hides all of your internet traffic, communications, transactions, and other sensitive information from your ISP.

All of your traffic will be encrypted and sent to the VPN server you choose.

Your ISP can’t log, monitor, or limit your internet activity and will only be able to view the IP address of the VPN server.

Why Do You Need a VPN?

A common misconception is that VPNs are only for people with something to hide. The truth is most consumers choose to use a VPN for greater security and privacy while browsing the internet, shopping online, and even accessing bank information.

Hide Your Online Activity

Browsing with a VPN encrypts your communications. Not even the government or your ISP can see the websites you visit or intercept your online activities.

It also hides your online activity from hackers and other third parties.

This security is especially important when you are using public Wi-Fi, which is notoriously unsecure and risky to use.

Hide Your IP Address

Using a VPN also hides your IP address.

Because your device will appear to have the IP address of the VPN’s remote server, you’ll appear to be in a different country, continent or region.

This is helpful when traveling abroad because the content you access in your home country may be unavailable or censored where you are.

Bypass Censorship

A VPN allows you to completely bypass censorship and geographical restrictions.

Of course, this works the other way around, meaning that you can access content with a VPN that may not be available in your home country.

NordVPN Torrent Downloads

Many people also use a VPN for downloading torrents.

NordVPN has special P2P servers that are designated for keeping torrenting activities secure and private. You can access these specialty servers for a faster and more secure torrenting experience.

The bottom line is that virtually anyone can benefit from using a VPN, including:

  • Students
  • Privacy- and security-minded internet users
  • Travelers
  • Consumers who want to access geographically restricted or censored information

When Should You Use a VPN?

There are many times when it may be a good idea to use a VPN.

You may want to use a VPN just for regular browsing to protect your privacy, but it’s even more important when shopping online, logging into websites, or using online banking.

Protecting banking and other financial information is especially important.

Online security experts also caution against using public Wi-Fi without protective measures in place.

You may also want to use a VPN while traveling in order to access geo-restricted or censored content that you can normally view at home.

VPNs are also helpful for downloading torrents.

Features & Benefits of NordVPN

Although its cost is a bit on the high side, NordVPN is one of the most feature-packed VPNs available.

Here’s an overview of the best features of NordVPN:

Fast Speeds

Speed can be a concern with a VPN, but NordVPN offers generally fast speeds even when torrenting or streaming Netflix.

You may notice speed fluctuations with some servers, but you will connect automatically to the least-busy server in your chosen country.

Large Server Network

NordVPN probably has the largest server network in the industry.

It has more than 5,000 servers across the world, which is a huge advantage over most VPNs.

This gives you a large selection of servers to choose from in order to boost reliability and performance with more available bandwidth.

Double Encryption

This feature, also called double-VPN, routes traffic through two VPNs before it exits onto the unencrypted internet.

Double data encryption offers the greatest amount of security and privacy.

Kill Switch

NordVPN has two types of kill switches.

You can choose whether you want to close an app or completely terminate your internet connection in the case of an unexpected internet dropout.

Accessibility

NordVPN has applications for Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS devices as well as 40 other mobile OS, routers, and Raspberry Pis.

There are also detailed connectivity tutorials for each option.

Safe Jurisdiction

NordVPN is based in Panama, a country that does not share logging information.

Online privacy advocates recommend avoiding VPN providers based in one of 14 countries that are collectively known as the 14 Eyes.

They include the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Germany.

A government could essentially demand access to customer data from a VPN in one of these and the other 14 Eyes countries.

Ad Blocking

CyberSec ad blocking is a relatively new feature of NordVPN. It protects you from obnoxious online ads and malicious threats.

When enabled, CyberSec blocks harmful websites to protect you while on the internet.

It also blocks pop-ups, auto-play ads, and other advertisements as soon as you enter a website.

Good Customer Service

The support staff at NordVPN is knowledgeable and easy to reach.

You can reach customer support through email or live chat to ask questions about the service or get technical assistance.

They also maintain a knowledge base of support articles to help you set up your VPN and use its many features, which aren’t always intuitive.

How Much Is NordVPN?

NordVPN has payment plans ranging from month-to-month to annual options.

Here’s how the cost breaks down:

Plan Type NordVPN Pricing (Monthly)
1-month $11.95
6-month $9.00
(Billed at $54 every six months)
12-month $6.99
(Billed at $83.88 every 12 months)
24-month $3.99
(Billed at $95.75 every 24 months)

With other quality VPNs, the monthly cost is typically between $3 and $8.

NordVPN’s one-month plans are a bit higher than that, but the service offers features you won’t find with a cheaper VPN. For example, it allows up to six simultaneous connections.

It also includes a kill switch and optional double-data encryption, and it offers great performance for Netflix. This may make it worth the extra cost to you.

NordVPN accepts plenty of payment options for extra security and privacy. Along with standard credit card payments, you can pay with PayPal, cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple), and other methods, including Giropay, WebMoney, and Alipay.

Is NordVPN Safe?

NordVPN has several features that make it a safe choice for securely browsing the internet.

Here’s how NordVPN protects your security and personal information:

Kill Switch Feature

A kill switch is a way to protect you from accidental exposure if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops.

When the network connection is lost, your computer will default back to your public IP address provided by your ISP provider, which means your activities will be exposed and trackable.

You may not even know this happened without a kill switch. While NordVPN boasts 99.99% uptime, the kill switch is still an important safety measure. It will terminate your online connection if your network is disrupted.

No IP Address Leaks

When using a VPN, your IP address should register as the VPN server’s IP address.

If a test shows your regular IP address, it means your browser is leaking the information.

Another way NordVPN protects your privacy is by ensuring that there are no DNS or IP leaks.

No Logging

When you use a VPN, you are trusting the VPN provider with your data.

While your online communications are secure from third parties, the VPN operator and systems on the same VPN can log your data if they choose to.

It’s important to choose a VPN provider that does not keep logs. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy.

They do not track your internet activity and cannot hand over your browsing information because they don’t have it.

Does NordVPN Slow Down Internet Connectivity?

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a VPN is whether it will slow down your internet speeds.

In the past, NordVPN speeds were about average. They have improved significantly and now test among the top, achieving downloads speeds of 70 Mbps+.

NordVPN: The Good, Bad & Ugly!

It’s easy to see why NordVPN has a reputation for quality service. Before you decide whether it’s right for you, however, it’s a good idea to quickly consider what it has to offer.

NordVPN Pros NordVPN Cons
✅ Fast Speeds Pricier than Competitors
✅ Netflix- and torrenting-friendly Speeds Can Drop with Options like Double Encryption
✅ Huge Network of Global Servers
✅ Kill Switch for Dropped Connections
✅ Double Encryption Option
✅ Ad Blocking and Cyberthreat Protection
✅ Good Customer Service
✅ Panama-based

Despite its higher cost, NordVPN outshines the competition in many areas. If you want a safer and more secure internet experience while enjoying the availability of advanced features like ad blocking, NordVPN offers significant value for its cost.

NordVPN FAQ

Can I Watch Netflix Using NordVPN?

One of the most popular uses for a VPN is streaming Netflix.

Netflix from areas like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom is in high demand in other regions.

Netflix users in the U.S. and Canada may also want to watch Netflix content in other regions of the world.

The “issue” with this is that a Netflix VPN ban is in place.

Netflix routinely bans IP addresses associated with VPN servers, and it has one of the most sophisticated VPN-detection systems around. Not all NordVPN servers work with Netflix, but many do.

The article What Does NordVPN Do? was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
Amazon Business Review – Exclusive Discounts! https://investormint.com/shopping/amazon-business-review https://investormint.com/shopping/amazon-business-review#disqus_thread Mon, 05 Nov 2018 10:43:57 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=9337 Amazon Business gives the organization access to millions of products, so businesses can find everything they need from office supplies to technical equipment.

The article Amazon Business Review – Exclusive Discounts! was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
amazon business review

Investormint provides personal finance tools and insights to better inform your financial decisions. Our research is comprehensive, independent and well researched so you can have greater confidence in your financial choices.

Amazon Business is a purchasing solution for businesses of all sorts.

Each business chooses the people authorized to use Amazon to purchase supplies for the company and the individual in control of the Amazon account is the main administrator.

This person can remove or add authorized account users, coordinate payment methods and manage shipping addresses, among other tasks. It’s all based on what the business requires.

Amazon Business gives the organization access to millions of products, so businesses can find everything they need from office supplies to technical equipment.

Why Sign Up To Amazon Business?

Amazon Business provides a wide assortment of benefits and perks.

Some benefits are available to all Amazon customers, but the most valuable perks and tools are only available for those with an Amazon Business account.

These perks include:

  • Free two-day shipping: Members receive free two-day shipping on all Amazon Prime orders as well as all orders over $50.
  • Exclusive business discounts: Depending on the product category, discounts are available on purchases that are exclusive to that business.
  • Tax-exempt purchasing: Businesses that don’t have to pay sales taxes on purchases can use this feature when making buying decisions.
  • Shared accounts: Businesses can use this tool to give certain staff members access to make purchases through the Amazon Business account. This feature can be combined with other benefits like purchasing system integration and order approval.
  • Business analytics: Through these tools, companies can figure out how to save money on purchases and manage expenses. Business owners receive extra insights into spending practices.

