6/15/2025

Staying Organized While Traveling: Packing Cubes vs. Vacuum and Compression Bags

Packing Cubes Gain Popularity as Smarter Alternative to Vacuum Bags for Travelers

As more travelers seek efficient ways to stay organized on the road, packing cubes are quickly becoming a preferred alternative to vacuum and compression bags. Offering flexibility, durability, and convenience, packing cubes solve many common packing frustrations without requiring special equipment.

Packing cubes work by dividing your belongings into separate compartments. Instead of tossing everything loosely into a suitcase or relying on vacuum bags that require pumps or vacuums, travelers use these lightweight, zippered fabric organizers to keep clothes, toiletries, and accessories neatly sorted. This makes it easier to find what you need without unpacking your entire bag.

Unlike vacuum bags—which can be bulky, prone to punctures, and dependent on vacuum cleaners—packing cubes are simple, compact, and flexible. You can manually compress them to fit different suitcase sizes and styles, from carry-ons to backpacks.

In addition to improving organization, packing cubes help reduce wrinkles in clothing and protect your belongings from damage. Made from sturdy materials like nylon and polyester, they generally last longer than vacuum bags, which can tear or lose suction over time.

They also add minimal weight while maximizing space, allowing travelers to pack more efficiently. Since they don’t require extra equipment, packing cubes make packing and unpacking faster and less stressful.

For those looking to try packing cubes, the Shacke Pak 5 Set Packing Cubes offer a popular and affordable option. This set includes five breathable, water-resistant cubes along with a laundry bag, designed to fit various travel needs.


Key Benefits of Packing Cubes:

  • Keep belongings neatly organized and separated

  • Flexible and easy to compress manually

  • No special equipment needed (unlike vacuum bags)

  • Help prevent wrinkles and protect clothing

  • Durable materials resist wear and tear

  • Lightweight, maximizing suitcase space efficiently

  • Simplify packing and unpacking

As travel returns to normalcy, smart packing tools like packing cubes are gaining attention for their practicality. They’re a simple yet effective way to reduce hassle and stay organized during any trip.

For more details or to purchase the Shacke Pak Packing Cubes, visit this link on Amazon.



Amazon Prime Day July 8 - 11


 
For the first time, Prime members have double the days to shop, so start planning now. 

Get Ready Now

  • Make a Wish List: Start gathering the items you want to watch for during the sale. This helps you jump on deals quickly.

  • Try Amazon Prime: If you’re not a member, sign up for a 30-day free trial. Many deals are exclusive to Prime members, and prices on some items may drop even weeks before Prime Day.

Take advantage of early deals and prepare for the big event here:

6/01/2025

Advance Auto Parts Coupon Codes 2025: Current Deals and Discounts

🔧 Top Promo Codes

  • 20% Off Orders Over $100
    Use code SAVINGSAAP at checkout. Valid for sitewide purchases. 

  • 15% Off Any Order
    Apply code Msftaap for a 15% discount on your entire purchase. 

  • 15% Off Select Items Over $50
    Use code AAPCART on qualifying items with a minimum order of $50. 

  • 10% Off Storewide
    Enter code TIXAAP at checkout for a 10% discount on your entire order. 

  • 15% Off Storewide
    Apply code GEARUP for a 15% discount on all items. 


🚚 Shipping & Membership Perks

  • Free Shipping on Orders Over $35
    Automatically applied at checkout for eligible orders. 

  • Military Discount
    10% off in-store purchases with valid military ID. 

  • Speed Perks Rewards Program
    Earn rewards on qualifying purchases, including $5 off your next order over $20 when you spend $30 or more. 


💡 Tips for Maximizing Savings

  • Stack Codes: Combine promo codes with Speed Perks rewards for additional discounts.

  • Check for Single-Use Codes: Exclusive codes like 8MQQ2J3HA456 can offer significant savings but are limited in availability.

  • Subscribe for 25% Off: Sign up for email notifications to receive a one-time 25% discount on your next online order. 



