If you shop on Amazon regularly, I guarantee you’ve been RIPPED OFF multiple times. The pricing they show you when you first visit a product page is often NOT the cheapest option. Get in the healthy habit of spending the 30 seconds required to look at ALL your buying options. Here are a bunch of Amazon screenshots and examples to show you exactly what I’m talking about.

Side-Note: In case you’re wondering about the above Oreo picture, my son used money from his first job to order a 12-pack of Peanut Butter Oreos from Amazon. It’s safe to say he didn’t look for a better price.

Example #1 – Get More BUT Pay Less

My first pricing example is stuff on Amazon where you can actually get more for LESS.

Yes, you read that correctly, by looking at the different quantities you can often get more stuff for less cash.

Here are 2 examples…

Duracell Batteries

Would you rather buy 20 AA Duracell batteries for $15.98 -OR- would you rather spend $0.57 LESS and get 4 more batteries?

Tough question, right? Give me the 24-pack every single time.

See Also: 7 Easy Ways to Find Hidden Amazon Deals and Save BIG

Colgate Toothpaste

This one was a real head-scratcher.

A 4-pack of Colgate toothpaste for $9.98 -OR- a 3 pack for $14.60?

The odd thing about this one was that Amazon gave me the 3-pack by default for some reason.

If I hadn’t looked at the different quantities I would have gotten ripped off.

Moral of the story? ALWAYS look at the different quantity sizes!

Example #2 – Pay Just a Little Extra BUT Get a BUNCH More

I found many examples on Amazon of products that provide huge value when you pay just a small percentage more.

Here are some of the most glaring examples that I stumbled upon.

Flash Drives

Looking for a new Flash Drive or two on Amazon?

Be sure to look at the various capacity sizes available.

BTW, the same goes for ANY external hard drive or portable storage device.

As you can tell by my screenshot above, you can get a 10-pack of Flash Drives, with twice the storage size, and only pay $1 more.

Or get 8x the storage and only pay $3 more.

See Also: Amazon Prime Package Arrives Late? Here’s What You Can Get for FREE

Flossers

I love these Flossers and tend to leave them all over the house which grosses out my wife. But I digress.

So when I went to buy some from Amazon I was stunned that I could pay $10.16 for 150 of them -OR- drop an extra $4 and get 540 of them…enough to last me until all my teeth fall out.

Easy decision.

Basis Soap

Would you rather have 8 bars of Basis soap for $22.59 -OR- 7 bars for $21.45?

If you opt for the 8-pack you’re basically getting that extra bar for a measly $1.14, a savings of about $2.

See Also: 3 Amazon Shopping Hacks That’ll Blow Your Mind

Energizer Batteries

Energizer Batteries also make my list as you can get a 20 pack of AA’s for basically the same price as the 16 pack.

With batteries appearing twice on my list, you ALWAYS need to check the quantity options and find the best deal as Amazon doesn’t always show the item with biggest savings as a default.

Example #3 – Buy Less and Pay Less (per Unit)

Sometimes it’s smart to buy stuff on Amazon in the smaller sizes.

Here’s an example. 

Packing Tape

The above screenshot is evidence that the “5 pack” is not always the better deal.

If you really need that much tape, you’d be WAY better off buying five 8-packs individually as you’d save over $127 by doing so.

Example #4 – Don’t Be Picky About Color and Save BIG

This particular scenario is probably my favorite way to save on Amazon.

If you don’t care about color, you MUST try this Amazon hack.

Portable Battery

I love my Anker portable battery, especially since I was able to save $23 by opting for the black one.

Always look at the different color options for not only portable batteries, but ANYTHING that comes in multiple colors.

I’m guessing Amazon is taking the stance that people will pay a premium for their favorite color.

Sorry, but that’s dumb, especially when the price difference is often HUGE.

See Also: Did You Know You Can Use Your EBT Card at Amazon?

Dial Soap

“But Dial Gold doesn’t get me as clean as Dial White.” Said NO ONE EVER!

Opt for the Gold 3-pack and save BIG.

Final Thoughts…

Stop letting Amazon mess with you and take more of your money than they should.

Always look at the different quantities, colors, and “packs” available before making a purchase.

Your wallet will thank you, I guarantee it.

Ask the Reader: Have you ever noticed these weird pricing phenomenon on Amazon and how do you deal with it?

By Kyle James

Amazon bought Zappos back in 2009, but fortunately they didn’t also adopt Amazon’s less than liberal return policy. They kept their same “100% satisfaction guarantee” policy which had made them so successful up to that point. But like any store policy, there are nuisances and tricks to make it work best for you and Zappos return policy is no exception. Here’s exactly how it works PLUS some hacks for success.

How Many Return Days Does Zappos Allow?

365 days.

You get exactly 1 year from your date of purchase to make a return if you’re not completely satisfied.

Are There Any Exceptions?

According to the Zappos website, there are “no minimums or exclusions” on returns.

But is that completely true? More on that later.

So I Can Buy 20 Pairs and Return 19 of Them?

I hit up their live chat and asked them that exact question and you can see their answer above.