The benefits are designed to save businesses both time and money. Plus, companies may be able to eliminate the need to work with lots of different suppliers.

AMAZON BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

amazon business logo

InvestorMint Rating

5 out of 5 stars

  • Free 2-Day Shipping
  • Exclusive Business Discounts
  • Tax-exempt Purchasing

via Amazon secure site

Amazon Business vs Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime offers not only some of the same benefits as Amazon Business but different ones as well.

Prime is geared more for consumers than businesses.

Perks include free two-day shipping; streaming for television shows, music and movies; and specialty services such as Prime Pantry and Prime Wardrobe.

Prime members get exclusive access to Prime Day, an annual, one-day only sales event that Amazon holds just for those with Prime accounts.

The annual fee for Prime is $59 per year for students and $119 for non-students.

It is offered for free for a 30-day period.

Additional benefits of Amazon Prime include the following:

  • Free shipping with delivery on the same day for eligible ZIP codes
  • Free delivery for items pre-ordered within the United States
  • Purchase rewards
  • Free access to television episodes and movies for members in the United States HBO, Starz and Showtime available for an extra $4.99 to $14.99 each month
  • Free access without ads to songs and playlists for members in the United States
  • Discounts on monthly music plans
  • Discounts on games
  • Prime Reading access to books for Kindle and Fire tablets
  • Unlimited storage on Amazon Drive for photos

If the business already has a membership with Amazon Prime when it signs up for Amazon Business, it retains access to all the benefits of Amazon Prime.

Only the main account holder is able to access the television episode and movie library features, though.

The only way the employees of the business with shared accounts can access Prime is by signing up for their own individual accounts.

How Much Does
Amazon Business Cost?

All business owners can receive an Amazon Business membership for free.

Businesses tend to buy in bulk more frequently than consumers, hence the free membership.

The business owner is required to complete a short form prior to receiving an instant membership with its extra benefits and selected tools.

The shipping fees are based on the number of users in the business.

For 10 or fewer users, the cost per year is $499. The fee increases to $1,299 per year for a maximum of 100 users.

If the total users exceed 100, the fee is $10,099.

Amazon Business is free to try for 30 days.

If the business is planning to sell products online, this is considered a professional selling account. This type of account does have additional fees.

Professional sellers pay a monthly subscription fee of $39.99.

There is also a referral fee, which depends on the category the business fits into.

Technically, no account fees are exist.

Small Business Benefits

A lot of businesses can use ATEP, or the Amazon Tax Exemption Program.

This provides small businesses with an opportunity to receive a tax exemption on purchases.

On Amazon, there is a tool any business can use to see if they qualify for this tax exemption.

The tool also checks for states that enable businesses to receive tax exemptions and for exemptions that are available for certain types of organizations.

The process must be completed by the account administrator for the business to qualify.

Another advantage of ATEP is the ability to use a tax-exempt status for not only Amazon purchases but purchases made through their affiliates as well.

Amazon Business uses an analytics dashboard to provide transparency for all purchases made on their supply chain.

Businesses are able to examine their total costs and spending at the group level or individual level. This enables small businesses to have more control over their bottom line.

Because small businesses are able to reach their customers all over the world through Amazon Business, the opportunity for growth is high too.

Is Amazon Business Worth It?

The majority of business owners find Amazon Business worth it because not only is it free but it has many perks too, such as analytics tools and shared accounts.

A business representative who is unhappy with the program can easily revert the account to an individual user account.

The Amazon website has a business page showing all the programs it offers for the owners of small businesses.

Numerous businesses advocate for the benefits of the tax exemption program; they have stated how easy it is to use and to make tax-free purchases.

Business owners have also said that it is easy to order office supplies quickly and that the products arrive within two days.

Savings are especially high on larger purchases.

It is also possible to divide these costs among different departments in the company.

The ability to purchase products in bulk is a real value-add for businesses because it allows them to offer bulk pricing for customers, boost sales, attract new customers and provide VIP customers with special discounts.

In general, new customers spend more because they usually establish a corporate or a business account.

One of the main reasons Amazon Business is a win for small businesses is because it provides them with the ability to reach their buyers directly, thereby offering a way to both increase profit and sales growth.

Downsides To
Amazon Business Account

In spite of the many reasons for and advantages of getting an Amazon Business account, not every business will be a fit.

One major catch is when it is used to conduct both personal and commercial business.

When personal and commercial purchases are mixed together, it can make tax time incredibly complicated for the business.

The big issue is trying to figure out which purchases were made for the business and which were for personal use.

It is also important to note that a mixed account can easily result in much higher fees when it comes to tax preparation.

Prior to signing up for Amazon Business, a business owner should speak with their tax accountant regarding whether the company really should mix organizational and personal purchases.

The shipping fees are another downside.

If the account holder does not have Business Prime Shipping, the shipping fees can add up quickly.

This is especially true if the business is shipping internationally. For example, there are additional fees for Business Prime Shipping based on how many users are linked to the account.

Another issue is Amazon Business impacts anyone who already had a Prime account.

Instead of there being no minimum purchase amount for free shipping, a $50 minimum order is needed to qualify. Some business owners may feel Amazon Business is a downgrade from their Prime service as a result.

If you plan to buy small amounts, Amazon Business may not be a fit because minimums are required to qualify for bulk discounts. For example, twenty computers are not considered a bulk order and will not be discounted!

Amazon Business does not provide recommended orders to their customers, and the discounts received are often less than the amounts small businesses expect.

Amazon Business Review Summary

For the most part, Amazon Business is extremely beneficial for small businesses.

It provides perks, benefits and services important for the growth and profit margin for businesses.

The tax tools provide essential services that have enabled numerous businesses to receive exemptions they were previously unaware existed.

Businesses also gain access to millions of products, and many of them are available at discounted pricing. This helps eliminate hundreds of suppliers and streamline business practices.

Many small business owners rate Amazon Business highly.

The account is free and is advantageous for small businesses to sign up to view the benefits firsthand.

One of the major disadvantages of Amazon Business results when a business owner uses the account for personal purchases. This usually results in complications at tax time separating business and personal costs.

Another disadvantage is the cost of the shipping fees, which can exceed $10,000 per year if an account has over 100 users.

On the whole, the benefits outweigh the costs and the pros beat the cons, but it is best to evaluate for your specific needs.

The article Amazon Business Review – Exclusive Discounts! was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
FreedomPop Review – 100% Free Mobile & Internet https://investormint.com/shopping/freedompop-review https://investormint.com/shopping/freedompop-review#disqus_thread Tue, 26 Jun 2018 09:59:32 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=7518 FreedomPop is a mobile virtual network operator that provides 100% free mobile and internet coverage using the Sprint and AT&T networks.

The article FreedomPop Review – 100% Free Mobile & Internet was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
freedompop review

Investormint provides personal finance tools and insights to better inform your financial decisions. Our research is comprehensive, independent and well researched so you can have greater confidence in your financial choices.

Are you frustrated by how much you are paying for your mobile phone? If you’re like most people, you can only imagine how much money you could save each year by cutting out that regular $80 → $150 monthly mobile phone charge.

But believe it or not, you don’t have to dream wistfully of a time in the future when you can get a 100% free mobile plan because that time is now.

In this FreedomPop review, we’ll show you not only how you can get 1 year of free mobile access but also how to get free wireless internet and free home broadband too.

FreedomPop Spotlight

FREEDOMPOP SPOTLIGHT
freedompop logo

InvestorMint Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

  • 100% Free Mobile
  • 100% Free Internet

via FreedomPop secure site

You’re probably already wondering “what’s the catch?” – don’t worry, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

But first things first, you are probably wondering what is FreedomPop?

The best way to think about FreedomPop is to compare it to Spotify or Dropbox. Both are truly free services up to a point, but if you become a heavy user, you will need to pay for premium services.

Similarly, FreedomPop is 100% free up to a point, and thereafter, you will be required to pay, but how much?

Let’s dive in…

FreedomPop
Mobile Phone Service:
How It Works

According to J.D. Power & Associates, the average monthly phone bill is around $73 but many subscribers pay more than twice that amount each month.

When you scout around for deals, you will find lots of enticing offers, but none beat FreedomPop’s deal of 100% free mobile phone service, including talk, text, and data.

Not only are monthly fees a thing of the past, but you won’t be locked into lengthy contracts either. And you are not restricted from using your existing phone.

So what are the strings attached that you need to know about before jumping ship from the Big 4 to FreedomPop?

The catch is your talk, text, and data are limited to fairly modest usage levels.

Plan Pricing Talk (mins) Text Data (MB)
Basic 500 Free 200 500 500

If you tend to be a light user of minutes, texts, and data, the Basic 500 Plan is ideal, and impossible to beat because it truly is 100% free.