  

5/29/2023

TEMU Shopping App: The Upsides, Risks, and What You Should Know Before You Buy


The Bright Side

One of the biggest advantages of the TEMU shopping app is the wide variety of products available at competitive prices. The app makes it easy to browse through numerous categories or use filters to narrow down your search. If you know exactly what you want, the search function helps you find specific items quickly.

Another strong point is the ability to compare prices and product quality from different sellers all in one place. Customer reviews and ratings offer helpful insights so you can make informed choices before purchasing.

The app also offers a secure and convenient checkout process. You can pay using credit cards, PayPal, or TEMU Pay—the app’s own payment system. Once you place an order, you can track it through the app and receive notifications about shipping and delivery status, helping you stay updated every step of the way.


The Rough Edges

Despite these benefits, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. TEMU depends heavily on third-party sellers, and not all of them are equally reliable. Some sellers might provide inaccurate or misleading product photos, descriptions, or specs.

There are also cases where sellers fail to deliver on time—or at all—or send damaged or defective items. Shipping fees and taxes can sometimes be higher than expected or not clearly disclosed upfront, which can be frustrating.

If issues arise, contacting customer service can be slow or difficult, leaving users waiting for resolutions longer than they would like.


The Hidden Risks

Beyond the usual drawbacks, there are some more serious concerns users should be aware of. One major risk is the potential exposure of personal and financial information. Hackers or scammers could try to access your data, especially if you use TEMU Pay, which requires linking your bank account or credit card directly to the app.

Even with other payment methods, users who share payment details with unverified sellers or through suspicious links might be vulnerable to fraud.

Another risk involves legal issues. Buying or selling prohibited or counterfeit products—such as drugs, weapons, or fake branded items—can lead to fines or legal trouble. Users should always steer clear of these products and report any suspicious activity they encounter.


The Full Picture

While TEMU offers a convenient platform with a broad range of products and attractive pricing, it comes with some serious concerns worth considering.

Many users find TEMU’s promotions can be misleading or feel scammy, advertising deep discounts that don’t always materialize or come with complicated conditions. The app’s close ties to sellers influenced by the Chinese Communist Party raise questions about data privacy and ethics.

Even more troubling are reports from independent merchants who say they have been exploited—often cheated out of payments or forced into unfair terms. This exploitation affects not only the sellers but also product quality and reliability for buyers.

Combined with unreliable sellers, possible security risks, and questionable business practices, TEMU may not be the right choice for shoppers who value transparency and trust.

If you’re comfortable with some risk and ready to do your homework—verifying sellers, reading reviews carefully, and using secure payment methods—you might find worthwhile deals. But if you prefer a straightforward, reliable shopping experience with strong customer support and ethical standards, it’s better to shop elsewhere.

9/28/2022

Save on Gas

Gasbuddy - https://www.gasbuddy.com A simple site that tracks the highest and lowest gas prices in your area. You can also sign up for a discount car that tcoffes up to $.25 off per gallon.

Upside - This is an app that provides cashback with every fill-up from select gas stations, as well as cash back for food a grocery purchases. Click the following link to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus the first time you make a purchase. https://upside.app.link/JOSE838252

11/01/2021

Fetch Coupon Code

Turn your receipts into points redeemable for free gift cards. Check the link below for a 2000 point bonus to get you started:

https://fetchrewards.onelink.me/vvv3/referraltext?code=C7NUVB

Voyager Referral Code

I'm inviting you to start investing in crypto with Voyager. Download the app and trade $100 to get $25 of free Bitcoin.

