Macy’s Makeup Appointment Cost

Inside of each Macy’s store, stylist experts are available to help you “discover tips, tricks and everything else you need to know to look and feel gorgeous,” according to the company’s makeup services section.

Offering a variety of sessions to meet any beauty needs you have, the costs of a Macy’s makeup appointment, depending on the reason for your visit, can be 100% free or in the case of an appointment, it may come at a cost.

“Macys – Midway Mall” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by MikeKalasnik

How much does a Macy’s makeup appointment cost?

The costs of a Macy’s makeup appointment will greatly depend on the reason for your visit and the brand of makeup you’re interested in.  If you want to try out new products and learn more about them while shopping inside of the store, then most of the time, these sessions will be free for most brands; however, according to the company’s website, some brands will not offer complimentary services.  Some brands, such as MAC Cosmetics, however, may require you to purchase a few products before they start the session.

Why is it free? 

As you can imagine, the stylist, who often has a connection, training or even works with the makeup brand you’re considering, will use the latest and best products for your unique situation in the hopes you purchase the products afterward.  He or she will listen to your concerns, vision and try their best to pick out a product in the line that works, all in the hopes that you may purchase some products.  While you do not have to purchase the product after your session completes, the stylist, again, either hopes you purchase a product or even considers purchasing it from them in the future.  Stylists and associates do work on commission, so as you can imagine, each sale will add to their paycheck.  This isn’t the case for all brands, however, as some cosmetic brands do not work on commission, only an hourly rate.

As of 2018, Macy’s offered complimentary services for the following brands, with very few brands charging a fee:

NOTE:  These services are subject to change and are accurate as of this publishing date.  For more information as to what brands may or may not charge, we encourage you to visit/talk with a local Macy’s store or visit this subpage for more information.

On this TheKnot.com forum thread, for example, the member who started the discussion asked if it was okay to have her makeup done at Macy’s and how much it would cost, and according to the responses, one person, who used to work for Clinique at Macy’s, said you had to buy $50 worth of items to get your makeup done, while another member, who used MAC products, had to buy $50 in products as well.

Tips to know

To book a free makeup appointment at your local Macy’s store, you can do so by visiting the official store scheduler.  If you’re on a tight schedule or do not feel like waiting while inside of the store, it’s highly advisable you make an appointment as well as know the terms and conditions of the makeup appointment before showing up.

During the prom season, the Huffington Post states that you shouldn’t be surprised if there’s a small charge for applications or a cut-off to how many appointments are accepted during the day.  The prom season, they said, is often the busiest part of the year and restrictions are often created to keep the area from overcrowding.

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Lyric Hearing Aid Cost

The Lyric hearing aid, created by Phonak, is an FDA-cleared device and is said to be the world’s only 100% invisible hearing aid that’s able to deliver clear and natural sound, according to the company’s official website.

Unlike most hearing aids that you purchase outright, the Lyric hearing aids are sold on an annual subscription basis via certified providers and will require no battery or repairs.

“11 Audiology FIt prep2” (Public Domain) by Veterans Health

How much does the Lyric hearing aid cost?

According to the official FAQ on the company’s website, the cost of a Lyric hearing aid is only sold through Certified Lyric Providers on an annual subscription basis only, which is currently set by the provider.  In general, however, the FAQ does note the price range generally falls anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 per year for the pair and Medicare or Medicaid will not cover the costs.   Aside from this, professional fees may apply as well. To find a certified local provider and learn more about the costs of the hearing aid, you can do so by visiting Phonak.com and searching via the “find your local Lyric provider” search.

One reviewer on HearingTracker.com said they paid $4,400 each year, which is after a $1,800 annual increase, while another said they paid $4,000 a year but decided to stop using them due to the costs.

Multiple commenters on this HearingLossHelp.com blog post talked about the Lyric hearing aids in particular, with one commenter saying her one-year subscription cost her $3,600, while another said she was quoted $3,200 a year.  A doctor, who also commented on the post, said you should be prepared to spend about $1,600 to $1,800 per ear.

Another blog post we found online on ZipHearing.com had more than 300+ comments, with some sharing their costs as well.  On this post, one commenter said her audiologist allowed her to pay $2,800 a year with a $50 co-pay each time a new hearing aid was needed, while another stated they paid $3,145 for the year.