Even if it may not be a good fit for your own needs, it might be suitable for your teenage kids or grandparents who rely on a phone infrequently.

FreedomPop Plans:
Pros & Cons

If you are a more heavy user of talk, text, or data, FreedomPop paid plans will be more suitable.

You can select from a wide range of plans that are all priced very competitively when compared to the big name carriers, like AT&T, Sprint and Verizon.

No matter which paid plan you choose, you will receive unlimited minutes for talk and unlimited texts.

Where plans differ is on data usage.

If you listen regularly to podcasts or YouTube, or like to watch Netflix on your mobile phone, the free plan won’t provide sufficient data to meet your needs, and you will most likely need one of the 1GB → 4GB data plans.

Plan Pricing Talk (mins) Text Data
Premium 500MB $13.99 Unlimited Unlimited 500MB
Premium 1GB $22.99 Unlimited Unlimited 1GB
Premium 2GB $24.99 Unlimited Unlimited 2GB
Premium 3GB $29.99 Unlimited Unlimited 3GB
Premium 4GB $34.99 Unlimited Unlimited 4GB

What You Need To Know
About Mobile Phone Plans

When you use more data than your plan limit, FreedomPop automatically charges you a $15 Top Up Charge.

Your account is credited $15 and any usage thereafter is deducted from the credit at the additional data usage rates, which are:

  • $0.02/MB for 500MB plans
  • $0.015/MB for other plans

With most plans that means you get about 1GB of additional data for the extra $15 charge, which is in line with the charges applied by many of the big name carriers.

Now here’s the stickler when it comes to talk and texts.

When you run out of minutes or texts, you will be restricted from sending any more texts or making any more calls. The only option will be to upgrade your plan.

FreedomPop Coverage Map &
FreedomPop Networks

FreedomPop originally partnered with Sprint for CDMA & 4G network coverage.

freedompop nationwide coverage map

FreedomPop also partners with AT&T for LTE coverage, though communication is only VoIP versus cellular voice or VoIP on the Sprint network.

FreedomPop Compatible Phones

FreedomPop has an extensive range of phones available to buy if you don’t already have a phone.

Many phones are used or refurbished, and so can be purchased at a discount to retail prices.

freedom pop apple products

Some of the brands featured include:

  • Apple
  • LG
  • Samsung
  • Franklin Wireless
  • HTC
  • Motorola
  • Netgear
  • Alcatel
  • Huawei
  • Kyocera
  • ZTE
  • Infomark
  • Unimax
  • Generic

One gotcha when buying phones from FreedomPop is that you will need to pay the full price upfront.

However, if you already own a Sprint phone or an unlocked phone, you can get started after paying an activation charge and a fee to transfer your mobile phone number to the new carrier.

Get A Free Phone From FreedomPop

When you sign up to FreedomPop, you will most likely receive an offer to receive a free phone too.

The deal we were offered included:

  • Free Alcatel One Touch Conquest phone
  • Free month of Premium 2GB Data plan ($24.99 per month thereafter)
  • Free month of FreedomPop Phone Premier ($9.99 per month thereafter)

Phone Premier is a service that includes voicemail, up to 20GB of unused data rollover, MMS texting for pictures and videos, and usage alert notifications.

FreedomPop SIM Card

When you choose a FreedomPop SIM Card, you will receive a host of goodies, including:

  • Free month of Premium 2GB data plan
  • Free month of Phone Premier
  • Flexibility to downgrade to a Basic Free plan within 30 days

The 3-in-1 SIM card works with unlocked iPhone and Samsung devices.

And if you continue with the 2GB Premier Plan for six months, you will receive a 52% discount as well as 55% off the Phone Premier plan.

Plus, you will get access to nationwide 4G LTE coverage.

freedompop 4G lte service map

FreedomPop Family Plans

FreedomPop family plans start with as few as two lines, and cost $5 per line.

You won’t be locked into any contracts or commitments, and you can cancel anytime.

With family plans, you will receive unlimited talk and text every month.

Data of up to 25GB is shared across family mobile phone lines.

All the usual bells and whistles you might expect are thrown in too, like group messaging, MMS messaging, and online access to monitor and manage your plan.

Plus, you get full access to fast 4G LTE speeds.

FreedomPop Wireless Internet Free Plan

Amazingly, you can also get free data without text or talk features by choosing the basic FreedomPop wireless internet plan.

The basic plan comes with just 200MB of data, and won’t cost you a dime.

If you want more data, you will need to shell out a bit more for higher data amounts.

Data Pricing
500MB $7.99
1GB $13.99
2GB $19.99
3GB $26.99
4GB $33.99

As long as your device is WiFi compatible, you can stay connected when near a WiFi zone.

Whether you are at home or on-the-go, you can enjoy 4G LTE data access from FreedomPop, including free internet hotspot access.

FreedomPop Review:
The Bottom Line

FreedomPop is a mobile virtual network operator that provides free mobile and internet coverage using the Sprint and AT&T networks.

Basic plans don’t provide a ton of data coverage but, once you switch to a paid mobile phone, you will receive unlimited talk and text as well as generous data amounts for the monthly prices.

If you need data access only, you can choose a wireless internet plan that foregos the talk and text access. Whether you are at home or on-the-go, free internet and hotspots are available, provided you have a WiFi compatible device.

Family plans are also available and can start with as few as two lines of coverage.

You can even get a free phone from FreedomPop if you are willing to sign up to one of the paid plans.

Overall, FreedomPop is designed for light data users who will benefit most from the free offers. However, the pricing for paid plans is very reasonable when compared to the Big 4 Carriers.

Finally, FreedomPop reviews from customers rate the company highly overall. If anything, customer support tends to be an area of improvement. Nevertheless, for the cost, the value for money is compelling.

Are you looking for FreedomPop deals? Or wondering is FreedomPop legit? Share with us your experiences, we would love to hear from you.

>> Why Was My Credit Card Declined?

>> Which Mattress Is Better: Sealy Vs Serta?

>> Do You Save More In States With No Income Tax?

The article FreedomPop Review – 100% Free Mobile & Internet was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
Is Prime Pantry Worth It? https://investormint.com/shopping/is-prime-pantry-worth-it https://investormint.com/shopping/is-prime-pantry-worth-it#disqus_thread Wed, 13 Jun 2018 12:54:49 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=7823 Amazon Prime Pantry features free 1 → 4 day shipping to Prime members who pay a monthly fee of $4.99 and place orders of $40 or more.

The article Is Prime Pantry Worth It? was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
food pantry

Chances are you have an Amazon Prime membership like 100 million+ other people, and if so you are in luck.

As a Prime member you have access to Prime Pantry. It is an exclusive benefit to Prime members who can shop online or via the free Amazon mobile app.

But how does Prime Pantry work and can it save you money?

What Is Prime Pantry?

In a nutshell, Prime Pantry is an online store where Prime members can shop for groceries and household products.

When you want to shop for day-to-day items like laundry detergent, diapers, toilet paper, and so on, Prime Pantry is a one-stop online store.

Items usually fall into one of the following categories:

  • Food and beverages
  • Household and pets
  • Beauty and grooming
  • Wellness and healthcare
  • Coupons and deals

For a fixed shipping fee, items will be delivered to your door in everyday package sizes. You don’t need to buy in bulk so you can simply purchase a cereal box if you wish.

Amazon labels items that are eligible for Prime Pantry shipping so you are not left wondering whether your Gillette Razor or Charmin Ultra Strong toilet paper qualifies.

Orders ship either all at once or over the course of a few days, depending on which option you select in your shopping cart.

And Amazon makes it easy for you to know when your Pantry box has reached full capacity.

How To Get Prime Pantry
Free Shipping

When it comes to shipping costs, you have a choice between paying a flat rate each time you order or qualifying for free shipping.

The flat rate per order is $7.99 which is expensive if you expect to order monthly. However, you can qualify for free shipping on orders of over $40 by paying a monthly Prime Pantry membership fee of $4.99.

Save up to $58 per year in shipping fees when you order
more than once per month on orders over $40.

Before loading up your Amazon cart, keep in mind that only Amazon Prime Pantry goods qualify for free shipping. So, if your cart has over $40 worth of goods but you only have $18 worth of Prime Pantry goods, you will not qualify for the free shipping perk.

Do Prime Pantry Orders Arrive In 2 Days?

As a Prime member, you are probably well used to the lightning fast free 2-day shipping policy.

However due to their size and weight, Prime Pantry boxes are transported using ground shipping and orders may take anywhere from 1 → 4 days to arrive.

Prime Pantry orders are shipped separately from Amazon.com orders so non-Prime Pantry orders do not be ship at the same time as Pantry orders

Alaska and Hawaii residents are excluded because Prime Pantry is unavailable in those states due to the limits of ground shipping. Also, you cannot deliver goods to PO Boxes, dorms, Amazon Lockers, or APO/FPO.

Is Prime Pantry Worth It?

Most people spend at least $40 (the minimum needed to qualify for free shipping when you have a monthly Prime Pantry subscription) per month on day-to-day goods like snacks, sodas, bath gels, shampoos, vitamins, and so on.