Use code 491F228BC or this link to claim your $100 BTC:

https://voyager.onelink.me/WNly/referral?af_sub5=491F228BC

9/28/2020

Hotel Credit Card Fraud

The following incident just occurred to a friend of ours staying at a Dayton House resort in Myrtle Beach. It was a last-minute girl’s weekend at the beach. Our friend called the hotel, made a reservation, provided a debit card, and headed to the beach. Everything was normal with check-in and she got to the oceanfront room booked. Shortly after check-in, she received a phone call claiming that the front desk had an issue with the card provided, and they needed to run her card again. Without thinking, our friend gave them the card number over the phone. Luckily her traveling companion thought it might be a good idea to get an updated receipt from the front desk. At the front desk, they were told they did call her room. The desk agent then confirmed this was a known scam that was hitting area hotels. When asked why she did not warn them at check-in, the desk agent said it’s something that just happens, and they are not responsible. This was on a Sunday, so she was limited to locking her account. She then had to take time out of her vacation to visit a local branch to request a new card.

It is true that this happens regularly, and it is not normally the fault of the hotel. However, the hotel was aware of the problem. This is no different than signage placed in the parking decks to warn guests to lock doors, removal valuables, and that the hotel is not responsible for the loss. Signage is there to limit liability for the hotel and to provide a basic warning. So, what is the liability for attempted fraud in the hotel's name, if the hotel is aware of the issue? It is a good idea to check the state Attorney Generals' consumer for guidance. Per the consumer protection section of www.findlaw.com:

Generally, a hotel will not be responsible for crimes committed on or near the hotel’s premises. The exception to this is if the hotel should have anticipated the crime and failed to prevent it. A common example of this would be if the hotel were located in a high crime area, but didn’t put any safeguards in place (such as locked windows and bright lighting). Hotels must also warn of any known criminal problems around the hotel.

In this case, the hotel staff confirmed that this was a known issue, and confirmed they failed to notify the guest at check-in, but felt they were not responsible. To confirm if this was a property management issues or just the fault of a single employee, we checked the hotel's safety tips, and a generic comment is made about people physically attempting to access the room, but it does not mention any attempts to collect payment in the hotel's name.


To avoid a similar issue, we recommend the following tips:

  • If you received any call after checking into a hotel claiming that there is an issue with your card. Always return to the front desk.
  • If the person pushes back or threatens you, let them know that you provided a credit card to check-in, and will settle issues at check out.
  • Although convenient, avoid giving credit cards over the phone. If the company you’re working with has a website, use that as an option, or just book a room. If the hotel does not have online booking, use a third-party website as an alternative.
  • If you prefer paying at the hotel, websites like Booking.com, hotels.com, and Travelocity.com offer options for paying at the hotel instead of prepaying for the booking.
  • If you do must give a hotel a credit card over the phone to book, I recommend using a prepaid card. You can request one from your bank or current credit card company. The prepaid card is issued in your name, offer cash back, travel, or rewards points, and provides a buffer between you and your backing information.


8/28/2020

Walmart Layaway 2020

Walmart Holiday Layaway is available in stores during the holiday season. All supercenters offer layaway year round for jewelry purchases only. Layaway is not offered for online purchases.

How it works:

  • There’s no opening fee
  • All you need to do is make a small down-payment of $10, or 10%, whichever is greater.

The rules:

  • Minimums - Individual items must be $10 or greater. Total purchases must be $50 or greater
  • Terms - Layaway begins August 28, 2020. Final payment and pickup must be made on or before December 9, 2019, at the same store where layaway was initiated, if not the Layaway account will be canceled. Excludes all wireless phones.


  • In addition to our Every Day Low Prices, Walmart stores offer even more opportunities to save money while holiday shopping: 

Be sure to check out the online Savings Center where Walmart highlights their best values, including items on Clearance, Rollbacks, Special Buys—many of which can be put on Layaway in our stores. To get to the savings, simply visit the page at www.walmart.com/savingscenter

Kitchen Aide Classic on clearance

 


  • Cancellation - If the account is closed or canceled, items will be returned to inventory. Down payment and payments made will be refunded, less $20 or $20%, whichever is greater. The cancellation fee does not apply in Ohio, Maryland, Rhode Island, or Washington DC. Cancellation fee in AL will not exceed $25. Cancellation fee in NC will not exceed $50
  • Returns - Walmart Returns Policy applies to all layaway transactions