What does the annual subscription cover?

According to the company, the subscription will cover a year of Lyric hearing since each device only lasts up to two to three months at a time.  When it’s time for a new hearing aid, then you will have to visit your provider once again for a replacement device, and estimates provided above will include up to eight replacements for the year.  Do keep in mind that no repairs or battery replacements will be necessary, and if a technology update does become available, this will be included as well.

If you are out of town, however, and you need to use a different provider from the one you initially used, you may need to pay a small fee to replace the device, usually around $100,

What are the Lyric hearing aids?

Lyric, in comparison to the traditional hearing aid, is different as it is 100% invisible to the naked eye.  Once placed, it can be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for months at a time, even designed for use while inside of a shower or sleeping.  While the device is water resistant, it is not waterproof and should never be submerged underwater.  Unlike many hearing aids, the company says the hearing aid is positioned completely inside of the ear canal in a way to provide natural sound quality, all while staying out of sight.

The hearing aids work leveraging the ear canal’s shape to help capture the sounds and amplify it with minimal processing.  As the sound enters the ear canal, the hearing aid allows the sound to flow naturally to the eardrum, just as it naturally would without the device inserted in the ear.  The result, as per the company, allowed it to become the only device that’s able to provide a crisp and clear sound 24 hours a day for months at a time.

The fitting

The Lyric hearing aid, as mentioned, can only be done via a certified provider, an audiologist, who, just like any hearing aid fitting, will want to take a hearing test to see if you qualify for the hearing aid.  During the fitting, the specialist will also measure your ear canal to determine if you are a candidate for the hearing aid since the hearing aid is inserted into your ear canal for months at a time.  If you are considered a candidate, then the next step is to determine which size fits your ear the best.  Since this device can sit in your ear canal for up to four months, it’s very important for the audiologist to choose the right size for a crucial fitting, according to Hear.com.  When the measurements are complete, the hearing aid is then placed inside of your ear, close to your eardrum.

Since the hearing aid does not require a battery change, you will be asked to come back to your specialist for a simple swap out, where the hearing aid is removed and a new one is inserted.

Who qualifies for one?

The Lyric hearing aids are not designed for everyone, with the company recommending a pair for those who suffer from mild to moderately-severe hearing loss.  Only a certified Lyric hearing professional will be able to assess your hearing levels, medical conditions, ear size/shape and lifestyle to determine if the hearing aid is designed for your hearing needs.

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How Much Does Lupron Cost?

Lupron, a manmade protein which acts as a natural hormone inside of the body, helps decrease testosterone in men and decreases estrogen levels in women.

For men, it’s designed to help treat advanced prostate cancer, while for women, it can help treat female-related hormone problems (IVF treatments), uterine fibroids and/or to treat endometriosis.

“IMG_6974-Edit_HighRes” (CC BY 2.0) by bbryda13

How much does Lupron cost?

The costs of a Lupron injection will greatly depend on the type of kit you purchase (dosage strength), where you purchase it from and your health insurance policy.  From what we researched when contacting local pharmacies, a two-week Lupron kit could retail anywhere from $450 to $750 without any health insurance coverage.

As for health insurance coverage, it appeared that almost all health insurance policies, including Medicare and Medicaid, would cover the injections as long as it was deemed medically necessary.  Greatly depending on your health insurance coverage, the co-pay ranges, according to GoodRx.com, could range anywhere from as little as $7 to $669 per kit.

On this WhattoExpect.com forum thread, one member asked what others were paying for a two-week supply for Lupron, noting she was quoted $499 to $649 when she called a few local pharmacies.  According to the responses, one stated she paid as little as $299 via IVFmeds.com, while another stated CVS had the best cash price in her area, saying it would cost $450 for a two-week kit.