As long as you order monthly or even more frequently, Prime Pantry is worth the subscription fee of $4.99.

However, if you expect to order only once every couple of months the flat rate shipping cost of $7.99 will be a better bet by about $1!

Prime Pantry Delivery Fee: $7.99 flat rate or FREE shipping on orders over $40 with a Prime Pantry monthly membership of $4.99.

Plus, the good news is you don’t need a Prime Pantry promo code to get started because you can try it out risk-free as a first-time user for 30 days.

And if you decide against it, you can turn off Prime Pantry and cancel at any time.

Prime Pantry vs Amazon Fresh vs Prime Now

If you are tempted to sign up to Prime Pantry, you might be wondering what is the difference between it and Amazon Fresh or Prime Now?

Amazon Fresh vs Prime Pantry: AmazonFresh is a grocery delivery and pickup service available exclusively to Amazon Prime members in certain cities.

Think of AmazonFresh as perishable groceries, such as:

  • Dairy items
  • Deli
  • Bakery
  • Fresh fruits
  • Meal kits

Prime Pantry and AmazonFresh overlap in some areas. For example, you can order beverages from both. But for the most part, Prime Pantry features non-perishables whereas AmazonFresh lists primarily perishable goods.

Like Prime Pantry, you will need to be a Prime member to be eligible to sign up to AmazonFresh, which costs an additional $14.99 per month over and above your $119 annual Prime membership fee.

Prime Pantry vs Prime Now: Prime Now is a rapid delivery service available to Prime members.

Similar to Prime Pantry, you can purchase goods like bottled water, toilet paper, cans of soda, laundry detergent, and so on.

The difference is that Prime Now is available as a mobile app and delivers orders in as fast as two hours.

The cost of the service is $4.99 per order or, if you are willing to wait a few more hours, you can receive free shipping.

Generally, Prime Now orders will be delivered within a two hour window and you can track on a map where your order is once it has left the shipment facility.

The bottom line is you plan your orders ahead of time and don’t need same-day delivery, Prime Pantry membership probably works out to be less less expensive at a cost of $4.99 per month on orders over $40.

Prime Pantry vs Subscribe & Save

Another shopping option Amazon provides is Subscribe & Save, but how does it compare to Prime Pantry?

The difference between the two boils down mostly to the size of the orders you place. If you plan to buy goods in bulk, Subscribe & Save is the best choice.

Prime Pantry, on the other hand, is ideal when you simply want to purchase everyday package sizes. Think one cereal box versus a 6-pack of cereal boxes.

You don’t have to choose between the two because they are complementary services. For example, you could enjoy discounts of 5% on Subscribe & Save orders or as much as 20% when you have more than five orders. And at the same time, you could choose Prime Pantry on non-bulk order purchases.

Prime Pantry Reviews:
The Bottom Line

If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of grocery store lines, Prime Pantry has much to offer, especially when placing more than one order per month.

For the cost of a cup of coffee each month, you enjoy free shipping on non-perishable items as long as you order at least $40 worth of goods.

Here are some things to note before getting started. First, You will need a Prime membership to take advantage of Prime Pantry, which is a supplemental service.

And the goods available for delivery will mostly be non-perishables like cleaning supplies, hygiene products, canned food, sodas and snacks, laundry detergents, pet food, and so forth.

For perishable goods, you will need to shop at AmazonFresh. Or if you want goods shipped faster to you, Prime Now provides same-day delivery of goods.

Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of the coupons program which is available to Prime members. You can get an even better deal on items you wish to purchase by clipping digital coupons that can be used for Prime Pantry goods.

Are you wondering is Prime Pantry worth it? Let us know your experiences at Amazon and whether you believe you got value for money from the service.

>> Amazon Stock: Should You Buy or Sell?

>> Which Mattress Is Better: Sealy vs Serta?

>> Use NordVPN to Watch Netflix Anywhere

The article Is Prime Pantry Worth It? was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
Sprint Prepaid Plans – Pay Less For Your Mobile Phone Plan https://investormint.com/shopping/sprint-prepaid https://investormint.com/shopping/sprint-prepaid#disqus_thread Mon, 02 Apr 2018 12:55:29 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=6679 Sprint prepaid plans include Single Line, Family, and International Student Plans that feature unlimited talk, text, and data.

The article Sprint Prepaid Plans – Pay Less For Your Mobile Phone Plan was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
sprint prepaid review

InvestorMint provides personal finance tools and insights to better inform your financial decisions. Our research is comprehensive, independent and well researched so you can have greater confidence in your financial choices.

Sprint prepaid plans feature Single Line, Family and International Student Plans.

When you choose the Single Line Plan, you have a choice between Unlimited Data for $60 per month or 4GB of LTE Data for $40 monthly.

The Family Plan gives you access to 4 lines for $25 per month per line. Plus, you get a 5th line free as a bonus.

But what else do you need to know about Sprint Prepaid Plans in terms of network coverage and reliability as well as phone choices?

Sprint Prepaid Plans:
Single Line Plan

The Sprint Prepaid Single Line Plan comes with unlimited talk and text, unlimited international texting and a mobile hotspot.

The hotspot allows you to stay connected when you are on the go. Your laptop, tablet, or any other WiFi-enabled device can connect to the internet via your phone.

Unlimited talk and text only apply to on-network communications.

If you want unlimited data, it will cost you $60 per month. When you choose the Unlimited Plan, you can stream video at up to 1080p, music at up to 1.5bmps, and gaming at up to 8mbps.

Of if you need less data, the cost is $40 per month for 4GB of data.

No matter which data option you choose, no activation fee is charged.

One thing you should note is that during high demand periods when the network is congested, your data will be deprioritized according to Sprint. In plain English that means slower download speeds when streaming video and music.

Sprint provides an Autopay discount of $5 per month, which is applied in the second month.

Without AutoPay, the cost is $65 for Unlimited data and $45 for 4GB of data.

Sprint Prepaid Plans:
Family Plan

The Sprint Prepaid Family Plan gets you 4 lines for just $25 per month per line and a fifth line is thrown in free if you wish.

It features unlimited talk, text, and data, as well as HD streaming video, and 10GB of hotspot data per line.

The promotional pricing lasts through March 31 2019, after which time the pricing adjusts to $60 per month for line 1, $40 per month for line 2, and $30 per month for lines 3 → 5.

Like the Single Line plan, you can stream video at up to 1080p, music at up to 1.5bmps, and gaming at up to 8mbps.

Unlimited talk and text only apply to on-network communications.

The pricing is based on an Autopay discount of $5 per month so prices would be $5 per month higher otherwise.

The AutoPay discount is applied in the second month. In the first month, a $65 charge is applied.

Lines Sprint Promo Pricing Sprint Regular Pricing
1 $60 $60
2 $40 $40
3 $0 $30
4 $0 $30
5 $0 $30

Line 1 includes a $5 per month AutoPay discount, which is applied in month 2.

If you need less data, you can choose the 4GB data plus unlimited talk and text plan for $40 per month per line.

This is based on a “pay in advance” billing method and includes the AutoPay discount.

Each additional line, up to line 5, costs $30 per line.

Sprint Prepaid Plans:
International Students

sprint iphone 6sInternational students studying in the United States can stay connected without requiring a credit check, an annual contract, nor an activation fee.

All plans include unlimited international text to more than 190 destinations.

You can bring your own phone or buy Apple, Samsung, Alcatel, ZTE, Motorola or LG phones from Sprint.

Sprint Prepaid Phones

Sprint prepaid phones include both Android and iPhones.

The availability of Android phones includes:

Android Phones Phone Types
sprint samsung galaxy j3 emerge

Samsung Galaxy J3 Emerge

  • Ship to anywhere in the United States for free
  • Pricing: $72.50 after promotional discount
 sprint zte max xl

ZTE MaxTM XL

  • Free shipping to anywhere in the United States
  • $72.50 after promotional discount
 sprint samsung galaxy j7 perx

Samsung Galaxy J7 Perx

  • Ship to anywhere in the United States for free
  • Pricing: $202.50 after promotional discount
sprint lg stylo 3

LG StyloTM 3

  • Ship to anywhere in the United States for free
  • Pricing: $202.50 after promotional discount
  • Original price $270.00
sprint moto e4 plus

Moto E4 Plus

  • All the time. Ship to anywhere in the United States for free
  • Pricing: $202.50 after promotional discount
  • Original price $270.00
sprint lg x charge

LG X Charge

  • Ship to anywhere in the United States for free all the time.
  • Pricing: $202.50 after promotional discount
  • Original price $270.00
sprint lg x power

LG X PowerTM

  • Ship to anywhere in the United States for free all the time.
  • Pricing: $202.50 after promotional discount
  • Original price $270.00

To purchase an Android phone, you can complete your order online but to purchase an Apple iPhone you will need to visit a store.

Sprint Coverage

Sprint voice coverage is extensive nationwide.

sprint voice coverage

Sprint offers better pricing than some of its rivals and the reason may boil down to coverage.

