It's just like it was yesterday - I decided to get a new gas grill, invited friends to come over the next day for a barbecue, but ended up broiling everything in the oven. Why you ask? Because I couldn't get the grill together in time. I've never seen so many small pieces, but the store charged $50 to assemble it and I decided I could do it myself.

It is a different story this year as retailers battle for your dollars. Many stores have changed the policies and now assemble for free. That is just one of several considerations to think about before you buy a new grill.