How to save on Lupron

Manufacturer coupon

One way to save on Lupron, from what we researched, was via the official co-pay savings card offered by the manufacturer of the drug, AbbVie.  This card, depending on your dosage, could help you save up to $250 on your next prescription, but as with any manufacturer coupon, qualifications do apply.  To see if you qualify for the savings, go to the official website, LupronGYN.com and fill out the registration form to see if you can save on your next prescription.  Be sure to read the qualifications at the bottom of the page as well to make sure you are a candidate before you do consider.  Even if your pharmacy isn’t able to accept the savings card, the company does allow you to fill out a rebate card as long as you qualify.

AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation

The AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation, according to the official website, offers free Lupron Depot and the LUPANETA PACK to patients who are experiecing financial difficluties.  To see if you qualify, just like the coupon, you will need to fill out the application or go the specific program site for more information as to how to apply in order to save.

Lupron – what’s included?

Lupron comes inside of a vial that contains sterile lyophilized microspheres, which, when mixed with a dilutant, it then becomes a suspension which is administered into an intramuscular or as a subcutaneous injection every three months.  Lupron is also known as the branded name, Lucrin Depot, even though it is considered to be the same product and manufactured by the same manufacturers.

The first injection is usually done inside of your doctor’s office, and depending on your doctor’s policy, he or she may allow you to administer future injections at home.

How does Lupron work?

Lupron works by suppressing the hormonal signals in the brain that are responsible for controlling the production of the hormone estrogen, ultimately reducing the amount of estrogen in the body.  If used for IVF treatments, for example, then it will stop the release of the luteinizing hormone, which would otherwise help trigger ovulation, which means the doctor is able to control when ovulation should occur, timing it precisely to help retrieve the eggs without ending the cycle easier.  In other cases, the medicine can help reduce the amount of testosterone in men and estrogen in women, helping treat symptoms of ovarian cancer or prostate to help slow down cancer cell growth

Lupron side effects

Common side effects may include mild burning/bruising/pain at the injection site, hot flashes, an increase in sweating, night sweats, headaches, nausea, breast changes, acne, muscle aches, insomnia, reduced sexual interest, vaginal discharge/dryness/discomfort, dizziness and/or an increase in urination at night.

Serious side effects may include mood changes, worsening bone paint, increase in thirst, chew pain, weakness, seizures, irregular heartbeat or severe dizziness.

This is not a full list of side effects, refer to this MedlinePlus.gov page.

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Luminess Air Cost

The Luminess Air at-home makeup application airbrushing kit, according to the company, is said to offer stunning results for a fraction of what you would pay at a local spa.

Offering a 30-day money back guarantee, the makeup kits offer the “best-in-the-industry” spot-on color matching for the ultimate, most natural flawless look that’s custom tailored to you.

How much does Luminess Air cost?

The costs of Luminess Air will greatly depend on the product you purchase, where you purchase the kit/ products from and the promotion currently being held at the time of your purchase.  Most buyers, from what we did research, often want to purchase the airbrush system, which, depending on the condition, can range anywhere from as little as $129 for a refurbished system to as much as $299 for a brand new system, with the foundation refills for the system, as explained in the table below, retailing for $20 to $40, greatly depending on which line you choose.

For example, at the time of this publishing, the company offered an introductory free trial package, as seen on TV, which allowed you to try out the new 4-in-1 silk airbrush kit for $19.95, plus free shipping.  This kit, according to the promotion page, included the Luminess system,  two airbrush foundations, a skin tone airbrush blush and skin brightening airbrush love.  This was said to be $10 off the original price of $29.95 for the same kit.

Keep in mind, however, if you read the fine print, this is a “free trial,” which simply means that if you do not return the product after the 30 days expire, the company will start to charge you $59 over the next five months, bringing your grand total to $299.95 for the system and start-up kit if you were to purchase from the official website.  If you do decide to return it, you will be given a full refund, minus the shipping and handling, and the device must be returned in a clean slate, with no signs of any wear or tear.

Aside from the as seen on TV complete kits, you could also shop by category, which allowed you to shop by each category:  lipstick, eyeshadow, foundation and skin, all of which had its own pricing range, which we explain in detail via our table below.  Foundation refills will be needed periodically, and the costs will depend on the line you choose.

What’s included in the kit?

If you purchase the kit, it will come with teh compressor, nozzle and stylus, compromising of the entire device, two foundations, blush, glow, bronzer and a moisturizer, but as mentioned in our costs subheading section, these inclusions can vary depending on the time of year you purchase since the company does offer special promotions, where they include “free” gifts.