Based on independent testing, the reliability of the Big Four is as follows.

Carrier Coverage Reliability
Verizon 97.7%
AT&T 96.44%
T-Mobile 95.4%
Sprint 93.42%

Sprint data coverage is nationwide but has some gaps more so towards the west of the United States.

sprint data coverage

Compare Sprint Pricing

Comparing Sprint rates with the pricing charged by prepaid phone providers, Sprint is competitive.

Up to 1GB 2 → 4 GB Unlimited
AT&T Go Phone $35
(talk & text)
$65
Cricket Wireless $25
(talk & text)
$30
(2GB)
$60
MetroPCS $30
(2GB)
$50
Republic Wireless $15
(talk, text & WiFi)
$30 → $45
Straight Talk Wireless $30 $35
(2GB)
$55
Verizon Prepaid $30
(talk & text)
$40
(3GB)
$80
Virgin Mobile $50

Sprint Prepaid Reviews:
What You Need To Know

Of the Big Four, Sprint may be the best value but you should go in with your eyes open.

The reason Sprint arguably wins the value contest is its low prices but of the Big Four it scores worst when it comes to coverage reliability.

You will receive service plans that feature generous talk, text, and data.

If affordability is your primary criteria, you can’t go wrong with Sprint.

However, if LTE data speeds are your priority then Sprint may annoy you with its slower network speeds, especially if you are a heavy user of streaming video or music services.

Sprint Prepaid Cell Phone Plans:
The Bottom Line

Sprint owns and operates its own network and is counted as one of the Big Four cell phone companies alongside T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon.

The network coverage is extensive and very affordable but lacks the reliability and speed of its rivals. In rural areas, Sprint may edge out T-Mobile. For nationwide coverage, AT&T and Verizon win the contest.

Prepaid plans feature Single Line, Family Plans, and International Student Plans that are affordable and offer generous talk, text, and data offerings in addition to AutoPay discounts.

If you want unlimited data, the pricing is compelling and a real value.

Plus, Sprint caters to customers who already own phones as well as those who want to purchase Android devices or iPhones.

The bottom line is Sprint offers tremendous value if you can handle slightly slower network speed and reliability.

Have you purchased a Sprint Prepaid plan? Did you have any issues with Sprint prepaid SIM cards or Sprint Prepaid Customer Service? We would love to hear your feedback.

>> How Much Does A Root Canal Cost?

>> Does Lemonade Offer The Best Renters Insurance?

>> Discover It Vs Chase Freedom Credit Card Review

The article Sprint Prepaid Plans – Pay Less For Your Mobile Phone Plan was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
Use IPVanish VPN To Protect Your Privacy https://investormint.com/shopping/ipvanish-review https://investormint.com/shopping/ipvanish-review#disqus_thread Tue, 13 Mar 2018 12:58:38 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=6697 IPVanish is a VPN network that lets you surf anonymously and access the internet unrestricted using secure connections designed to protect your data.

The article Use IPVanish VPN To Protect Your Privacy was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
ipvanish review

InvestorMint provides personal finance tools and insights to better inform your financial decisions. Our research is comprehensive, independent and well researched so you can have greater confidence in your financial choices.

IPVanish Review: Like other virtual private networks (VPNs), IPVanish is designed to hide your internet activity from your internet service provider (ISP).

If you want to protect your privacy or simply protect your data from the snooping glare of third parties, IPVanish is one of the best VPN services featuring over one thousand servers in 60+ countries, unlimited bandwidth, anonymous torrenting, unlimited P2P traffic, and zero traffic logs.

Whether you use Windows, MAC, iOS, Linux, Android, Chromebook, Windows Phone, or FireTV, IPVanish is compatible.

Compared to other VPN services, IPVanish has one of the most comprehensive offerings but you pay a slight premium for its jam-packed value-based service.

IPVanish Spotlight

IPVANISH SPOTLIGHT
ipvanish logo

InvestorMint Rating

4 out of 5 stars

  • Money-Back Guarantee: 7 Days
  • VPN Servers: 1,000+ in 60 countries
  • Price: $6.49 per month based on annual plan

via IPVanish secure site

What Is IPVanish?

IPVanish is a VPN network of over 1,000 servers spread across 60+ countries that lets you surf anonymously and access the internet unrestricted using secure connections to protect your data.

Like other virtual private network providers, IPVanish is especially valuable when you are connected online via free WiFi, for example at a coffee shop or an airport.

These are the locations where your data is most at risk from hackers and data thieves, as well as snooping ISPs.

IPVanish is designed to keep your data protected with its 256-bit AES encryption.

The way it works is your real IP address is changed so your anonymity online is preserved.

ipvanish why

IPVanish Review:
Security & Privacy

When you choose a VPN, data privacy and security are critically important.

To protect your privacy, IPVanish has a strict “zero traffic logs” policy, meaning that the collection of both connection and activity logs is prohibited.

It also uses 256-bit AES, the industry standard for electronic data encryption.

When you make P2P and VOIP connections, IPVanish uses a SOCKS5 web proxy to mask your personal IP address, but data is not encrypted in these cases.

As one of the best VPN services, IPVanish has one of the most extensive server networks, featuring 40,000+ IPs.

Over 400 servers are in North America and Europe, as well as 50+ in Asia and Oceania, and a smattering in Central/South America and Africa.

ipvanish countries servers

Is IPVanish Right For You?

IPVanish is based in the U.S. and claims to be the “world’s best VPN service” but is it right for you?

Best For Professionals Handling Sensitive Data

If you work in a profession such as journalism where data sensitivity is critically important, IPVanish may be ideal.

Unlike some companies that promise anonymous browsing yet store your personal data and information on internal servers, IPVanish honors its marketing claims to defend your data by storing no logs.

Best For Users Who Do Not Want To Be Tracked

Your physical location is used by marketers to geo-target you and serve you ads.

Without a VPN, advertisers know your zip code, state, region, city and country. They also know your IP address and ISP.

When you use IPVanish, your real IP address is hidden so search engines and marketers are effectively blinded.

They can’t identify your location so you can avoid bothersome ads and sharing personally identifiable information.

ipvanish geo targeting

Best For Public WiFi Users

IPVanish is designed to protect you from prying eyes when using public WiFi.

It also gives you peace of mind that your bank information, passwords, usernames, and private accounts aren’t visible to data thieves who specialize in cybercrimes.

All your online traffic is directed through an encrypted tunnel which shields you from hacking and spying.

Best For VOIP Users

When you make telephone calls over the internet, or voice over internet protocol (VOIP), your communications with family, friends, and others are not secure.

Some VOIP service providers charge a premium for international calls.

If you want to maintain your privacy, get around censorship and firewall blocking, or lower your costs, you can connect to the worldwide network of servers provided by IPVanish.

Once connected, your voice and video conversations are encrypted, so you don’t have to worry about your communications being intercepted.

ipvanish voip services

Best For Users Of Mobile Devices

When you are on-the-go using your mobile device or traveling abroad and connecting to WiFi, your emails, bank data, messaging and social media accounts may be exposed to prying eyes and potentially even cyber criminals.

The IPVanish mobile app secures your communications when you are on-the-go.

You can download the mobile app onto iOS and Android devices and stay connected via an anonymous IP address.

Your actual location is hidden when you are using a WiFi hotspot and your online data is encrypted.

Best For Torrent Users

Torrents are used to share content and are commonly free. Because torrents can be used for illegal file sharing, they are understandably frowned upon by anti-piracy advocates.

IPVanish has no qualms about catering to torrents and promotes anonymous torrenting as part of its service.

IPVanish Pricing

Pricing Plans 1 Month 3 Months 12 Months
Annual Cost $120 $107.96 $77.99
Price
(monthly)
$10.00
(billed monthly)
$8.99
(billed quarterly)
$6.49
(billed annually)
Savings 17% 25% 46%
Purchase

You can use standard payment methods like credit card and Paypal.

Other supported payment methods include:

  • AliPay
  • CashU
  • MisterCash
  • POLi
  • SOFORT Banking
  • Boleto Bancario
  • DineroMail 7eleven
  • DineroMail Oxxo
  • DineroMail Bank Transfer
  • DineroMail ServiPag
  • Przelewy24
  • GiroPay
  • IDEAL
  • EPS

You also receive a 7-day money back guarantee after you purchase IPVanish.

