Purchasing Books

I have to admit I'm feeling a little bit evil and trecherous for not giving such a great book and excellent concept a five-star review, but I will explain.

I am a long-time vegetarian and long-time environmentalist. I have been following Dr. Jones' "vote with your wallet" concept for many, many years (more than I care to admit), and I firmly believe that our voice is most greatly amplified when we speak daily from our role as consumer.

The GREAT thing about this book is that it is a concise, easy-to-carry, easy-to-consult-on-the-fly score card for most everything you might want to buy, from just about every company you can buy it from, and even from most of the places you'd be buying it. If you're already a well-informed green shopper and you have some experience with the politics of responsible consumption, then this is, indeed, a five-star book.

The downside to the book is that in order to make it a "pocket guide," it contains very little background information or explanation for why a particular company received the score they did. If you're new to the concept and find lots of your favorite products are getting Ds and Fs, then you are left almost on your own to find out why. (Of course, I'm all for doing your own research!) There are SOME explanations, but it's just not possible to detail the myriad reasons for corporate irresponsibility in a 177-page pocket-sized book.

There IS a web site for the book, but I don't think it's been updated for the second edition of the book, and it has very limited functionality. There is no search function, for example, and if there are details about specific company scores, I couldn't find them.

An example: I need some new pajamas. I have always liked shopping at Marshalls, not only because of the good prices and selection, but because I feel like my consumer dollar means less there---whatever I buy is usually past-season and is no longer part of the mainstream consumer chain. However, I checked my Better World Shopping Guide (page 134, Retail Stores) and find, much to my dismay, that Marshalls ranks a D minus! However, because they aren't the worst company on the page (that dishonor goes to Wal-Mart), there's nothing on the detail page to explain why Marshalls did so poorly.

I went to the web site and looked for nearly 15 minutes, and I still couldn't find anything to explain what a retail store had to do to rank a D minus. In fact, the listing under Retail Stores is from the first edition of the book, and Marshalls isn't even on the list. The small-print explanation beneath the chart discusses only how the data is collected and processed, and not WHY the companies received the grades they did. Since there's no search function, either, I couldn't simply type in "marshalls" and hope to find the answer to my question.

We NEED books like this, and we need people and organizations who can help us, the average consumer, understand how large corporations operate in relation to our world.

Big companies like Philip Morris (the world's largest tobacco company, who owns Kraft, Nabisco, and a few hundred other brands) don't make it easy for consumers to link their brands with the parent company. Lots of people, even you maybe, would be surprised to know that something as seemingly innocent as buying an all-American favorite like Kraft Mac & Cheese helps Big Tobacco's bottom line.

Even the grocery manager at my local Whole Foods didn't know that Back To Nature was a Kraft Foods holding when I asked him why Whole Foods Market even carries it and currently has the whole brand on store-wide sale. I've got the same question in to Whole Foods' corporate customer service, but I haven't gotten my answer yet.

I LOVE this book and will continue to carry it in my purse every time I go shopping, and will continue to consult it before every shopping trip (like today). However, what's missing is adequate back-up information for new users and for those of us who want to know WHY we're doing what we're doing. I wouldn't mind if the back-up was on the web site and not in the book itself, but it's not easy to find anywhere, and I don't think that's a good idea when your goal is to educate consumers to make better decisions. I also think that most people who buy a book like this are, by nature, the kind of people who ask the same questions I'm asking, and who want to know the facts.

I'm looking into The Better World Handbook to see if that is a recommended companion, so maybe the answers to my questions are there.

Easy to use guide. I gave away 5 as gifts. Small enough to have in your purse or pocket when you want to make a conscious decision on buying from companies that do a better job of improving the way we live. It does not have everything I shop for but it proved to be helpful. The A-F grading of companies is helpful and the book has links to doing more research if you are interested.

"The Better World Shopping Guide" should be on everyone's desk who is in charge of drawing up shopping lists for their families. It is a terrific resource which enables us to be better, more knowledgeable consumers whose purchases make the least negative impact on our world. An updated version would be even more helpful.

I'll start off by saying that this is the most important book I own. I thought that I was being a good citizen to the environment by recycling everything, buying organic produce, etc. I had no idea how off the mark I was until I picked up this book. It is, to say the least, an eye-opener.