Pickup & Pay:

  • Location - Layaway may be initiated at the Pickup Desk, Photo Center or Garden Center. Look for signs at the entrance or see the Pickup Desk for details. Payments can be made at any register. Upon final payment, customers may be asked to pick up Layaway merchandise at a separate location such as the Garden Center

Restrictions:

  • In stores only (not available for online purchases)
  • Available for Electronics, Auto Electronics, Large Furniture, Toys, Infant Toys and Furniture, Select Sporting Goods, Small Appliances and Jewelry
  • Excludes all wireless phones
  • Layaway not available on Thursday, November 26th

3/04/2020

Worried about booking due to the Coronavirus - Airlines Waiving Change Fees



There is fine print, of course. The biggest, in all the change-fee waivers to date: you can’t buy a nonrefundable ticket under this policy and request a refund if your plans change or you don’t want to travel. You can change or cancel the ticket for free. If you cancel, you’ll receive credit for a future flight.
An airline-by-airline look:
American Airlines: American’s waiver allows travelers who purchase tickets between March 1 and March 16 to change or cancel them without paying fees that start at $200 per person. The new policy covers tickets purchased for travel through late January 2021.
On American, the fee will be waived for changes made up to 14 days prior to travel. So if you buy a ticket for a summer trip and need to change it for lingering coronavirus concerns or any reason, you just have to change it at least two weeks before departure to avoid the fee.
Fare differences will apply: If you book a $150 round-trip ticket from Chicago to Orlando and the going rate is $300 when you change the ticket to another date, you’ll pay an extra $150.
Delta Air Lines: Delta’s waiver covers travelers who buy tickets between March 1 and March 31 for international travel, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Flights within the U.S are not covered. Tickets can be purchased for travel as far out as February 2021. Fare differences apply to changed tickets.
United Airlines: United’s waiver covers travelers who buy tickets between March 3 and March 31 for travel to any destination. Travelers can change their ticket to another flight (fare differences apply) or cancel the trip and receive a credit that is good for a year from the date the ticket was purchased.
JetBlue Airways: JetBlue’s temporary change fee waiver, which applies to tickets purchased between Feb. 27 and March 11, covers travel through June 1. Travelers will receive credit for a future flight. Fare differences will apply on the new tickets.
Alaska Airlines: Alaska’s waiver covers tickets purchased Feb. 27 through March 12 for travel through June 1. Fare differences will be applied to any changes.
British Airways: British Airways’ “Book with Confidence″ policy covers tickets purchased between March 3 and March 16. Changes can be made any time before departure, but any fare difference will apply.

12/01/2019

Is the $98 Vacation Village Offer too good to be true?

Vacation Village is offering a $2300 7 day / 6 night, two city vacation for $98. This is a timeshare. If you can handle the 2-3 hour sales pitch, this is a good deal. Keep in mind the units range from $5000 to $37,000, plus annual maintenance, and the biggest red flag is the company’s F rating with the BBB. 
https://bit.ly/2lO0uhd

So what do you get
3 nights accommodations in South Florida and another 3 nights in Orlando. All units have kitchens and living areas. On the downside, check in is after 4:00, and usually takes 2-3 hours, and check out is by 10:00, or you will risk being charged a late fee. Given that you will need to travel to Florida, and between South Florida and Orlando, this will need to be added to the cost of the trip. But discount carriers like Allegiant or Frontier can help cut cost. 

Well, is this worth it? 
No! You work hard, and should enjoy a stress free trip to Florida. As we mentioned above, the above low cost, and many standard airlines are offer discounted flights into Florida. If you want to go, but would like to cut travel cost, book early and go in the mid to late fall to avoid crowds or in the spring. With both time periods, you can take advantage of discounted o oneway rentals into or out of Florida. 

