Red Roof Inn is particularly bad: they deliver a very good mid-market product at a costly investment, but insist on claiming an economy hotel market position and charging an economy price, even in markets where they could easily command a higher rate.

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Although it's nice to have the cash-advance option in an emergency, you could get hit with exorbitant transaction fees and surcharges -- and unlike regular purchases, cash advances command a steeper interest rate that begins accruing immediately, not after your next bill, Elmendorf said.

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Keep in mind, Apple does not command such a multiple even with its tremendous growth rate.

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