IPVanish Review:
Pros and Cons

IPVanish Pros IPVanish Cons
✅ Zero Logs Policy: No connection or activity logs are collected. ❌ Slow Using Tor: Using TOR will improve your security and anonymity but upload and download speeds are negatively impacted when using IPVanish with Tor.
✅ 5-Devices Permitted: IPVanish has a generous device policy, especially for families who can connect up to five devices simultaneously. ❌ Customer Support: IPVanish earns mixed reviews from customers and receives poor ratings from the Better Business Bureau for keeping customers satisfied.
✅ Industry Grade Encryption: 256-bit AES encryption is used to secure communications. ❌ IPVanish Netflix: Netflix has different content in different regions. If you are in Europe looking to access the U.S. based version of Netflix, you will be disappointed to find IPVanish cannot get around Netflix filters unlike NordVPN.
✅ Fast VPN: We found connecting to U.S. based servers led to fast upload and download speeds but latency increased using servers outside the USA.
IP Address Protection: Your real IP address is shielded so your anonymity online is preserved.
✅ Extensive Server Network: IPVanish has one of the most extensive and far-reaching server networks featuring over 1,000+ servers in 60+ countries.
✅ Broad Device Compatibility: IPVanish is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Ubuntu, Chromebook, and Routers.
✅ Money Back Guarantee: Buyers receive a 7-day money back guarantee.
✅ Payment Methods: Beyond credit card and Paypal payment methods, IPVanish supports over a dozen other payment types.
✅ Anonymous Torrenting: Unlike many other VPN services, IPVanish supports anonymous torrenting.
✅ Unlimited P2P Bandwidth: When using its VPN for peer-to-peer networking, IPVanish guarantees not to slow down your connection speed.
✅ Unlimited Server Switching: You can switch to any number of servers as often as you wish.

IPVanish Kodi VPN

What Is Kodi?

Kodi used to be known as the Xbox Media Center but in 2014 it was renamed Kodi by the XBMC Foundation.

If you want to share streaming media content like music and videos around the home, Kodi is a popular solution that works with almost every operating system.

Whether you are using a TV, tablet, phone, or laptop, Kodi provides a method to access and store content.

IPVanish Kodi

Kodi isn’t just a free, open-source software app that caters to streaming music and video. It also allows users to watch live broadcasts from around the world, listen to radio, and download torrents.

Kodi can function without a VPN but if you want add-ons that are frequently restricted based on geography, IPVanish VPN helps to get around borders.

The bottom line is you can access Kodi add-ons from anywhere.

How To Use IPVanish For Kodi?

If you use Kodi on a desktop or tablet, you can run the automated IPVanish app in the background to get secure access to Kodi add-ons.

If you’ve got Kodi running on a Smart TV or set-top box, configuring IPVanish is a bit more involved but IPVanish provides setup guides for Mac, Windows, and Android.

When Would You Use A VPN For Kodi?

IPVanish challenges for the title of best VPN for Kodi because it gets around geo-location restrictions imposed by Kodi add-ons like IceFilms, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and NBC Sports.

Other add-ons, like Acestream, source data from torrents, a P2P file format that frequently records the IP address of file-seeders.

If you want to get around censorship or identity protection, it is well worth considering the IPVanish Kodi VPN.

IPVanish VPN Review FAQ

What is the IPVanish download process – how to use IPVanish?

IPVanish provides set up guides so you can configure IPVanish with Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

Is IPVanish free?

No, IPVanish is a paid VPN service. Unlike free VPN services that usually provide only one kind of VPN connection, IPVanish isn’t limited to Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) that is not considered fully secure.

Does an IPVanish Killswitch exist? Should you be worried if IPVanish keeps disconnecting?

IPVanish supports a Killswitch, which shuts down all internet traffic when your VPN connection stops working, for Mac OS X and Windows clients.

Is an IPVanish free trial available?

An IPVanish free trial is not available but you do receive a 7-day money back guarantee with your purchase.

What if IPVanish Won’t Connect?

If you are using IPVanish with Tor, you might find your upload or download speeds are slower so it seems like IPVanish won’t connect. If you still can’t access IPVanish, contact IPVanish support.

IPVanish Review: Best VPN?

IPVanish isn’t the cheapest VPN but if you are willing to pay a premium, you will get access to one of the best VPN services jam-packed with tools and enjoy a 7-day money back guarantee.

The zero logs policy and industry grade encryption highlight that IPVanish takes privacy and anonymity seriously.

IPVanish is compatible with a wide variety of operating systems and devices and features unlimited P2P bandwidth.

It may well be the best VPN for torrenting and best VPN for Kodi.

Plus, it wins high marks for cycling IP addresses and low latency when using U.S. servers.

While IPVanish doesn’t earn the best ratings for customer support, it packs enough value into its service to make it a compelling choice.

The article Use IPVanish VPN To Protect Your Privacy was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
Ting Review – Pay Less For Your Mobile Phone Plan https://investormint.com/shopping/ting-reviews https://investormint.com/shopping/ting-reviews#disqus_thread Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:47:55 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=6640 Ting is a mobile virtual network operator that partners with Sprint & T-mobile to lower your mobile phone bill by charging you only for talk, text, and data you use.

The article Ting Review – Pay Less For Your Mobile Phone Plan was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
ting review

InvestorMint provides personal finance tools and insights to better inform your financial decisions. Our research is comprehensive, independent and well researched so you can have greater confidence in your financial choices.

If you want to lower your mobile phone bill, Ting may be able to help you with one of its flexible and affordable billing plans.

Ting claims you can cut your mobile phone bill in half by paying only for the talk, text, and data you use.

As a mobile virtual network operator, Ting leases cellular coverage and data bandwidth from its partners, Sprint and T-mobile, so you are covered nationwide from coast to coast.

And unlike some of the Big Four providers, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint & T-Mobile, who lock you into long term commitments, Ting won’t tie you into a contract so you can try it risk-free.

But is it worth switching to Ting mobile?

Ting Mobile: How It Works

Ting claims it can cut your mobile phone bill in half and the average amount paid by Ting users backs up that claim.

The average Ting bill is just $23 per phone, per month.

TING SPOTLIGHT
ting logo blue
  • Nationwide Coverage
  • Pay For Talk, Text, & Data You Use
  • Compatible With Most Devices

via Ting secure site

Unlike the Big Four who usually lock you into a fixed monthly contract, Ting rates vary month to month based on usage.

For example, you might use your phone more in May than in April, in which case your April bill would be lower than your May bill.

ting what would you save

Instead of paying for talk, text, and data that you don’t use – like you would with a regular billing plan – you only pay for what you do use with Ting.

Your minutes, messages, and data used can be viewed at a glance, and Ting shows you how much the amount adds up to based on the payment package you select.

For example, you could see that after spending 80 minutes on the phone, exchanging 950 text messages, and using 450MB of data that your usage adds up to $18.

ting usage at a glance

If you are worried about unnecessarily using data, you can turn off notifications to send and receive picture and video messages.

Plus, you have a control dashboard that allows you to customize your preferences, including:

  • Hide caller ID from others
  • Allow other devices to tether your device
  • Permit Access the internet

ting complete control

And to avoid hitting threshold limits, you can set up notification alerts that inform you when usage limits are hit.

For example, when you exceed 500 minutes of talk time or 1GB of data usage, you can receive an alert to notify you.

ting usage alerts

If you think Ting might save you money but you are worried about whether your phone is compatible, the good news is most devices work with Ting.

On the other hand, if you don’t already own a phone, you can buy a mobile phone directly from Ting.

Or if you do own a phone that is unlocked and compatible with Ting, you will only need a SIM card, which is also sold by Ting, to get started.

Ting Rates & Plans

Ting rates are based on usage, so you don’t necessarily pay a fixed amount monthly.

Depending on the number of people in your household and lines you need, as well as the number of minutes, text messages, and data usage required, you can calculate how much Ting will likely cost you.

Lines 1 2 3 4 5 6+
$6 Each $6 $12 $18 $24 $30 $6/device

The average Ting account uses about 200 minutes per month. Based on your own usage, you can estimate how many nationwide minutes you would need.

Minutes No usage 100 500 1,000 2,100 more?
Nationwide $0 $3 $9 $18 $35 1.9c/min

The average Ting account uses about 300 texts per device per month.

The rates for Ting text messages are listed here:

Text Messages No usage 100 1,000 2,000 4,800 more?
Global $0 $3 $5 $8 $11 0.25c/text

The average Ting account uses about 0.65GB (650MB) of data per month.

Data No usage 100MB 500MB 1GB 2GB more?
Nationwide $0 $3 $10 $16 $20 $10/GB

Based on the average usage amounts for talk, text, and data, the monthly cost would be $36.

How much can you expect to be charged?

Let’s say you expect to use 400 minutes per month, you will pay $9 for Minutes.

Now if you happen to use only 200 minutes, you will still be charged $9 because that usage amount is in the same rate category.

So, $9 is charged when you use more than 100 minutes but not more than 500 minutes.

If you use more minutes, say 600, than the 400 you expected, you will pay $18 because you exceeded the 500 Minutes allowance for the $9 category.

Perhaps the best part of the Ting billing method is you are not locked into any contracts and neither are you charged any cancellation fees if you wish to switch later on.

Plus, freebies are thrown in like voicemail, picture and video messaging, 3-way calling, hotspots, tethering, and call forwarding.

You can even make international calls and texts to over 60 countries at no extra cost.

For example, when you make calls outside the USA to Canada, China, India, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and United Kingdom among others, you pay regular minutes that are surcharge-free.

ting free international calling

How To Get Started With Ting

Whether you want to buy a Ting phone, check the compatibility of your own phone, calculate monthly savings, or buy a Ting SIM card, the best place to get started with Ting is directly on its website.