The Luminess System overview

If you decide to purchase the full kit, you will first have to select from the five shade groups (fair shade, medium shade, warm shade, tan shade, deep shade) that closely matches your skin tone from the pictures as the kit will come with two foundation shades that you will mix in order to create a natural look.  If you have a harder time matching your skin colors, the company does have a matching service that can help you, and in order to use it, you need to upload your most recent picture to the website and they will try their best to help match it.

The foundation you will use with the system, according to the company, is said to be oil-free and even a great option for those who have sensitive skin.  Applying makeup, when using their device, can also help minimize wrinkles and fine lines, reduce the appearance of age-related blemishes and is considered to be hygienic since your hands or the brushes never directly touch your face.

To use the device, it’s as simple as plugging it in, depositing the foundation into the reservoir and pulling a lever to apply the application to your skin, such as your face or body, through the Luminess Air stylus that produces a fine mist onto the surface of the skin.  The company does recommend you clean the device after each time you use it to prevent the buildup of the foundation inside of the system.  In order to do so, a pinch of water needs to be added into the reservoir, followed by spraying it directly onto a rag until the mixture is pushed out.

The company, as per the website, does offer a variety of “how-to” videos to show you how to get started, how to apply it as well as troubleshooting methods if you do have problems with it.

Luminess Air reviews

Glancing at the reviews online via PissedConsumer and Yelp, for instance, it appeared most purchasers complained about the following:

• Some had a hard time returning the product, even after sending it in, stating it was hard to contact customer service in some circumstances
• Aside from the return policy, many complained about the customer service
• Some reviewers were denied a return and were charged the full price
• The pricing was deceptive to some, but do keep in mind, the company does state in the fine print how you will be billed, but to a buyer’s credit, it isn’t 100% clear
• Shipping times were delayed in some cases, often as long as four weeks

While we did find some positive reviews online, most of them came from websites that included an affiliate link to make a commission off of the product.

Tips to know

When applied, the product is designed to last for longer than 18 hours, with the longest lasting results coming from those who apply it to fresh and clean skin.

The Luminess Air is designed to be used with Luminess Air products only.  If you decide to use other products in the system that’s not recommended, then this will void your standard warranty.

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How Much Do LuLaRoe Leggings Cost?

LuLaRoe, a company with thousands of independent “consultants” sell a variety of LuLaRoe clothing, including the most popular choice — the company’s leggings.

With a variety of sizes, styles and consultants on the market, the prices can vary, but we explain in detail below.

“LuLaRoe Logo Horizontal_Outlined” (Public Domain) by bridget o’schnaz

How much do LuLaRoe leggings cost?

Browsing at Pinterest, since this is a popular platform the company’s consultants often use to promote their products, we found the average costs of the leggings ranged anywhere from $23 for kids and tween sizes to $25 for the one size fit all as well as the tall and curvy sizes.  These prices do change occasionally throughout the years, and in order to get accurate prices, we highly encourage you to talk with a local LuLaRoe representative to see an updated price list.

During the holidays, however, we did find that the company would release holiday-themed leggings, such as Christmas-, Valentine- and Halloween-themed, that could sell for a few dollars more.

Keep in mind that LuLaRoe does set a suggested retail price, and consultants are able to charge as much as they want; however, these prices seem to be the cheapest price the company allows them to set to allow them to be the most competitive in the market.

If you want to bypass the consultant pop-up parties or all together, you can find official LuLaRoe leggings for as little as $5 on eBay.  On Amazon, however, we could not find any LuLaRoe leggings for sale to compare.

How much do the leggings cost the consultant at wholesale?

When you buy from the consultant, they will have to buy their LuLaRoe clothing in packages in order to fill their inventory, which, according to our past research, could cost as much as $9,000, greatly depending on which package they purchase.  Aside from this, consultants will also receive randomized packages with varying styles and sizes to make sure no two consultants have the same inventory to keep the market competitive for the consultants.