2/26/2018

Like snowbirds, rental car companies’ move their fleets south for the winter. Instead of paying a fee to move the cars north, they offer special one-way rentals out of the state of Florida. This is a great opportunity to take in a Florida vacation for a fraction of the price, by combining a one-way fare to Florida through a low-cost carrier like Allegiant, or Spirit, with a one-way car rental home. 
We ranked the following offers starting with Alamo. We felt they offered the most flexible options and was the first to post complete program details. That said if you can earn points with one of the other companies, by all means, stack a cheap rental with points towards the next free rental or reward level.  


  • Available on one-way rentals picked up at participating Florida locations and returned to a participating Enterprise location in the Continental US outside of Florida.
  • Offer valid for reservations picked up between March 26-May 31, 2018 from the following participating Florida locations:  Fort Myers, Sarasota, Naples, Punta Gorda, Orlando, Disney Hotels, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, and Sanford.
  • Offer valid for reservations picked up between April 1-May 31, 2018 from the following participating Florida locations:  Tampa, Clearwater, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm, Key West and Boca Raton.
  • Offer rate as low as $9.99 base rate per day applies to an Economy through a Full-Size vehicle, as low as $19.99 base rate per day applies to Intermediate and Standard SUVs and as low as $24.99 base rate per day applies to Minivans.  Base rate excludes taxes, fees, and surcharges.
Although Alamo advertises a base rate of $7.99, lower rates are available, depending on the renal location. The program may also be available through select National Car Rental and Enterprise locations, however, it is not advertised. We list Alamo as #1 because it offers the most flexibility for outbound locations.

2. Hertz – Base Rate $7.99/Day
  • Pending Confirmation: Their offer is usually a little better than Avis. We will update as soon as the program terms are published. Be sure to subscribe to this post for updates. 

3. Avis – Pending Confirmation Usually has a base rate of $10.00 Per/Day
We have no details, and nothing has been set, but with a rate that is often lower than Budgets advertised rate, we fell that whatever they offer will be better.

4. Budget Car Rental – Base Rate $14.49/day
  • Valid for rentals April 1, 2018 – May 31, 2018, with BSD Code BCD code S374100

  • Vehicle must be picked up at a participating Florida location and returned to a different participating U.S. location outside the state of Florida; excludes pick-up from Pensacola and Jacksonville
Participating drop off cities include: Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, San Antonio, St. Louis, Boston, Buffalo, Hartford, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Richmond, Washington/Baltimore, Atlanta, Charleston, Charlotte, Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Raleigh Durham, Albuquerque, Northern California, Portland, Seattle, Southern California

The base rate is higher than the other offers, with a short offer window. The one plus is the option of going coast to coast for a flat rate; which may work for college students heading home, or someone relocating. But the offer is available through Alamo for a lower price with a better vehicle inventory. 



2/20/2018

Convert your old Cell Phone into a Home/Travel Security Camera

Ever wondered what the hotel maid does in your room when you are not there, want to know if the kids made it home from school okay or you just want to watch the house while on a long trip? I wanted to do the same while on a weekend trip leaving a mischievous senior citizen and a teen alone. I know about all the paid options, but I needed an alternative to the quick and easy $200 options. I also did not want the networked security system. 

My first thought was a dash cam, (we have several installed for the above teen driver), but that would require removing the cameras from the car, but it is a viable options depending on your monitoring goals. My next thought, phones. There just has to be an app that will let me turn old phones into a security system. As luck would have it, there are several free or low cost options. 

But in looking for a low cost, (free), option, I checked and most free aps should have the following basic options:

  • Uses the phone/tablet’s camera to detect motion and record full video/audio.
  • Instantly upload photos to a free cloud storage account if connected to a network of WI-FI. 
  • Notifies you via email, text that recording has started or alarm has been triggered.
  • Options to start an alarm after a period of time,with or without sound. For example, if you are using this while traveling, you may want to opt for a silent alarm in order to not alert the hotel staff. This would just let you know they are in your room.  
To get started 

You will need a smart phone running Windows, iOS or Android. If you do not have an old off contract smart phone, buy a prepaid Android or Windows phones off eBay, or through your local big box store. Most phones will run $20 - $30; with a few sales that can place basic smart phones as low as $10. Just skip the network activation.