Ting Coverage

Ting offers mobile service on two nationwide LTE networks.

Ting GSM wireless service is provided on a nationwide 3G, HSPA, and LTE network from T-Mobile.

ting gsm coverage map

The Ting CDMA wireless service is provided on the Nationwide Sprint network.

Compare Ting Pricing

Comparing Ting rates with the rates charged by prepaid phone providers, you can see Ting is competitive.

Up to 1GB 2 → 4 GB Unlimited
Cricket Wireless $25
(talk & text)
$30
(2GB)
$60
Republic Wireless $15
(talk, text & WiFi)
$30 → $45
Straight Talk Wireless $30 $35
(2GB)
$55
Verizon Prepaid $30
(talk & text)
$40
(3GB)
$80
Virgin Mobile $50

Ting Reviews:
What You Need To Know

When you switch from another carrier to Ting, you are probably already well used to a predictable billing cycle with a fixed monthly charge.

But with Ting, your monthly charges may vary based on usage.

That’s great when you don’t use a lot of minutes, messages, or data. However, during heavy usage months, you may end up paying more.

To avoid a billing surprise, Ting has set up alerts to notify you when you are coming close to your limits.

Regardless, you will need to get used to the new billing set up whereby you won’t necessarily be charged the same amount each month unless you use a similar amount of minutes, texts, and data each month.

Something else you should double check on before getting started is the coverage area.

Because Ting relies on Sprint and T-Mobile for network coverage, you will run into network reliability issues in areas where Sprint and T-Mobile have poorer coverage.

If you anticipate billing variability and coverage ahead of time, your satisfaction with Ting will probably be much higher.

Ting Review: The Bottom Line

Ting is a mobile virtual network operator that relies on the Sprint and T-Mobile networks for coverage.

For as little as $6 per month plus usage, you can get started with Ting.

It is a good fit for users who have fairly consistent and light usage of talk, text, and data each month.

And for users who are worried about heavy usage intermittently, Ting is set up with an easy-to-use dashboard that lets you customize notification alerts.

The bottom line is if you are looking to save money on your existing cell phone plan, Ting has many of the benefits of a large carrier combined with the low monthly costs of a mobile virtual network operator.

Have you switched your cell phone plan to a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) like Ting? What was your experience? We would love to hear your thoughts.

>> Which Mattress Is Better: Sealy Vs Serta?

>> Why Was My Credit Card Declined?

>> Do You Save More In States With No Income Tax?

The article Ting Review – Pay Less For Your Mobile Phone Plan was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
Use NordVPN To Watch Netflix Anywhere! https://investormint.com/shopping/nordvpn-netflix https://investormint.com/shopping/nordvpn-netflix#disqus_thread Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:54:09 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=6183 NordVPN makes it possible to watch Netflix from anywhere in the world, provides double VPN, Onion over VPN, an automatic Kill Switch, and even accepts Bitcoin.

The article Use NordVPN To Watch Netflix Anywhere! was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
nordvpn review

InvestorMint provides personal finance tools and insights to better inform your financial decisions. Our research is comprehensive, independent and well researched so you can have greater confidence in your financial choices.

Netflix has over 100 million subscribers globally but the shows available on Netflix in the United States are not necessarily the same one available to European users. So, how do you watch your favorite shows on Netflix when abroad? If you don’t have NordVPN, the chances are you may be restricted.

NordVPN operates a virtual private network (VPN) that allows you to connect to the internet via servers that securely transfer encrypted data. By logging on to the internet using a VPN, you can “fool” an internet service provider (ISP) into believing you are somewhere else in the world.

When you use a VPN, you can more easily keep your internet activity private. You also increase the chances of defending your computer and sensitive information from hackers who may exploit a public WiFi hotspot.

But not all VPNs are built the same. In fact, few are sophisticated enough to consistently get past VPN filters that Netflix has in place but NordVPN has managed that lofty feat. So what else do you need to know about NordVPN before signing up?

NordVPN Spotlight

NORDVPN SPOTLIGHT
nordvpn logo

InvestorMint Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars

  • # servers: 2,900 worldwide
  • Bandwidth: High-speed unlimited
  • Price: $2.75 per month when buying a 3-year plan

via NordVPN secure site

What Is NordVPN?

NordVPN is based in Panama and operates 2,900 servers in 59 countries worldwide.

It allows you to securely access websites from anywhere in the world, share files safely via P2P networks, and enjoy a fast VPN experience so you can even watch streaming movies on Netflix.

nordvpn iphone pillsNordVPN boasts military-grade encryption and the ability to shield yourself from intrusive advertisements and malicious online threats. Plus, the Double VPN feature encrypts your traffic twice to create an added layer of privacy online. So, your traffic would be routed through two VPN servers instead of one.

Beyond accessing your favorite shows on Netflix, privacy is one of the primary reasons to select NordVPN. Because your traffic is sent through a NordVPN server, your real IP address is changed so your anonymity online is preserved.

NordVPN Privacy

The jurisdiction under which a VPN operates, the support or tracking tools it uses, the payment options it offers, and additional security options like a Kill Switch and Double VPN are all factors to consider when choosing a VPN provider. NordVPN earns high marks in all these categories.

If privacy is important to you when choosing a VPN service, you should pay close attention to whether the VPN keeps logs of your private data and information. NordVPN has a strict no logs policy so that alleviates a tracking concern for many users.

As a Panama-based company, NordVPN is not subject to US and EU jurisdiction requirements to collect personal data and information.

And while you can pay NordVPN via credit card or Paypal, you can also select among other payment options, including Bitcoin.

If your connection drops for some reason, NordVPN also provides a Kill Switch to protect your data from being temporarily exposed.

For power users who need added layers of security, NordVPN provides top tier privacy solutions, such as Onion Over VPN and Double VPN. When you connect via Onion Over VPN, you are leveraging the TOR network.

NordVPN Privacy Feature Description
 nordvpn protect your ip IP Address Protection Change your real IP address by sending traffic through a NordVPN server
 nordvpn strict no logs policy Strict No Logs Policy Your private data is not tracked or monitored
nordvpn automatic kill switch Automatic Kill Switch If VPN connection drops, your internet traffic is protected
nordvpn onion router Onion Over VPN For maximum security online, add an Onion Router to the VPN connection

NordVPN also implements DNS leak protection technology to protect your online activity in case DNS servers send unencrypted queries outside a secure VPN tunnel.

nordvpn connected united states

Plus, you can secure your online activity with one click using the NordVPN proxy extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Even if you access a website that is not HTTPS secure, your traffic will be encrypted and your real IP replaced with one of the thousands of NordVPN servers distributed across the globe.

Is NordVPN Right For You?

It’s no mean feat getting around VPN filters Netflix has in place to stop users outside the United States viewing content only available to its customers in that region, but somehow NordVPN has overcome that challenge.

If you run into an issue accessing Netflix or Hulu, NordVPN has support pages dedicated to explaining how to get up and running. To get started, connect to a U.S. based server and you should be able to watch Netflix.

In fact, if an award were given for “best VPN for streaming”, NordVPN would probably deserve the title. If you previously used a VPN that experienced limited bandwidth due to throttling issues, you will find the fast NordVPN speed to be refreshing.

Because it has servers distributed around the globe, the chances diminish of running into bandwidth issues because you will be more likely to use a server that is closer to you.

The NordVPN servers are also optimized for P2P sharing and video streaming without compromising encryption protocols for true online privacy and security. That means you are moved to a dedicated P2P server automatically when NordVPN sees you are file sharing on a non-P2P server.

NordVPN Benefit Description
 nordvpn server locations 2,900 Servers in 59 Countries Reduced risk of throttling issues
nordvpn cloud streaming  Secure Streaming Reduced buffering and secure streaming
 nordvpn smart play SmartPlay Technology Access to streaming sites with SmartPlay technology
 nordvpn p2p welcome P2P Optimized Hundreds of fast servers optimized for P2P
 nordvpn lightning speed Fast NordVPN Speed Lightning fast VPN while maintaining security

Another plus in favor of NordVPN is that you can connect up to six devices simultaneously from a single user account.

NordVPN Windows, NordVPN MAC, NordVPN iOS and NordVPN Android are all supported.

NordVPN Pricing

Pricing Plans Simple Best Offer Standard
Timeline 1 month 2 year plan 1 year plan
Price
(monthly)
$11.95 $3.29 $5.75
Savings 0% 72% 52%
Purchase

You can pay by credit card or Paypal, or even Bitcoin if you wish to preserve your anonymity to an even greater extent.

Other payment methods supported include:

  • AliPay
  • UnionPay
  • WebMoney
  • Yandex
  • GiroPay
  • Sofort Banking

You may be disappointed if you are looking for a NordVPN free trial but you do get a 30-day money back guarantee, which gives you a chance to explore the virtual private network at no risk.