I carry it in my purse at all times, and, with it's grading system, it is very user friendly. One of the things that blew me away was the fact that almost 40% of all chocolate produced in the world is done using child slave labor! For that reason alone you should know who scored a "D" or "F." Not only does it list brands of foods you should avoid, but retail stores, electronics, clothing, gas, and the list goes on.

Usually I don't go on about books, or anything else I buy here, but this book is a huge exception for me. I honestly believe if we were all more conscience of the products we purchased, and where we purchased them from, this world would be a lot better place. If I could afford it I would buy a copy of this book for everyone I know.

Anyone who is working on being a better consumer with a social conscience will benefit from this very helpful book. After I read and used it, I gave copies to three friends. Two of them now take the book shopping with them as they try to make better purchasing choices.

Quick read that gets right to the point. I haven't completed my boat purchase yet and have been researching for a year. I want to get the best boat for the money. The author's tips regarding communication with the seller or broker really work. I have gotten all kinds of information from brokers regarding boats that they have sold including selling prices and what I should expect to pay for similar boats. I feel much more confident and less concerned about rushing into things than I did before I read the book.

Excellent overview for the virgin potential boat buyer like me.

I brought this book because I thought that I would be buying a powerboat. However after discussions with my wife I am now looking for a big yacht-a really major purchase!
I'm using the same techniques that he recomends in the book though. I'm making an offer as recomended and walking away.
The sellers that I have dealt with have not been angry. They seem to appreciate an honest valuation.
I have not brought yet, but then I don't need to.

This book is short and easy to read, but contains outstanding advice. It walks you through the process of figuring out what type of boat might work best for you, and then helps you locate and evaluate potential boats. The checklists were great - they helped us be very thorough in looking over boats, and helped us realize when we found a boat that was a great steal. In addition, the author walks you through the negotiating process and gave us tips that saved us hundreds of dollars. He deals with the emotions of the process, which was very helpful as well. We always negotiate on all our purchases, but some of the tips here were new to me and worked extremely well. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about buying a boat.

I purchased this book a year ago at a point where I knew nothing about powerboats. Reflecting back... this was a really good book in that it explains everything you want to know (and don't want to know) about purchasing a powerboat. There are entire sections dedicated to helping you decide specifically what type of powerboat you may want as well as sections dealing with boat inspections, sea trials, and techniques for purchasing.

The book is well worth the money.

I bought this book 2 years ago based on reviews, along with a few other SC books, out of personal interest and my career needs to build depth in this field.

Dr. Simchi-levi's book is fantastic in that it is the ONLY book where a novice, mid-career, or a dept head can all benefit from reading it. The way he writes the book is so straightforward, balancing applicable usage and concepts and theory. Most SC books are either too light on the applicability, or too light on the theories. Not this book.

My latest role had me running the entire country supplychain. We shipped >100m units / year directly to customers in an online division. I find myself picking this book out of my shelf and reading it casually over coffee and it still brings refreshing perspectives.

Read it in 10 min sessions, 4 hour sessions, or use it in school. No other book are as flexible and as valuable than this one. If your work involves SC (and today's global economy is more so than ever), you should invest in yourself with this book.

I gained so much respect for Dr. Simchi-Levi from reading his book that I flew to Shanghai to meet him last year at a forum. Buy the book, read it (it's compact, even hardcover), enjoy it, and benefit from it.

Words can not explain how much this book is valuable. Its pragmatic approach to supply chain is wonderful. I am sure any reader will have the same idea after reading this book. I really appreciate this great job. Special thanks to the authors.

This book one of the rarest ocasions in SCM field when you read a book and enjoy its contents to the fullest. I agree with ine of the other reviewers that this is one of the BEST books about SCM. I highly recomend it as one of MUST have SCM books.

I have this book as my text in the Business program at the University of Phoenix. I am not a supply chain manager and do not aspire to be, but it is a required course. Some of the math is a bit daunting (the phrase "using simple calculus" is an oxymoron to many) but even without knowing calculus the case studies and discussions convey the fundamentals effectively.