They put no limit on what you can buy and return.

Who Pays the Return Shipping Costs?

Not only will Zappos mail them to you for free, but they will ALSO pay all return shipping charges.

They’ve made the process really easy, you just login to your Zappos account and follow the return instructions.

Can the Shoes By Worn?

Technically, NO, they must be in “new” condition and this serves as the 1 major policy “exclusion”.

They suggest you wear them indoors for an extended period of time to determine how they fit and if you want to keep them.

They actually suggested to me that I buy multiple sizes so I can test them all indoors before making a decision.

If you wear them outside and scuff the bottoms they are now considered “used” and not eligible for a return unless there is something wrong with the shoe.

But having said that, it’s pretty easy to make the argument that the reason they don’t fit right (or give me blisters) is due to a design flaw in the shoe.

Do you see where I’m going with this? Use your best judgment and try not to abuse their VERY liberal return policy or it will probably go away one day.

See Also: 17 Stores That Let You Return Used Items for a Full Refund

Do I Need the Original Box?

Zappos says you do, but from personal experience, you DO NOT always need the box or original packaging to make a return.

This doesn’t mean to throw the shoe box away the second you get it.

It’s always smart to hold on to it until you know for sure the shoes are keepers as the return will be much easier.

What If I Wear New Shoes for a Week and They Hurt My Feet?

I was told by a chat rep that if you wear a new pair to work, and the fit sucks, to “let us know and we can look into it”.

Takeaway: If you have a problem with a pair of shoes you bought from Zappos, whether new or used, let them know about it and they probably will be able to help you out with a refund or replacement.

What About Running Shoes?

This is where their return policy has gained notoriety as many joggers have returned running shoes after many miles of use.

Because of this, Zappos recently instituted the 30 Day Runlimited Guarantee.

This guarantee lets you buy a pair of running shoes, run in them for 30 days, and return them for any reason.

See Also: Nike Return Policy: You Got Questions…I Got Answers

What Happens If I Lost My Packing Slip?

No worries, just login to your Zappos account and follow the return instructions.

Does Zappos Track My Return History?

You can pretty much guarantee it.

I’m guessing that if you make too many returns that they consider “used” you might have your account flagged.

From the research I did, this was corroborated by a Zappos employee.

Does their Policy Apply to Just Shoes?

No, it applies to everything they sell.

This includes clothing, bags, wallets, belts, hats, and even watches.

See Also: Costco Return Policy: 12 Must Knows Before You Shop

How Long Does It Take to Process My Return?

Once Zappos receives your return and inspects it you can expect it to be processed within 72 hours.

You’ll get an email confirmation once the return is completed.

Zappos Policy Hacks:

1. Returned Shoe Deals – I have it on good authority that many shoes that are returned to Zappos are sold on their discount site 6pm.com.

Check out 6pm before you shop at Zappos as you can often get the same exact shoes for 20-60% less.

The 6pm outlet does not offer free shipping EVERYTHING, but they do offer free shipping with any 2+ items totaling at least $50.

2. Join the VIP Program – It’s worth logging into the Zappos VIP Program with your Amazon credentials and signing up for free.

You’ll get bonus points that you can use on your next purchase and may even qualify for free upgraded shipping.

See Also: The DSW Return Policy: Insider Tips to Make It Work For You

3. Be Patient – Don’t be in a rush to make a return if you’re not sure about a pair of shoes.

They give you 365 return days for a reason, they WANT you to test them out thoroughly at home before making a final decision.

Ask the Reader: What’s been your experience with the return policy at Zappos?

By Kyle James

Photo courtesy of Zappos.

If you found this article you’re either 14 or 15 years old and looking for a job, or you’re the parent of one and want them out of the house earning their own spending money. In either case, you’re in the right spot. Not only did I find 24 places that hire employees younger than 16, but I also breakdown the type of work you can expect to find, what you can expect to get paid, and everything else you need to know before you apply for the job. Let’s get to it.

Do All States Allow for the Hiring of 14 or 15 Year Olds?

Most states allow 14 and 15 year olds to work but have stipulations on the number of hours they can work per day and per week.

HERE IS a really good list of stipulations from the U.S. Department of Labor broken down by state.

By Law, What is the Minimum Salary Allowed?

Employers can choose to pay employees under 20 years of age a “training wage” for the first 90 days of employment.

This wage must be at least $7.25 per hour during this 90-day period.

Fortunately, most employers opt to pay young employees at least the state’s minimum wage.

Do I Need a Work Permit?

Yes.

If you are currently aged 14 or 15 you can get a work permit from your high school counselor.

The only jobs that do NOT require one are newspaper delivery, yard work (at private homes) and babysitting.

Work permits verify your age and serve as verification that you attend school full-time.

What Type Of Work Can 14 and 15 Year Olds Find?

Pretty much everything that does NOT involve manufacturing, operating machinery, power tools, or operating a vehicle or truck.

As a general rule, you WILL be able to find work doing the following tasks:

– Cashier

– Modeling

– Office or Clerical Work

– Bagging Groceries

– Stocking Shelves

– Errand and Delivery

– Cleanup Work

– Grounds Maintenance

How Many Hours Can Young Teens Work?