NordVPN Review:
Pros and Cons

NordVPN Pros NordVPN Cons
Low Price Point: A 2 year plan works out to be $3.29 monthly. Lack Of Transparency: No public data is available on who runs NordVPN. Even a LinkedIn search reveals very few employees.
Fast VPN: NordVPN is sufficiently fast to support streaming video services, such as Netflix and Hulu. Cookies: The company uses cookies to track users’ movements around the site, gather demographic information about its user base as a whole, analyze trends, and manage the site.
Secure Streaming: Streaming is secure while buffering is reduced.
P2P Optimized: Servers are optimized to share files over P2P networks.
No Logs Policy: VPN stores no logs of your private data and information.
IP Address Protection: Your real IP address is shielded so your anonymity online is preserved.
Automatic Kill Switch: Additional security options like a Kill Switch and Double VPN are provided for added security.
Onion Over VPN: NordVPN provides top tier privacy solutions, such as onion over VPN.
Cancel Anytime: We found customer support to be friendly and account activation and cancellation to be hassle-free.
Payment Methods: Beyond credit card and Paypal payment methods, NordVPN also supports Bitcoin.
Six Devices Connection: Up to six devices can be connected simultaneously from a single account.
Multiple Operating Systems: iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac operating systems are all supported.

NordVPN Reviews: Summary

One of the best VPNs on the market is NordVPN, which comes at a very reasonable monthly cost, especially if you sign up to a two year plan.

NordVPN server locations are distributed globally and make it possible to stream videos without running into throttling issues from poor bandwidth. You can even watch Netflix from anywhere in the world without running into Netflix VPN filters.

The virtual private network prioritizes users’ anonymity and privacy by having a strict no logs policy to track user data and information. It also has added privacy layers like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN, and a Kill Switch to protect users in case the connection is dropped.

For users especially concerned about privacy, NordVPN even accepts Bitcoin as a payment method.

The bottom line if you are looking for a top notch VPN with the added benefit of being able to stream Netflix from anywhere in the world, NordVPN deserves your attention.

The article Use NordVPN To Watch Netflix Anywhere! was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0
Sealy vs Serta: Compare Top Mattress Brands https://investormint.com/shopping/sealy-vs-serta https://investormint.com/shopping/sealy-vs-serta#disqus_thread Tue, 16 Jan 2018 14:59:53 +0000 https://investormint.com/?p=5838 Sealy Vs Serta: Both are innerspring coil mattresses that are comfortable and affordable, but which is best to help you sleep deeply?

The article Sealy vs Serta: Compare Top Mattress Brands was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
sealy vs serta hero

InvestorMint provides personal finance tools and insights to better inform your financial decisions. Our research is comprehensive, independent and well researched so you can have greater confidence in your financial choices.

If you ever walked into a mattress showroom, you would be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed.

These days you can select from a wide range of mattress brands but among the most popular are Sealy Posturepedic and Serta Perfect Sleeper.

But before you choose between Sealy vs Serta, you first need to make a decision on what type of mattress technology you want.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses conform to your body and disperse your weight evenly. These mattresses tend to be ideal if you tend to toss and turn during the night or sleep lightly.

They can also be a good option for anyone who has had a hip or knee surgery or simply a painful joint because the pressure on any single part of the body is alleviated.

A drawback of memory foam mattresses is they tend to be warmer than traditional innerspring mattresses.

But over time mattress technology enhancements have improved air circulation to counteract this temperature issue.

Memory foam mattresses win high marks for their resistance to bacteria, mites, bed bugs, and even mold.

Foam Mattress

Foam mattresses tend to cost less than Sealy Posturepedic and Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses, which are innerspring mattresses.

Foam mattresses come in many forms, such as gel foam, solid foam, and memory foam.

From one side of the bed to the other, foam mattresses offers support that appeals to sleepers who tend to move a lot during the night from one side of the bed to the other.

Latex Mattress

If you sleep with a partner who tosses and turns each night, a latex mattress may be the answer to your interrupted sleep.

Latex mattresses are resistant to motion and are designed to ensure no single part of the body is unduly pressured.

So, if one part of your body is more sensitive than another, a latex mattress may be a good fit.

And because prices have come down significantly in recent decades, a latex mattress is much more affordable than it used to be.

Innerspring Mattress

Both Sealy Posturepedic and Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses are innerspring mattresses.

Innerspring mattress designs are still among the most popular despite being one of the oldest types of mattress technologies.

In innerspring mattresses, steel coil support systems are generally used to construct durable mattresses.

Padding and upholstery surrounds pocketed coils and often the steel springs are layered for a more comfortable night’s sleep.

As a low cost, highly comfortable mattress, innerspring mattresses remain among the best-selling of all mattress types but if you had to pick between Sealy vs Serta, which should you choose?

Sealy vs Serta: Review

Sealy Posturepedic and Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses are popular because they combine comfort and reasonable cost.

Both of these innerspring mattresses come with a 10-year warranty, a comfort layer thickness starting at 2 inches (and up to 6 inches for the Serta Perfect Sleeper and 7 inches for the Sealy Posturepedic), and an adjustable foundation option.

Where they differ is in firmness. The Serta Perfect Sleeper ranges from soft to firm while the Sealy Posturepedic has a minimum overall thickness of 9 inches (compared to a 5.5 inch minimum for the Serta Perfect Sleeper), so it ranges from medium-soft to firm.

However, the The Serta Perfect Sleeper has a more extensive range of comfort layer materials. While the Sealy Posturepedic only supports regular foam, Serta offers regular foam, memory foam, gel memory foam, and regular gel foam.

serta perfect sleeper logo
  • Price
    $599
  • Warranty
    10-Years
  • Firmness
    Medium Soft → Firm
sealy-logo
  • Price
    $599
  • Warranty
    10-Years
  • Firmness
    Soft Firm

Serta Perfect Sleeper Review

If you want an affordable and durable mattress, the Serta Perfect Sleeper fits the bill.

Like all mattresses, it will probably sag over the long term but it’s time-tested durability means you shouldn’t expect sagging anytime soon after purchase.

It’s known to have good back support and caters to customers who like both soft and firm mattresses.

If you are bothered by a partner keeping you awake at night with their tossing and turning then the Serta Perfect Sleeper is a good option.

Unlike memory foam mattresses that can sometimes sleep warm, the Serta Perfect Sleeper regulates temperature well so you shouldn’t experience uncomfortable heat.

serta perfect sleeper sheep mattress

Serta claims that its Perfect Sleeper mattresses have been engineered to combat the five most common sleep problems:

  1. Tossing and turning
  2. Lack of support
  3. Sleeping too hot or too cold
  4. Partner disturbance
  5. Mattress roll-off or sagging

A standard queen set can cost as much as $1,499 but you can find models that are significantly less costly.

Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses come in a variety of styles and prices, from the Castleview Plush queen bed set to the Laraine Luxury Firm.

Other Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress styles include:

  • Reedman Plush Super Pillow Top
  • Hynes Plush
  • Luxury Hybrid Elmridge Super Pillow Top
  • Hotel Signature Dual Super Pillow Top
  • Luxury Hybrid Blakefield Plush
  • Sedgewick Firm
  • Luxury Hybrid Glenmoor Super Pillow Top
  • Visby Lake Plush
  • Caledonian Plush
  • Luxury Hybrid Oakbridge II Firm
  • Molenda Luxe Firm
  • Coralview Plush
  • Coralview Firm
  • Castleview Cushion Firm Euro Pillow Top
  • Hillgate II Cushion Firm Super Pillow Top
  • Castleview Firm
  • Castleview Plush

Sealy Posturepedic Review

When you choose a Sealy Posturepedic you can select among three types of mattress:

  • Basic Posturepedic Series
  • Posturepedic Plus Series
  • Posturepedic Premier Hybrid Series

If you are willing to pay more, you will enjoy more innerspring coils and greater memory foam thickness.

The pricing is similar to Serta but you will get a little bit more for your money from Sealy when it comes to coils and foam thickness.

Like the Serta Perfect Sleeper brand, Sealy Posturepedic mattress brands are long-lasting and have 10-year warranties.

Sealy vs Serta Summary

Before comparing Sealy Vs Serta mattress brands, consider first what type of mattress will best suit your sleep needs.

Both Serta Perfect Sleeper and Sealy Posturepedic are innerspring mattresses which are popular for being affordable and comfortable.

You get a little bit more for your money with Sealy when it comes to coils and foam thickness though the pricing of both are similar.

The Serta Perfect Sleeper has a more extensive range of comfort layer materials so if that is more important to you than coils and foam thickness, Serta may be more suitable.

If you find that innerspring coil mattresses don’t match what you are looking for consider latex, foam, memory foam, or hybrid mattresses.

Have you shopped for a Sealy or Serta mattress? Which did you choose and why? Let us know, we would love to hear from you.

>> Can I Retire Yet?

>> Retirement Planning For Dummies

>> Do You Save More In States With No Income Tax?

The article Sealy vs Serta: Compare Top Mattress Brands was originally posted on Investormint

]]>
0