Handbook of Consumer Motivations

Please explain the Consumer Price Index and its relevance in layman's terms. (1 answer)

What is a simplified way to explain the Consumer Price Index in the US?

how can I compare products without going to consumer reports? (1 answer)

I do not want to sign up for consumer reports but would like to know about some of the best vacuum cleaners out there.

Do you think consumer reports is really "objective"? (5 answers)

I have read a fair amount of consumer reports and one thing I've noticed is that the same brands get recommended a lot - such as anything from Sears and Kenmore brand names. Nothing against Sears, but I just wonder how "objective" consumer reports is? Given the huge amount of influence consumer reports has on what people buy, I got to believe that companies "bribe" and give "favors" to the reviewers at consumer reports, similar to how lobbyists practically run Congress. Do others agree? What are your views?