Car advertising may focus on style, speed and brand, but it’s the initial price and costs of operating a vehicle that are the key interests for people car shopping, according to the results of a recent poll taken by the Better Business Bureau.

Price was the leading factor, with 29 percent of survey respondents picking it as their primary consideration. This was followed by gas mileage, stated by 17 percent, and costs of service and warranty, cited by another 12 percent. These economic factors totaled 58 percent of the concerns survey respondents had when looking for a new vehicle.

“Buying a vehicle is a major purchase an individual or family can make, so it is reassuring that economic considerations are primary for buyers,” said Kim States, BBB of Southern Arizona president. “Other factors, like looks and performance may be influences, but our poll shows it is dollar concerns that outweigh other factors.”

While the features of a new car were picked by 19 percent of the respondents as a consideration, they were outweighed by the cost issues by a three-to-one margin.  Also taking a backseat in car buying considerations were online ratings of dealers, selected by 9 percent as important; previous dealer relationship, 8 percent; and picking the same brand as a previous car, 6 percent.

Visit BBB’s website for more consumer tips at www.bbb.org

Behind candy, flowers are the second most popular gift to give on Valentine’s Day. According to the National Retail Federation, an estimated 36.6 percent of consumers will give flowers to their loved ones on Thursday, with total spending expected to top $1.9 billion.

But, don’t let your significant other be disappointed with an unpleasant arrangement. Nationally, Better Business Bureau received thousands of complaints against florists in 2012. Most complaints allege the wrong flowers were delivered or the arrangements were not delivered at all.

If you’re planning to send flowers to that special someone this Valentine’s Day, BBB of Southern Arizona has the following advice:

• Place your order early. Valentine’s Day is an extremely busy time for florists. To ensure enough time for processing and shipping, place your order several days in advance.
• Ask about guarantees. Request a written receipt for the order and ask about the business’s refund policy in case the delivery is late, never arrives or is in bad condition.
• Make sure the florist has your information. There are times when delivery instructions need to be confirmed or a delivery driver needs additional directions. Make sure the florist has your phone number should they need to reach you.

Do your research. Check out the florist’s BBB Business Review to see any history of complaints, and additional details about the company before you buy

Want to buy a pricey item but cash flow is tight? Viola, you are offered a deferred-interest promotion. Minimal payments or no payments — and no interest for a year. What should you do?

If you are absolutely sure you can pay the balance within a year, you could consider it. If there is any chance you will not pay the balance on time, do not even think about buying the item at this time. If the balance is not paid by the end of the promotion period you will pay interest on the original amount that you charged and the parts you have paid off already. The interest rate could be as high as 25%.

According to Andrew R. Johnson of the Wall Street Journal the National Consumer Law Center wants a ban on deferred-interest cards.

Johnson goes on to say that General Electric Co., a provider of deferred-interest cards, states they are transparent about when the borrower needs to make payments and how much interest they have accrued if they don’t make the final payment on time. Plus, GE notifies the borrower two months before the expiration of the promotional period.

GE records show that the vast majority of the borrowers pay off their balance before the promotional ends.

If you decide you can pay off the balance on time, be sure to make payments each month that will ensure the balance is paid on time.

Have you used the deferred-interest credit card plan? Did it work for you? Where there any hidden charges or was the company completely transparent about the transaction?