Based on the clothing averages, however, the average consultant pays anywhere from $9 to $16 per pair when you average out the inventory received, meaning each sale could potentially net him or her about $10 or more, but again, use this as an average since each consultant, depending on their rank within the company, could make more or less.  The company does set a retail price for each item and consultants are not allowed to sell below a certain price point.

Where can I buy LuLaRoe leggings?

Visit a pop-up shop via a consultant

If you want to visit a “pop-up” shop in person, you will have to do so via an official consultant with the company, which, you can search for one by using the company’s official search tool.  With this tool, you will insert your zip code, search for a consultant nearby and then email them and/or visit their social media profile for more information.

Facebook Live and other social media platforms

Aside from using the company’s official search tool, most consultants have a specific Facebook business page dedicated to their LuLaRoe business, where you can connect with them and wait for a “live” sale to be held.  To find one, consider searching via Facebook or again, using the method mentioned prior as some consultants do list their official Facebook page if you want to support someone locally to you.

Festivals and events

Most of your larger events, such as fairs, food truck festivals and so forth, often have a local consultant who sets up a “pop up party” to display their clothing and sell to the public.  If you plan on going to an event, most websites dedicated to the event often display a list of vendors who will be in attendance.

Third-party websites (eBay,etc)

If you want it as simple as point, click and buy, then eBay may be your best choice to simply buy and bypass the purchasing in person as well as listen to the pitch on how to become a consultant.  Remember, like all MLM schemes, these consultants can make a lot of money by referring outside parties.

Highly sought after LuLaRoe themed leggings

Searching forums online as well as talking with various LuLaRoe consultants, they claimed the following themes were either very hard to come by or would sell extremely fast once it hit their inventory:

• Americana
• Aztec
• Baseball
• Bat
• Bulldog
• Cat
• Christmas
• Crazy
• Deer
• Donut
• Duck
• Elephant
• Floral
• Fox
• Halloween
• Heart
• Hedgehog
• Hot Pink
• Owls
• Leopard
• Pitbull
• Pizza
• Pug
• Rose
• Skin Colored
• Valentines

Tips to know

LuLaRoe leggings, made of polyester and spandex and said to be “buttery soft,” come in two sizes for an adult:  One Size (OS), which basically means one size fits all, but as per the company, is recommended for women up to size 10/12, and the Tall and Curvy (TC) size, which can fit women up to 22/24.

The company only produces 2,500 pairs of one print, often creating a demand for specific styles and is one of the reasons why you may see a rare piece selling for much more online via eBay, etc.

If you’re unsure of which size you need to purchase, you can refer to the company’s official size chart here.

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LuLaRoe Consultant Cost

If you’re thinking about getting into the LuLaRoe business, then you will have to become a consultant in order to start selling its products, which, you may or may not know, will require a startup fee in order to do so and start making money with the company.

Once you become a consultant, you are then able to purchase at wholesale prices and sell to the public, raking in commissions that are said to be as high as 60 percent or more.

“LuLaRoe Logo Horizontal_Outlined” (Public Domain) by bridget o’schnaz

How much does it cost to become a LuLaRoe consultant and to start up?

The costs to purchase a LuLaRoe startup kit, from our research via multiple third-party websites, tends to be in the $5,000 to $8,500+ range, and then, aside from your inventory, you will need an additional budget of about $500 or so for startup costs such as your business cards, website and clothes hangers, to name a few (we talk about this below).  The total costs of the inventory will greatly depend on which package you choose, and as for the starter supplies, this will greatly depend on what you’re going to purchase for your business as each consultant will purchase various supplies.

For example, we were able to gather packages and included our findings inside of the table below:

How did we get these costs?  We contacted a local consultant who was able to share some of the kits she was quoted when she first started the company.  Remember, this will not include the costs of inventory startup costs.

On member on Reddit.com claimed they bought a starter kit, which included 381 items, for about $5,000 to $6,000.

The company, in an interview with Business Insider, noted the minimum initial investment is $5,500 in order to become a consultant and for most, a profit can be seen with less than $5,000 in monthly sales, but this has been disputed by outside parties, including consultants.

First Quarter Finance stated the costs of the onboarding packages, which can include about 280 to 500 pieces, can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $9,000, however.

