Consumer United on pooling buying power

Chronicle interviews Consumer United founder, Justin Dangel, where he discusses the power of consumers banding together to negotiate better deals.

"The core of most people's expenses are their bills and it's very hard for people to find savings there," Dangel tells Chronicle. "We use the size of this group to negotiate and to pool buying power. And it turns out that companies are excited to work with a large group of consumers and give them a better deal."

Dangel, who says he's saved his members over $300,000 on insurance and utilities, says the economy's careening costs drive people like Missy Lioz to search for bargains.

"You go to the supermarket and you look at your utility bills and everything is going up and it's frightening. I get bargains on everything and it never occurred to me that you could negotiate on utilities," Lioz adds. "It feels like finally someone is doing something about what seems like an out-of-control system."

Consumer United testimonial on Chronicle

Missy Lioz, one of Consumer United's die-hard supporters, chats with Chronicle about how much she's saved after joining the movement.

Consumer United on Chronicle

Consumer United was featured in a segment on Chronicle that aired on Wednesday, May 14. The local WCVB-TV (ABC Channel 5) news piece is called "Cutting Back."

Click here for more information.

Catch Consumer United on Chronicle!

Consumer United will be featured in a segment on Chronicle starting at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14. The local news piece airing on WCVB-TV (ABC Channel 5) is called "Cutting Back."

Here's the teaser from Chronicle's Web site:

Are you trying to make your hard earned dollars work a little harder for you? Maria Catalano understands. She and her husband have been cutting back on everyday expenses for several years now, and tonight she shares what they've learned.

*We also report on a new group that promotes the power of consumers banding together to get better deals on insurance, utilities and entertainment.