Consumer Alert
CTV Ottawa's Michael O'Byrne is covering local consumer stories that are affecting you and your family. If you have a story idea or consumer issue, or if you've been the victim of a consumer scam, email consumeralert@ctv.ca
Ottawa-based online business booming on a global scale
An Ottawa e-commerce company can make a claim no other in the Capital can. Shopufy has been named one of the most 10 innovative online retail businesses in the world. CTV Ottawa’s Michael O’Byrne looks at the key to the company’s success.
March Break deals: Rental Cars
Once your flights and hotels are all taken care of, it’s time to figure out how you’ll get around. CTV’s travel team takes to travel agents, the Internet and the phone to pin down the best price on rental cars.
March Break deals: Hotels
First it was getting you there for cheap, now it’s figuring out where to stay. CTV Ottawa’s travel team scours various travel services to find the best deals on hotels.
March Break deals: Finding Airfare
Where are the best travel savings – in-person, over the phone or online? In the first part of our three-part series, CTV Ottawa’s travel team looks to find the best March Break deals on flights to Orlando.
Used-car ‘black list’ released
Used-car prices in Canada are set by the industry’s “black list”, which was recently released. CTV’s Laura Lowe has more on this year’s top cars.
Picking a double stroller
Double strollers are a popular choice for people with twins or two young children. CTV’s Pat Foran tests out some common brands to see which ones work best.
Consumer reports releases results on movie theatre snacks
Oscar season is upon us and it means many are heading to the theatres to see this year’s contenders. Part of that trip to the movies often means a visit to the snack bar. As CTV’s Michael O’Byrne reports the temptation may not be worth the damage to your waist line.
The best deals for a dozen roses on Valentine's Day
The flower industry has been scrutinized for jacking up prices for Valentine’s Day. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter scours the city looking for a dozen roses for a bargain.
We Buy It, We Try It
CTV Ottawa's consumer reporter Michael O'Byrne looks at 'As Seen on TV' products and finds out if they really work. more...
The dangers of appliances fires
Sometimes the very appliances we depend on to heat our food can end up heating a lot more. CTV Ottawa’s Pat Foran looks at why thousands of fires are caused by these household machines.
Neighbourhoods not always supportive of home businesses
From piano lessons to small-scale bakeries, neighbourhoods aren’t always supportive of small businesses opening up in residential areas. CTV’s Pat Foran investigates why some municipalities are cracking down on home businesses.
A new kit on the market restores brightness to ageing headlights
Headlights on older model cars tend to get dimmer with age.
Now there's a kit on the market that is aimed at restoring the brightness of your headlights, but is it effective and worth the price?
CTV's Pat Foran investigates.
Police warn small business scam could spread
Small businesses in the Toronto area have been reporting a growing scam, and police say it could be spreading. CTV’s Pat Foran has the details on this “cash-for-delivery” scam.
Spare Tires
Cars are coming with more high-tech options than ever before. But consumers in the market for a new one are learning some companies are getting rid of the spare tire. CTV’s Pat Foran explains why.
New technology in construction and carpentry
Technicians keep building the tools that help the rest of us do building of our own. CTV’s Pat Foran shows us some of the newest technology in construction and carpentry equipment.
Picking a new TV for the Super Bowl
There are plenty of new TV commercials that you might be watching on your old TV. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne looks into all your different options for an upgrade.
From hash tag to bash tag: McDonalds burned on Twitter
Fast food goliath McDonalds tried to harness the power of Twitter for online promotion. It didn’t take long, though, for tweets to turn the hash tag into a ‘bash tag.’ CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne has the details.
Popular coupon suppliers hurt some businesses
When hundreds came to cash in Groupon coupons at Aubrey’s, a popular Ottawa meat supplier, the business couldn’t keep up. It happens more than you think. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne tells you what you need to know if your coupon can’t be redeemed.
People turning to GPS apps for directions
Sales of portable GPS units are down but people are turning to GPS apps for directions. CTV Ottawa's Consumer Reporter Michael O'Byrne explains which apps are the best.
Loblaws recalls its organic baby cereal
major grocery chain is recalling a brand of organic baby cereal after complaints of a rancid smell. CTV Ottawa’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne reports on what may have happened and what you need to know.
Double-checking your vacation rental home
With many Canadians heading south to Florida, people are exploring their options of where to stay. CTV’s Pat Foran looks at how to make sure you’re renting a good house.
Is tipping etiquette changing?
Fifteen per cent may not be enough of a tip if you listen to those in the service industry. CTV Ottawa’s Katie Griffin explains the pitch for more tips.
Putting kitchen utensils to the test
There are many different tools people use in the kitchen but it’s hard to know which ones are the best. That is, until we put them to the test. CTV’s consumer reporter Michael O’Byrne reports
Clearing the shelves of winter goods
With the wacky winter we’ve been having, many people haven’t had to stock up on winter supplies. CTV’s Pat Foran checks the store shelves to see how shovels, salt and other goods are stocked up.
New invention hopes to stop accidents before it happens
Better safe than sorry, one inventor is encouraging companies to take advantage of his latest device. It’s a way to stop wheels from flying off transport trucks.
Company plans to be a game-changer where TV is concerned
One company famous for design and innovation plans to change the way the world watches television. In the future, we could be watching without remotes and seeing TVs become more like computers. CTV’s Pat Foran has more from the Consumer Electronics Show.
Latest gadgets unveiled in Vegas
Tech lovers are rejoicing as the latest gadgets are revealed at the CES showcase in Las Vegas. CTV’s consumer reporter Pat Foran checks into what the conference has in store.
Big auto show opens in Detroit
The future of driving is now on display in a big automotive city. CTV’s Pat Foran looks at what to expect from the North American International Auto Show.
Alternatives to the iPhone
Apple's iPhone has seemingly grabbed hold of the smartphone market with a reputation for ease-of-use. CTV's Lynda Steele looks at other models that also get the job done.
New paint colour names to entice men
Paint colours usually have exotic names that appeal to women. But one company is embarking on a campaign to appeal to men by using amusing names for their paint colours. CTV’s Lynda Steele reports.
Sales continue even after the holidays
A department store might be the last place you want to be after the holidays but there are still plenty of deals to be had. CTV’s Laura Lowe reports.
Do smartphone GPS apps stand up?
Plenty of smartphones offer a built-in GPS service, so is it worth buying one separately? CTV’s Pat Foran checks to see if your phone will end up getting you lost.
Making money off unwanted gift cards
Have you ever been given a gift card that you simply didn't want? Find out how you can make money off those unused gift cards. CTV's Karen Rocznik reports.