Additional supplies to consider

Aside from the inventory costs mentioned prior, consultants are also encouraged to purchase additional supplies, including:

• Business cards
• Clothing racks to help store inventory inside of your home
• Hangers
• Packaging supplies
• HD camera if you decide to take advantage of Facebook Live

What’s included in the starter kit?

Starter kits greatly vary since these kits can be randomized (as noted above) and may not match up to the numbers noted as the representatives, according to Business Insider, often do not get to select the products they sell.  This is done so to make sure that every consultant has a different type of inventory, creating a competitive market, and according to some, consultants are able to pick out styles and sizes but not the patterns or colors.  Regardless, these starter kits will contain anywhere from 250 to 350 pieces, each ranging in styles and sizes with varying profit margins.

Depending on the items purchased, wholesale prices for the consultant can range from $8 to $31, whereas the retail prices, again, depending on the resale price, can range anywhere from $18 to $65.  The fee mentioned above will include the shipping costs from LuLaRoe.

How to become a LuLaRoe consultant

If you are interested in becoming a consultant, you will first have to find an existing consultant in order to receive an application, learn about the program and sign up.  This is often done via a pop-up shop to help you familiarize yourself with the product and what’s required of one if you decide to sign up.  Once you’re able to submit an application, then you are added to the company’s waitlist, which, depending on the time of the year, could take up to two months before you’re approved.  While most consultants wait to be approved, many start to assemble the materials they need such as display racks, business cards, shipping materials and a website, for example.  As mentioned, these startup costs, aside from the inventory, can greatly vary as each consultant will have his or her own marketing strategy.

When you’re approved as a consultant, you are then able to choose your starter kit, and while most vary, we already discussed what’s included in most kits.  Regardless, the contents of the kits often include leggings, tops, dresses and skirts, all of which come in a variety of sizes and patterns.  Each kit, on average, will include anywhere from 40 to 75 pieces of each clothing piece.  While consultants are able to choose their own inventory, the company does set a minimum advertising price, which means you will not be able to sell less than what the company restricts.

Compensation

The average consultant usually holds a LuLaRoe party, where one piece sold equals about $15, on average, in commission, with the average party host netting $300 in profits.  Consultants will need to hold at least 20 parties to make back their original investment or less depending on how much you sell, and similar to other MLM companies, there are several compensation levels, which simply means consultants can earn from other consultants promoted within the company, where you can receive bonus money on top of each sale consultants beneath you make.

As you recruit more than 10 people, then you can upgrade to a trainer, where you can receive a 3% bonus from each member on your team, except the consultants that you personally sponsor.  The next level after the trainer is a coach, which is a level that requires a minimum of three trainers on the team as well as three coaches and three additional people in a leadership role.  The last two, which make up less than one percent of the company, is the “coach” and “mentor” levels.

Like most MLM schemes, the money is made in how many recruits you have in your downline as this can lead to higher bonuses.  You can download the official compensation plan to see how the program works in detail and refer to the table below for basic information as to how it works.

Tips to know

According to Business Insider, more than 80 percent of LuLaRoe consultants generated less than $5,000 sales in the last month, including 10,834 reporting nothing at all.  The average representative, as per a CBS MoneyWatch study, sold about $3,387 in inventory.

You may be able to return your unwanted inventory if you decide to resign, but you may be assessed a 15% restocking fee if you’re able to do so.

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LP SmartSide Siding Cost

LP SmartSide, an engineered lap siding brand manufactured by LP Building Products, was created from wood strands and then coated with a wax for moisture resistance and then bonded with resin and other materials, offering the beauty of natural look, but with more durability for a fraction of the cost.

The proprietary SmartGuard® manufacturing process, according to the company, helps the product resist termites and fungal decay, all while being backed by an industry leading 5/50-year limited warranty.

“Stone Veneer under LP SmartSide” (CC BY 2.0) by Sery Content Development

How much does LP SmartSide siding cost per square foot?

The costs of LP SmartSide will depend on the product purchased, where it’s purchased, and in the case of hiring a professional — the scope of the project and your geographical region.  For the products, including the siding and the trim accessories, the costs tend to fall in the $2 to $4 a square foot range, whereas professional installation, based on the factors, can range anywhere from $4 to $9+, bringing the total cost to $6 to as much as $13+ per square foot installed.  This is the price of a basic install and will not include additional materials such as trim pieces, soffits, paint, etc.