As a general rule, 14 and 15 year old employees CANNOT work more than 3 hours on a school day.

Also, the maximum number of hours worked per week when school is in session is limited to 18 hours.

During summer months (or when school is not in session) this increases to 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day as maximums.

You also cannot work before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. except during summer months.

OK, now let’s get to my list…

AMC Theaters

It says right on the AMC corporate page that they often hire those between 14-17 years old.

They then say to contact your local AMC to see if you live in a state that can hire someone under 18 years of age.

A&W

A&W regularly hires kids under 16.

I’ve also been told that many locations require you to be 16 but exceptions are often made. So it’s worth a look!

See Also: 22 Online Jobs for Teens That Pay REAL Money

Baskin Robbins

The folks at Baskin Robbins will hire 14 or 15 if your state allows for it.

All BR locations are independently owned so your mileage may vary from one shop to the next.

If you’re friendly, work hard, and love scooping frozen cream you’ll be a great fit.

Ben & Jerry’s

Depending on the state you live in, many Ben & Jerry’s locations hire 15 year olds.

14 might be too young but it’s always worth a shot.

Bruster’s

Bruster’s Ice Cream shops has no problem hiring young adults under 16 when permissible by state law.

15 year old applicants appear to have more success getting hired than 14 year olds.

Burger King

15 year old teens can get hired in some states by Burger King, but they’ll need a work permit to do so.

It appears that 14 year old applicants have a chance as well, but they’ll not be allowed to do what BK deems as “hazardous” restaurant tasks.

I’m thinking they’ll be tasked to clean the dining room and help bag orders.

See Also: 13 Clever Ways to Make Money From Home in Your PJ’s

Chick-fil-A

Depending on the state you live in, the minimum age to apply for a job at Chick-fil-A is 14.

Plus, if you get hired, you’ll score a 50% employee discount on all of their yummy chow. Winning!

See Also: Here are ALL the Chick-fil-A Employee Benefits That Might Excite You

Culver’s

You won’t be able to work in the kitchen, but many Culver’s locations will hire 14 or 15 year old teens.

You might be cleaning and setting tables but you’ll quickly move up to server or kitchen work once you reach 16, 17, or 18.

Dairy Queen

Some Dairy Queen locations hire as young as 14.

Because DQ’s are independently owned, it often comes to management discretion but it’s definitely a place to check out.

Fareway

The grocery store Fareway says right on their website that they hire 14 year olds to work in the grocery department but you must be at least 18 to work in the meat department.

In case you’re curious they operate “120 stores in a six-state region in the heart of the Midwest, including Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota.”

Hy-Vee

The grocery store Hy-Vee has been known to hire workers as young as 15.

Inquire at your local store and see what the dealio is.

Kroger

If you have a work permit you can apply at Kroger when you are 15 in many states.

They actually have a list of job for teens on their website.

They also have a decent employee discount that scores you 10% off groceries.

McDonald’s

Mickey D’s has customer service gigs for 15 year old young adults and some states will even hire at 14.

The cool thing about starting early working at McDonald’s is you can quickly get promoted and be a shift leader in no-time.

Papa Murphy’s

Papa Murphy’s has been known to hire at 15 quite often.

Inquire within and you could be getting paid to flip pizzas in a few short days.

Publix

The Publix website states that they hire cashiers at 14 years of age.

It appears that most jobs at Publix (besides cashier) require you to be at least 16.

Rita’s Italian Ice

If your state allows it, Rita’s Ice has no problem hiring you if you’re 14 or 15.

Apply in-person or visit the individual store’s website and click on Join the Team at the bottom of the page.

Runza

The last time I was in Nebraska and stopped in and had a YUMMY runza.

If you’re under 16, and looking for work, many Runza locations will hire you. 

Safeway

I was somewhat surprised that Safeway, along with parent company Albertsons, regularly hire 14 and 15 year old kids.

They are most likely to hire you as a cashier or “shelf stocker”.

Six Flags

A job for a kid under 16 would be pretty dope at Six Flags.

Whether you’re making cotton candy or helping load and unload rides, it would be kinda fun, you gotta admit.

Starbucks

This one came as a surprise.

I had no idea you could be a barista at 15 at Starbucks.

Turns out some S’bucks will even hire at 14 if your state allows it and they have some great job perks including tuition reimbursement at Arizona State University online.

Taco Bell

If you’re 15, and have a work permit, you stand a chance of getting hired at Taco Bell.

You’d start working in the dining room and work up to customer service behind the counter.

I’m getting so hungry writing this article…would love 2 Burrito Supreme’s right now.

Wegman’s

According to the Wegman’s site their minimum hiring age is 15.

They recommend getting your application in as you near your fifteenth birthday, and get your work permit from your high school.

Winn-Dixie

Winn-Dixie has been known to hire 14 and 15 year workers.

If you have a Winn-Dixie in your town inquire within.

Ask the Reader: What places that hire at 14 or 15 years old did I miss? Let me know below and I’ll investigate.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Aaaarrrrgggghhhh!