Visually, the book is also good, with a layout and graphic design that makes reading easier and not at all a strain on the eyes. That might not seem important when you are shopping for a text, but when you are reading the third chapter of the day sometime between supper and midnight, it will!

Good as a text book for an MBA program but I needed something concise and clear. I'll keep looking

This is a well written book. Everything is neatly arranged. The author provides explanations of common terms like focal ratio, eye relief, and many more. He also provides a history of the various types of telescopes as well as a comparison of the various uses. Phil S. Harrington did a excellent job of compiling a reference of the various telescopes, accessories, and manufacturers. It also contains some information on observing. As an added bonus, purchasers of the book can go to his website for updates and corrections (and some other useful stuff). This book is definitely worth the money!

I took an astronomy course about 20 years ago back when I was 15, and I find myself only now with the time and money to seriously pursue the hobby. So, I ran across this book in several forums as a way to introduce myself to the hardware needed for the amateur astronomer, and the book delivers all it promises; I ended up buying the right telescope and accessories for my level of knowledge and have it right next to the scope's manual for reference. I recommend it to anyone who is thinking about purchasing a telescope or related hardware, as a must-have guide to star ware shopping.

I now own the last 3 editions of this. An excellent and extensive introductionj to astronomical equipment and accessories definitely worthwhile for the new astronomer. Even worthwhile for many more experienced astronomers. Includes a section featuring many DIY accessories.

After reading Phil's book Star Ware, I would not think of buying anything for my telescope without looking it up in his book. I am about 402.00 in the hole because I didn't have a copy of this book. I have since picked up a better scope for less money. The difference in price would have gotten me a really good wide FOV 13mm eyepiece and money left over.

I have found this book to be a veritable wealth of information with the uncommon aspect of actually giving critical, unbiased assessments of the wide and varied array of astronomical hardware available.

While you might not agree with all his observations, the assessments appear to be based on actual hands-on experience, and I find it refreshing to see reviews that don't uniformly praise every single item under scrutiny!

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to future updates.

This is the first time my husband and I are buying a used car. This book is written candidly with many scenarios to help you develop your strategy to get the best deal. Definitely one to keep on my reference shelf for future purchases.

This book is an excellent resource. Ignore sao530 who doesn't mention anything about the book, but only has issues with the fact that everyone else loved the book. With the information here, I saved over $5,000 on my used 2002 BMW 530i.

This is the best book of its kind-bar none. Burke gives very simple, easy-to-follow advice. He not only describes the sales techniques being used on you, but describes how to effectively combat them and give yourself the advantage in negotiating. I combined three of his techniques (waiting for a rainy day, showing up at the end of the month, and taking a test drive and bringing the car back just after the dealership closed) to great effect. I got the price I wanted and I didn't have to negotiate hardly at all because the salesmen just wanted to go home. Burke's book may be the best $15 I ever spent.

You can not go wrong with this book. I don't know how many times I have read it. The information in this book is something you won't get anywhere else. It is well worth the money.

I don't know, it just seems strange to me that all "reader reviews" of this book give it 5 stars. Doesn't anyone think this book could be improved, even a little bit?? The previous reviews are so spectacular they almost sound like a SALESMAN might have written them ;) Could it be that the author has left all these other reviews of his own book? Naa, that couldn't be, could it?

This book is a must-have reference for anyone involved with supply chain management; whether academic or professional. The central focus of the text is the Supply-Chain Council's Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and how to improve any supply chain through its use. As advertised, the book does a masterful job of taking the reader through a step-by-step approach to a SCOR project. Best of all, this second edition incorporates the experiences and learnings of another 30+ projects over the first edition. Readers gain the benefit of the authors' vast experiences in such projects, as they share their best pratices and pitfalls-to-watch-for. The book will easily return its value may times over!

This is a reference book for SCOR model. Moreover this is the only book so far on implementation of the model. And is a great and practical one!

SCOR is an acronym for the Supply Chain Operations Reference business model that was developed by the Supply Chain Council. (For more information about SCC, please visit http://www.supply-chain.org/index.ww.) In this volume, Peter Bolstorff and Robert Rosenbaum explain what the SCOR model is, how to use it most effectively, and why it can help any organization (regardless of size or nature) to improve its supply chain management. When reading this volume, it is important to keep in mind that effective management of any supply chain model depends upon active and collaborative engagement in the process by (literally) everyone involved, at all levels and in all areas of the given enterprise.