As there can be so many factors, it can be hard to offer an exact estimate, and for that reason, we highly encourage you to try out HomeAdvisor.com, a free quote tool which allows you to gather quotes from locally licensed contractors via your email or over the phone, whichever you prefer.  No credit card is required and it’s considered a great way to compare the quotes in your area to ensure you’re paying a fair price.

Roofingcalc.com, for example, in its comparison to HardiePlank siding, noted the total costs of an install can range anywhere from $5.35 to $11.75 per square foot based on their estimates, with most homeowners seeing an 82 to 87 percent return on their investment.

To see what the materials cost without professional installation, you can do so , for instance.  Here, when we glanced at the options, a 48 by 96-inch panel siding piece would retail for $22 to $35 each.  At Menards, 3/8″ by 12 to 16 foot long pieces ranged anywhere from $5 to $10 each, whereas the panels, similar to that offered at Home Depot, were in the same price range.  Again, these were the prices for just the materials and would not include professional installation costs.

LP SmartSide

The siding is manufactured in six various styles:  cedar texture lap, cedar texture shakes, 12” bold double-lap and triple-lap profiles, 16” double/triple/quad profiles, colonial beaded and smooth.

In comparison to other siding providers in the industry, the company offers a different program that allows qualified pre-finishers to put on a finished coat on the final product, meaning it can come in a variety of colors, according to the company.

Head to the official website for more details.

The pros of LP SmartSide

• It’s said to have one of the best warranties in the industry, coving the product for up to 50 years, even including hail damage up to 1.75 inches in diameter
• Planks are available up to 16 feet long, which means fewer seams during the install
• Better style selection in comparison to other brands
• Lightweight material, making for an easy install job
• Known to cut easier than fiber cement, only requiring a standard saw blade to cut properly
• As it’s engineered, there are no knots or common defects, meaning less waste and no sorting before an install

The cons of LP SmartSide

• Reading the fine print, the warranty will only cover defects during the first five years, with a prorated deduction beginning during the first year of the warranty
• The warranty is limited as to which geographical region it will cover as the company will not cover the Pacific Northwest region or Alaska
• If the coating was applied wrong, it’s likely to flake in the future
• Every 5-10 years, it needs to be repainted to keep its shine

LP SmartSide installation

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Lowe’s Water Heater Installation Cost

From gas to electric to tankless water heaters, Lowe’s will ensure that is installed to your satisfaction by using professionally independent, licensed contractors in your area.  All labor, according to the company, is backed by a minimum one-year labor warranty.

“Lowe’s (South Windsor, Connecticut)” (CC BY 2.0) by jjbers

How much does water heater installation cost at Lowe’s?

The costs to have Lowe’s install a water heater you purchased from their store will greatly depend on the current promotion, the type of water heater being installed and the scope of your project based on the research we did online.  Based on these factors, the costs for the basic install only would range anywhere from $250 to $425 and again, would not include the costs of the actual water heater.

However, if you factor in the additional costs, which we describe below, the entire install can reach well into the $500 to $650 range+.  Since each job can be a pinch different, only Lowe’s can offer an exact quote via their inspection, while we can offer an “estimate.”  We recommend you use the checklist below to add up the costs as well as visit your local Lowe’s to discuss your project to see if they can offer an estimate as well.

As we were able to find a few people online who shared their costs, we included the prices they were quoted inside of the table below:

Additional costs to think about

Inspection fee –  Aside from the basic install costs mentioned prior, you will also have to pay an inspection fee before the install, usually around $40; however, this fee is waived if you do decide to hire Lowe’s to install your water heater.

Delivery fee – A delivery fee, which is not waived, will cost about $75 and should be added to the estimates above.  However, you can save money if you were to pick up the water heater with a truck.

Piping – From the research we did, if you needed to upgrade your piping, usually from the black piping to white, can cost an average of $200.  Lowe’s will be able to confirm, via its inspection, if you need the piping upgrade or not.

Disposal – Disposing of your older water heater, while optional, will cost an additional $50 or so.