What are you goals

The following are considered the best security camera apps by the operating system with free basic service with some type of paid option. This is a good start, but you should do your own research to determine what will work best for your situation:


Salient Eye (Android) 
  • Captures pictures on motion detection
  • SMS and email alerts (optional)
  • Push notification alerts (optional, requires registration and remote control app: remote.salient-eye.com)
  • Sounds alarm (optional) - Example, you want to monitor activity in a hotel room, or to use as baby monitor
  • Scheduler - pre set the days and hours in which the system will start and stop automatically
  • Auto active of led light (=Flash) on low light conditions
  • Photos are available immediately online (optional)
  • Start/Stop/Take picture remotely (optional, requires subscription on the remote control app: remote.salient-eye.com)
  • Keeps working when screen is turned off
  • Password Protection
  • Works up to 10 hours with no power supply (on battery)
  • Very easy to setup and use


Manythings (iOS 6.0 or later)
  • Rasy set-up - simply install the app on both phones. 
  • Live video streaming - CCTV functionality to see what’s going on in real time. 
  • Motion activation - camera will automatically record on movement.
  • Cloud-based DVR - past events are automatically backed up to the cloud. 
  • iPhone, iPad and web viewers - gives access from anywhere. 
  • Motion activated alerts - receive alerts on movement use as a driveway or burglar alarm. 
  • Talk functionality - for two-way audio communication.  
  • Facebook Live Broadcast (optional) - choose to share your live feed with others over Facebook.
  • Secure - private feed, share or download important clips from the app. 
  • Adjustable motion sensitivity - ensure you only capture significant events.  
  • Motion detection zones - only monitor the areas you need to. 
  • IFTTT integration - for home automation and enhanced alerts. 
  • Connectivity - use over wifi or your spare phone’s data connection. 
  • Stills only mode - for time lapse and still capture. 
  • Clip chart - share and view the best clips from manythingers around the world.  


Security Camera (Windows 8.1  & 10)
The app is free with limited cloud storage, but offers a paid subscriptions starting at $1.50 a month.
  • Use your Windows Phone as a Cloud Security Camera.
  • Record image snapshots to the cloud.
  • Set image resolution and upload frequency.
  • Continuous recording or motion-triggered recording.
  • Offers paid Cloud Surveillance service.
  • Live view or playback from any devices or web browsers.


6/02/2017

Best Alternative to Google Adsense



Founded in 2011, PropellerAds has grown into the #1 challenger to Google Adsense. The free, easy registration and set up makes this the best alternative to Adsense.

  • Global coverage and great eCPM rates
  • Automatic optimization 
  • Easy to setup revenue-boosting ad units
  • Can be used as a stand-alone option, but is fully compatible with other networks.
  • Payments via Paypal or wire transfer in the US; but provides the following option: Payoneer Prepaid, Mastercard ®, Payoneer Global Bank Transfer, ePayments, EPESE and Webmoney.



5/24/2017

La Quinta Returns Military Rewards™


For exclusive Military Rewards Support Call 1-855-4MILREWARDS or 1-855-464-5739  Military Initiative  Click here  to download the PDF.

1/08/2016

Gift Card Exchange

CardCash 

Received a gift card you never plan to use, exchange it for one you will use, or sell it for cash. 
So what is the catch? You will not receive full value of the card, but if it was not a card you planned to use, this is a good alternative to letting it go to waste, or worse, attempting to re-gifting it.

