Be a Savvy Holiday Shopper with Consumer Reports
It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday shopping season! With retailer sales already underway and Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Week in sight, it’s easy to feel a little lost in all the hype. But don’t worry—practical advice from the experts at Consumer Reports can make shopping smarter and less stressful. Best of all, BPL members can access this online resource for free!
Before browsing the links below, read our short article on how to sign in and access Consumer Reports (CR) through Burlington Public Library.
Consumer Reports Advises Shoppers
Everywhere you look online, gift guides are showcasing this season’s brightest, coolest, and trendiest buys. They're a great way to see what's new and popular, but "let the buyer beware" is a good rule to follow, especially when shopping for pricier items such as smart home devices, wearable health tech, audio gadgets, and household appliances.
That's where Consumer Reports comes in. CR provides independent product testing, unbiased reviews, and expert buying advice on thousands of products and services, helping you make informed purchasing decisions.
Tested Products, Trusted Reviews
Supersized sales this holiday season aren't just for gift shopping. They're also a great opportunity to save on practical household purchases, like vacuum cleaners. Whether you're helping someone furnish their first apartment or replacing your old Hoover with the latest tech, finding the right vacuum isn't as simple as it used to be. So, let's see how Consumer Reports can help you sort through the options and find the right one.
Informative Articles
The experts at Consumer Reports know how to make technical information easy to understand. Their vacuum buying guide, Choose the Right Vacuum for Your Home, answers common questions from shoppers and explains how CR tests vacuum cleaners. You'll also find helpful articles with practical tips for getting the most out of your vacuum.
Objective Ratings
Consumer Reports has tested and rated more than 190 vacuum cleaner models, including canister, upright, robotic, stick, and handheld vacuums. Each receives an overall score based on performance and other evaluation criteria. You can also compare product specifications and CR ratings for up to five models side by side, making it easier to see how they measure up.
Top Recommendations
Consumer Reports puts products through rigorous testing, so earning the coveted CR Recommended designation is no small feat! These products meet CR's standards for performance, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction. For shoppers looking for quality at a good price, CR Smart Buys highlight products that offer particularly good value.
Where to Find Consumer Reports
Before you tackle your holiday shopping list, see what the experts at Consumer Reports recommend. Consumer Reports is a membership-based service, but your library card gives you free access. If you’re prompted to pay to sign up, make sure you are logged in with your BPL card number.
Select RESOURCES on BPL’s website main menu to find Consumer Reports under Learning & Research > Reference & Research. Connect directly to the online resource or select Read more on how to access CR on your laptop or device; no CR app is available.