Lowe’s water installation

To get started with the install, you can do so in two ways:  either via the official website by filling out the form, where a representative will contact you to set up an install date, or in-store, where you can speak with a customer service associate who will be able to help set you up with a labor install date and/or answer any questions you may have in relation to the water heater install.

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KeyMe Kiosk Cost

KeyMe, a security technology company based in New York, wanted to revolutionize the locksmith industry by offering self-service kiosks that allow you to scan your key, save it to the cloud and then print a spare anytime in the future from any kiosk anywhere in the world with just your fingerprint.

“Waiting for his key” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by quinn.anya

How much does the KeyMe Kiosk cost?

The costs of the KeyMe Kiosk, like a locksmith, greatly depends on the type of key you need to have copied, with a simple brass key costing about $2.99, whereas a non-transponder key can start at $19.99, for example.  Refer to our table below for the prices you should budget for if you plan on using the kiosk.

How does the KeyMe Kiosk work?

According to the company, the kiosk works in the following way:  You insert your key into the kiosk, follow the prompts on the screen and then, a duplicate key is produced on the spot, all while saving your key to the cloud with your fingerprint, which, as mentioned, allows you to print your key anytime you need another spare key.  Aside from the kiosk, the company also allows you to mail-order hundreds of vehicles and high-security keys, all for a “fraction” of the cost of what a dealership would charge you.

The kiosk does offer several design options for your spare key, ranging from a simple brass key to multiple decorative options, including NFL, NBA and MLB themes, to name a few.  For a full catalog of the decorative options available in your area, refer to this link to see the most popular options.

Most of the keys can be copied on the spot; however, for some, such as key fobs, the company will have to mail the key to your home, which, according to the company, can take two to five days, depending on when they receive your order.

Supported keys

According to the official FAQ, the company supports hundreds of key types, including home, office, padlock, mailbox, Mul-T-Lock and some Medeco keys, in addition to multiple vehicle keys, ranging from cars, trucks and motorcycles to snowmobiles and even boats.

Tips to know

The kiosk is able to copy any key with a “do not duplicate” written on it, with the exception of any kiosk located within the Los Angeles city limits, due to a city ordinance.

If your key doesn’t work, the company does offer a “100% Satisfaction Guarantee,” which promises to get you a working key.

To find a KeyMe Kiosk near you, you can see a full list of locations here.

Promo codes are commonly available, especially if you’re a first-time user.  Be sure to check out the website to see if you can save any money on your first key cut.  For example, at the time of this publishing, they were offering a 25% off promotional code when you signed up for their email newsletter.

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Lowe’s Key Copy Cost

Lowe’s Home Improvement, one of the largest home improvement retailers in the United States, is able to copy standard, custom designed and most car keys.  To find a Lowe’s near you, you can do so by visiting the official store locator.

“DSC28583, Lowe’s, Sunnyvale, CA” (CC BY 2.0) by jimg944

How much does it cost to copy a key at Lowe’s?

The costs of copying a key at Lowe’s, when we contacted our local location, would depend on the type of key you wanted, with prices ranging about $2 to $5 per key as the retailer charges for the blank key you want and cut it for free.

For example, you can shop the blank keys available at your local Lowe’s by visiting the .  When we did, 564 of the 607 keys were priced less than $5.

A painted key, for example, would be about $3 each, whereas a regular Kwikset or Schlage branded key was about $2.  If you needed a coded car, however, these types of keys were much pricier, retailing close to $70.  The customer service associate did note they cannot cut a laser cut key, which is a key with a smooth side and the center bored out, or a switchblade key, the store will not be able to copy these keys for you.

One Lowe’s worker on Quora, for example, said most of your basic keys will be either $2 or $3.

Key blank brands available at Lowe’s

• Axxess
• BALDWIN
• Fanatix
• Hillman
• Hy-Ko Products
• Kwikset
• Medeco

Tips to know

Lowe’s does not have the technology to duplicate any chip key since the new key, while be created, often needs to be programmed simultaneously, but this greatly depends on the make and model of your vehicle.  To know for certain if Lowe’s can cut your car key, contact your closest location to see if they can.

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