Many readers will especially appreciate the format that Bolstorff and Robert Rosenbaum selected within which to present their material. After two introductory chapters in which they discuss the supply chain operations reference model and then suggest how to build organizational support for supply chain improvement, they focus on the implementation of a four-phase process during a recommended seventeen-week timeframe and devote a separate chapter to each of the seventeen weeks.

Phase I: Discover the Opportunity (Week One)
Phase II: Analyze Basis of Competition (Weeks Two-Four)
Phase III: Design Material Flow (Weeks Five-Eleven)
Phase IV: Work and Information Flow Analysis and Design (Weeks Twelve-Seventeen)

Bolstorff and Rosenbaum then provide six appendices which facilitate review of the key points later: SCOR Model Overview, Fowler's Business Context Summary, Fowler's Supply Chain Improvement Project Charter, Partial List of SCOR Model Leading Practices (Sorted by Business Area), SCOR Version 5.0 Quick Reference Guide, and SCOR and Six Sigma DMAIC [i.e. Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control].

Note: Fowlers, Inc. is a billion-dollar conglomerate with worldwide leadership in three businesses: food processing, optical technology products, and business services. "Fundamental to the success is the Fowlers mission to continually exceed customer expectations. The company and its employees believe that if they go beyond what customers require, those customers will return again and again."

For me, some of the most valuable material in this book is provided in Chapter 17 (Week Fifteen) when Bolstorff and Rosenbaum explain how to determine how the given business should work by reviewing the Sample SCOR Level 3 Baseline Blueprint (see Table 16-3 on Page 181), adjusting SCOR Level Three processes between "swim lanes" (i.e. dividers used to organize and separate process steps by groups, organizations or roles; used to delineate ownership of the processes), incorporating transaction language for the specific technology application that will be used, conducting logical business transaction tests, and calculating productivity improvements based on the changes.

This is by no means an "easy read" and will be especially challenging to those who have only limited (if any) prior experience with the design and implementation of a large organization's supply chain for. Credit Bolstorff and Rosenbaum with making brilliant use of an extended case study of Fowlers. I certainly appreciated this approach because it enabled me to gain a much better understanding of how the exemplary organization navigated its way through the eight steps of the SCOR project lifecycle which begins with educating everyone within the given enterprise about supply chain improvement to gain their support and concludes with implementing whatever changes (i.e. improvements) may be necessary to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Those who share my high regard for this volume may also be interested in Thomas Stallkamp's SCORE! in which he explains how (then) Chrysler Motors used a proprietary goal and measurement system (Supplier Cost Reduction Effort) in the 1990s. At that time, Stallkamp was responsible for Chrysler's procurement and supply activities. "Although it took some time to get started, by 1992, the SCORE approach had been incorporated into a supply-management philosophy called the Extended Enterprise of the firm. Because their destiny and fortunes were directly linked to Chrysler's, the idea was to build a virtual team atmosphere in which all parties focused on reducing the cost of developing and producing vehicles. The construction supply-side suggestions worked to reduce both the supplier's costs and those of Chrysler." In this book, Stallkamp traces with meticulous the process by which SCORE was formulated and then implemented as a proprietary goal and measurement system.

Definitely a very good overview of the SCOR model (Supply Chain Chain Operations Reference). I have used this book as a base reference for Kaizen processes I have championed, with SCOR as a structural foundation.

My only reservation is that the book reviews how the overall process works from a project perspective without digging into the metrics. An experienced practitioner can get around this through experience and other resources however it would have been nice to have. To offset this the auther goes into the "whys" and the "whats" instead of the "hows" and does an extremely good job at his targeted subject material.

I would most definitely purchase and use this book again, and recommend it to others looking to use SCOR processes to improve their balanced scorecards.

