Most items can be purchased from a variety of stores which are in or near Berea. It is recommended that you compare prices between stores before you buy. Prices in stores are fixed and it is not common to bargain for a lower price. Generally stores are SELF-SERVICE type which means you select the items from shelves and take it to a clerk to pay for it. In some stores, such as grocery stores and discount stores, carts are provided for you to carry your purchases to the cashier. If you need assistance, a store clerk can help you. Before purchasing an item, especially if it is an expensive item, ask for the warranty information and the store’s return/exchange policies. Some stores have a full refund if you return the purchase item within a specific period without any damage and with proof-of-purchase. Be sure to keep your receipt. Your receipt will serve as proof-of-purchase. For example, let’s say you bought a bicycle and the store has a one month warranty. If the bike breaks, you may return it to the store, with your receipt, for repair or refund, depending on the store’s policy. Read the warranty before you make a major purchase.
The cashier will add the sales tax (7% in OHIO) to your total bill. If you want to write a check do not write the check in advance. Write your check only after the cashier tells you the total cost of your purchases.
SHOPLIFTING, or taking merchandise from the store without paying is a criminal offense. Conviction of shoplifting can result in a court hearing and a fine. Repeated conviction for shoplifting can result in deportation.
Garage, yard or moving sales are occasions where people sell used furniture, household goods and clothing in the yards or driveways of their homes. They usually do that if they are moving and do not want to take these items, or if they want to get rid of unused items. Prices are usually lower than you would find in store. The prices are often negotiable. This is a good way to buy used furniture or some basic household goods. These events are generally advertised in the classified ads section of the local newspapers, or sometimes a sign is placed in front of the house.
BUYING GROCERIES
Most residents buy groceries weekly from local supermarkets (Giant Eagle, Tops). In Berea, supermarkets like Giant Eagle, K-Mart are within walking distance to B-W. In these supermarkets you can find frozen or fresh groceries, microwaveable foods, ready-made salad bars, breakfast food, etc. If you want to buy alcoholic beverages, you have to be 21 years or older. The cashier will ask for a valid ID so that she/he can check your age. Anyone under 21 years of age is prohibited by Ohio law from buying alcoholic beverages.
The WEST SIDE MARKET is also a good place to find fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheese, meats and poultry. Some small ethnic markets are located in Cleveland. Check the Yellow pages phone directory for locations.
Mail order shopping requires you to send money to a company to buy something advertised in the newspaper, magazine or television. Be very careful about buying things through the mail. NEVER send cash through the mail. Shopping from catalogs is very convenient. Catalogs from big stores such as JC Penney, Sears, and L.L.Bean allow you to order merchandise by mail or telephone with a credit card. Shopping from catalogs of a well-known company is convenient and you can return merchandise to them if there is a problem with the size, quality, style, etc. Some companies will even pay the postage on returned items.
| K-MART 17840 EAST BAGLEY RD. Tel : 440-234-9303 |
WALMART |
JC PENNEY |
| TJ MAXX 18290 ROYALTON ROAD STRONGSVILLE, OH 44136 TEL 440-846-1272 |
BIG LOTS 5755 SMITH ROAD Tel : 267-0110 |
HILLS DEPT. STORE |
|
DISCOUNT STORES: |
GROCERS: |
Dairy Mart 14 949 Bagley Road |
| Heinen's Supermarket Middleburg Plaza 15300 East Bagley Tel : 886-2205 |
Giant Eagle 50 West Bridge Street Berea, OH 44017 |
Tops Friendly Markets 371 West Bagley Road Berea, OH 44017 |
PURCHASING A CAR
The majority of the International students at Baldwin-Wallace College have their own cars for transportation. Be aware that operating a car is a major responsibility. Before buying a car, compare the various makes and models available on the market. Determine how much you are willing to spend. Buying a car from a well-known dealership is a good way to buy a new or used car. LIABILITY INSURANCE IS MANDATORY IN THE STATE OF OHIO. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR CAR WITHOUT HAVING INSURANCE COVERAGE! Compare rates between insurance companies. If you want to buy a used car, check the ads in the newspapers, trading papers and dealerships. Have a used car inspected by a reliable mechanic before making a purchase. The mechanic may charge for this service. Bargaining for price on a new or used vehicle is permissible. To transfer the Certificate of Title on a used car, go to the CUYAHOGA COUNTY AUTO AND BOAT TITLE DEPARTMENT. The nearest locations are:
NORTH OLMSTED OFFICE
GREAT NORTHERN SHOPPING CENTER
ARCADE 5069
TEL: 440-777-4060
PARMA OFFICE
5743 CHEVROLET BLVD.
TEL: 440-888-7050
Other locations are listed in the telephone directory. Bring your passport, social security card, driver’s license or state ID. You must also pay SALES TAX of 7% of the purchase price and miscellaneous fees. Keep your title in a safe place. An E-Check test is a pollution control inspection program to increase the air quality in certain counties (Cuyahoga County is one of them). Your car must pass this test. The test costs $19.50. The nearest E-Check test center is at 1291 W. Bagley Rd. For more information call 1-800-CARTEST. If you buy a new or used car from a dealer, the dealer will handle all details.
AUTO INSURANCE
The basic Auto Liability Coverage is required by law in the state of Ohio. The coverage pays claims against you if you damage someone else's car or property. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage pays for injury to others and your legal defense costs. There are more extensive coverage’s (for example, damage to your car, collision coverage), the cost of the insurance will be higher if it covers more, but ask before deciding. Compare the insurance companies rates, services and coverage. The insurance cost can be high for foreign students since they don’t have any driving history in the U.S. Insurance companies may require OHIO DRIVER'S LICENSE. You can find the auto insurance companies in the telephone directory under the title “Insurance”.
DO NOT DRIVE YOUR CAR WITHOUT INSURANCE, WHEN YOU BUY THE CAR (AFTER SIGNING THE TITLE), YOU CAN CALL THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND INSURE YOUR CAR OVER THE TELEPHONE.
RENTAL CARS
You may find agencies around Berea. Most rental agencies accept major credit cards, in fact, some require a major credit card. Different companies offer different car rates and discounts. You can use your country's driver license. If you have any problem with the car, call the company as soon as possible. Here are some phone numbers to call if you’re thinking of renting a car:
| Agency Rent-A-Car | 845-3100 |
| Alamo Rent-A-Car | 267-3090 |
| Budget | 1-800-527-0700 |
| Dollar ( Airport ) | 267-3133 |
| Enterprise | 243-4400 |
| Hertz ( Airport ) | 267-8900 |
| Southwest Rentals | 888-3242 |
| Thrifty Rental ( Airport ) | 267-7368 |
275 Eastland Rd.