Here is how it works:
  • Enter merchant name and card balance for a quick exchange offer. In seconds, see how much you can get in exchange for your gift card! 
  • Enter card number, pin and the basic personal information. Once your order is placed, your card balance will be verified behind the scenes to ensure the fastest and most secure process possible.
  • Your eGift Card will be emailed to you in a printable format once your order has been approved. Approval time generally takes 1-2 hours but can take up to 24 hours.



9/12/2015

My Experience With Carvana.com

Update - Car is a hit with the family - Message me below for a Carvana Coupon Code for $500 off your purchase

We purchased our 2006 Saturn Ion 2 in the fall of 2005. This was a great deal on a demo vehicle, and the car has served the family well. It has proven to be a reliable car for 10 years and 210,000 miles, but with a long commute and a teen driver, it is time for a new ride.

 My plan
2014 Model Year or Newer
Car would still be under the OE Warranty with low miles.
Less than 10,000 mile       
35+ MPG Hwy
Good gas mileage
Under $15,000
at an affordable price

Our most recent purchase was a 2007 Saturn Ion 2 with 11,000 miles purchase at our local CarMax in 2010. It was a much different process than the daylong event at a dealership; roughly 2 hours from start to finish. So I started my search at the traditional dealership websites to establish a baseline, then moved to CarMax. Within a few hours I was able to narrow my selection down to a few cars, but on a whim I checked one more site, Carvana.com.




 The site is very clean compared to the typical dealer site. i could quickly sort vehicles by model year, mileage and price. Within a few click, I was able to register for an account, and save several cars in my garage. The only problem I could find with the site was an inability to touch/feel the cars. Luckily, we are short drive to our local CarMax, so we visited their lot. roam the lot. We took photos, made notes, and came home with a short list of four cars. 

Unfortunately, while we were gone, two of the cars in are garage were purchased, so I took the next step on the site. No problems, I felt comfortable with the vehicles available, so  took the next step and applied for financing through Carvana. After applying, all the vehicles now displayed my interest rate, down payment and monthly payment. This was not an estimate, bu the actual amount I would pay.  I could even play with the term, down payment and monthly payment, to find vehicles within my  budget. Understanding the needs of online car shoppers, the site offers a 360 degree view of the inside and outside of the vehicle, they also point out imperfections, and provide a vehicle history report from AutoCheck by Experience.  



360 degree view if the car
Here is the deal. 

We found a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic LT with only 1,139 miles for  $13,200.This is well below Kelly Blue Book fair market price for our area, so I began the purchase process, only to stop midway to think about. 


My car on Carvana.com
After a nights sleep and a drive in the country, I could not find a valid reason not to complete the purchase. $13,200 plus tax, tag and title for total of $13700. Even financing, well below the base price through area dealers. No $399 doc. fee. or dealer prep fee, just the price.  In addition to the 34,861 miles remaining on the GM Bumper to Bumper warranty, I also have a 7 day/400 mile test drive and a 100 day 4100 mile warranty through Carvana.


The purchase process is straight forward, with step by step instruction if needed. I drew my signature on a pop up screen prior to completing the documents, and then applied the image of my signature at the end of each section with the click of a button. I then set my deliver time for Saturday 9/12/2015. The next day I received a confirmation call from Carvana making sure the delivery time would work for me, and confirming if I wanted to transfer a title or apply for a new one. 

Now I wait

I will provide an update Saturday regarding the delivery process and to confirm if the vehicle is as described in Carvana's listing.

Delivery Day
My car was scheduled for delivery at 7:00 pm, but I received a call from the delivery driver, Nick letting me know he was 40 minutes away, and if I wanted the car early. 
 

Within :35 minutes he was unloading my car. Which arrived as listed on carvana.com. I still had a few more forms to fill out, and I had a slight hangup with the GEICO website, but Nick patiently  waited for me to update our insurance policy. This process was extremely simple as I just snapped a photo of the updated info, and sent Nick a text. Before leaving he explained the return polity, letting me know I will receive a call within 6 days to make sure I am satisfied with the purchase. 

Just based on service alone, I doubt I will ever purchase a car through a local dealer again.