I would not call this a handbook; because a handbook is in my opinion supposed to fully educate you on how to complete a project. This book does supply information, but in a way that the reader is left with more questions and this is where Supply Chain Excellence, owned by Peter Bolstoff, a consulting firm looks to obtain new business. Also this book pushes you to think you need ProccessWizard, which is not true, most of what is in it, that I have found, you can build yourself or use Microsoft's Visio software.
But if you have knowledge of Supply Chain Performance and an understanding of Lean Manufacturing and six sigma you can fill in the gaps without having to invite SCE to clear up your confusion.

With every retailer out there trying to rip you off, it's nice to have the inside secrets on how the car dealers do it.

99% of what dealers tell you is bull, this book puts you on level playing ground.

This book doesn't really provide any advice you can't find on the internet. The author's tactics also resemble those of car salesmen themselves. For example, he recommends a certain company that sells extended warranties and goes into great detail over its product. I did a quick search of this company on the internet and found it had gone into bankruptcy and did not have the most reputable business practices. Yes, perhaps the author just made an error in judgment. Are you sure, however, that you want to follow someone's advice when it comes to spending this much money? I would think your money better spent just scanning over a few books at a local bookstore or picking a better book online.

This book was extremely helpful and easy to read! A lot of sound advice that gave me confidence about the buying process and dealerships. My first car buying experience was awful and I was taken advantage by the dealership; after reading this book, I believe I took advantage of them!

This book should be MANDATORY for first time car buyers!!! It opened my eyes to many things. Let's you REALLY know what car dealers don't want you to know. Because of this book I actually decided to go with a car buying service (Car Bargains) to get the best deal on a 2003 model.

We all know that common sense isn't alway so common. We all also know that car dealers have many tricks up their sleeves and for many of us we'd rather have a tooth pulled out than face a car salesperson. This is an easy to read book that lays out the different tricks that car dealers are up to and how you should go about buying a car. It has a long section about leasing which for me was a bit unnecessary since I would never want leasing, even before reading the book, but reading about leasing here is probably a good wake-up-call for many. It is brief enough to get through in a few hours, and easy to read. Much of what is in the book is just common sense, but common sense isn't always common :-)

My wife and I were nervous about negotiation on our first home purchase, but Home Buying by the Experts gave us the confidence we needed to get a GREAT deal. We also learned some great tax-saving tips!

This book "Home Buying by the Experts" has been completely helpful to me. Taking tips from the experts has been a great source of information as I am in the process of purchasing my first home! Thank you Brian Yui and Lori Shaw-Cohen for making a home buying experience a great one!

Marinel

This book is terrific. It helps you navigate your way through buying a home. When you consider how costly errors can be in the entire process, this book is well worth the money.

The book is very well organized and extremely well written. It's the nuisance of the process that can make or break your investment and the entire process is accurately and simply defined in the book. Definitely worth the time if you are purchasing a home.

Bill E.

"Home Buying by the Experts--The Pros make your dream home a reality" is a very misleading title of what is essentially a 'tips' book. Just like another reviewer mentioned, don't make this the only home buying book that you read. This is strickly supplimental information, not any way a walk-thru of the home buying process.

The information provided is a mixed bag with eight contributors. Each author gives their favorite 'tips' for buying. There are a few good chapters on tax advanges & closing, and a lot of 'fluff' chapters on 'no money down' and 'moving'.

The reason I bought the book was because Bob Bruss had a part in it and he has a great syndicated column in newspapers. His contribution was not enough to make "Home Buying by the Experts" worthwhile. I would advise to skip this one and buy 'Home Buying for Dummies".

Shopping has become a hunt for the cheapest price. Stop the insanity!
Read this book and "re"discover how to enjoy shopping and buying, and stop focusing on just the price you paid.

Being the Book a holic that I am, the title of this book intrigued me.

Hey, I'm always looking for a better way to shop.

This book delivered above and beyond my expectations and knocked me off my feet.

Here's why:

I expected to read about how I can get better deals when shopping. What I found was so much more: How to Value myself more as a person!

Kate Newlin the Author boldly and precisely explains both by example and her own professional experience how our culture has devalued ourselves by buying cheap for sake of soley price instead of buying quality that which our souls may cry for.

There are certain stores that she mentions that when we buy from them it keeps a child in a sweatshop in another country in business. All because of our culture's thrill of the deal.

I give this book five stars because I am all about truth. And this book delivers.

We live in denial as a society on a daily basis. In shattering my own denial in buying cheap instead of buying the quality that my heart really wants, I learned something about myself in deserving quality that my heart and soul longs for.

It hit me between the eyes of why I passed on what felt good to my soul. It has now helped me regain the true thrill of hunt in shopping.

But this time is different.

You are in for a real treat if you are someone who loves to learn how to be a better you in this world. By reading this book, you will discover your world unfolding in a magnificient way.

If on the other hand you are someone who's looking for books on how to get a better price on the deals in the world of shopping you probably will not like this book.

You may even hate it.

As Paco Underhill says on her front cover ( He is the author of the best seller book, Why We Buy)

It's a dazzling dose of tough love for America's addiction to the cheap.

Buy it and see for yourself.

This book is a good addition to any retail strategists library. The author goes into great detail explaining that its gotta to stop being about the lowest price for those retailers trying to survive in a Wal*Mart world. Having been in retail for 17 years; 10 as a pricing professional, this book explains that its not always about the price when a customer is shopping.

Customers are looking for a solution to a problem when they go shopping whether its food, clothing, transportation or other needs. This book explains that its not always price that can win the battle; granted this is not always the issue when it comes to a consumer's level of income. The point is, by showing the consumer that there is more to the deal than just the price, a retailer can earn the trust and loyalty of the shopper's future needs. The trick though is A, to show the consumer a benefit of shopping with you that goes beyond the price point; customer service, knowledgeable staff, comfortable shopping environment, and then B finding a way to incorporate that into the price where the customer can quantify it and still think they are getting a really good deal.

Its not always about price, but rather what else you can offer the consumer they value and still think they got a good deal for that price.

SHOPPORTUNITY: HOW TO BE A RETAIL REVOLUTIONARY comes from a consumer advocate who confronts the idea of 'available and cheap' with a vengeance, advocating a return to service and selection as a substitute for the modern 'quick and dirty' approach to meeting consumer needs. The consumer, too, has given tacit approval to these new retail marketing techniques: SHOPPORTUNITY! Tells how to take back the power, using case studies, personal anecdotes, and reporting to go behind the scenes in the retail selection and pricing process.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

As a commercial actress who makes her living selling everything from paper towels, body lotions and automobiles, I was mesmerized by this book and had to take a figurative "look in the mirror" regarding my own consumer habits and responsibilities as a "peddler" of these products. Kate Newlin's literary prowess and indomitable wit make these "hard facts" regarding the downward spiral of our consumerism; the ever-growing (and ever related) obesity epidemic; and the complete disregard for the "hourly" workers in this country almost palatable. Her true love for the ideal "Shopportunity" is infectious and makes us want to be more conscience, responsible, and truly fulfilled members of the human race. I highly recommend this book.

This book was a fun, easy read. The author gives you a basic history about gold, the changing political and monetary climate concerning it, how gold was viewed before by people and governments around the world as compared to now, why you should view gold not just as an investment but, more importantly, as a kind of insurance policy. I've read it twice now, and more of it sank in the second time around so that it makes more sense to me now.

"Regardless of the dollar price involved, one ounce of gold would purchase a quality man's suit at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt, and today."
Peter A. Bushre

This book is for the novice and the newcomer to the world of gold investing. Gives definitions on most common gold terms.

I expected much more information and details about gold investment. The basic idea that author annoyingly repeats throughout whole book is the gold is good for investing and all other kind of investment are bad

Michael has written an excellent book for people who want to understand gold, its importance as an investment vehicle and how to invest. The book does a good job at convincing you so dont get carried away and start buying gold. Like any other investment gold has its pros and cons. Do more research and reading before you spend your hard earned money. Look at some websites like kitco and gold-eagle.

This book was a fun, easy read. The author gives you a basic history about gold, the changing political and monetary climate concerning it, how gold was viewed before by people and governments around the world as compared to now, why you should view gold not just as an investment but, more importantly, as a kind of insurance policy. I've read it twice now, and more of it sank in the second time around so that it makes more sense to me now.

"Regardless of the dollar price involved, one ounce of gold would purchase a quality man's suit at the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt, and today."
Peter A. Bushre