Comments on: A buyers’ guide to retail shopping tricks

By: Carolyn Thomas

Carolyn Thomas — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:13:07 +0000

Nighty night ….. 😉

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By: Bev

Bev — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:10:21 +0000

A little lie-down? That’s a fabulous idea! I’m heading for the old crib right now! hahaha

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By: Carolyn Thomas

Carolyn Thomas — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:44:26 +0000

Time for a ittle lie-down, Bev! As this article reminds us, just being aware of these retail sales methods can help to slow us down as participants in the dance. Corporate retailers are really no different than my own parents, who ran a small corner grocery store for 20 years when I was growing up. They always put the big jars of candy and other impulse purchase items right by the cash register – because IT WORKED to help make a bit more money!

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By: Bev

Bev — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:18:00 +0000

You know, I like to think I’m smarter than to fall for those tricks. I have a friend who says, “But Bev! It originally retailed at $______ and now it’s only $_______!!!” I say, “Friend, calm down. Look at the item. Try not to be influenced by that so called mark-down. At that kind of retail price, do you think it’s ever sold for the full amount listed there? Now what is it worth to you? If you want to buy it, what are you willing to pay? Not what is a good deal, but how much money are you willing to shell out?” So I feel pretty grounded when it comes to prices and gimmicks.

Until a day this past week when I found myself saying, “Oh, I might as well go ahead and get 10. I’ll eat them.” I quietly rolled my eyes at myself and then bought all 10. Do you believe it? I watched myself fall for it and went through with the purchase anyway! Sigh.

As for good, better, best and words like “only” and “just”, who knows? I am almost on my guard when I shop, but then I did buy all 10 of the whatevers, didn’t I? It really fries me, though. Why do we treat our fellow humans this way? I know it’s about money, but it’s about – well, ethics. Right? Is it right to try to trick people into buying something? And multiply that by millions of people and billions of dollars. I go to Socrates Cafe discussions. I think I’ll offer this question up for the group to take on. I’ll still be fried, though. I swear, I just get so angry over this kind of thing. Wow.

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By: Carolyn Thomas

Carolyn Thomas — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 03:04:59 +0000

I sometimes do exactly the same thing, Bev! Some of those change rooms are so tiny – with that REALLY unflattering fluorescent lighting! When I bring returnable garments home, I can also see if they match jackets, belts or accessories already in my closet. Good luck buying those (short) sweats!

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By: Bev

Bev — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:31:29 +0000

Actually, I buy more if I know I can return. For example, I may need some article of clothing, be shopping for something else, see a garment that fills the bill but have no time or inclination to stop and try it on there at the store. I might buy the two sizes most likely to fit me, (women’s clothing manufacturers keep us guessing on size), take them home, and try them on there, where I am comfortable and where I can choose the time. I may want to see if the clothing coordinates with other things in my wardrobe and of course, see if either size fits. (These days, sweat pants for ladies run about 8 inches along the floor beyond my bare feet! At 5’4”, I’m not sure where these amazon women are who fit these sweats…..) I make a decision on whether to keep one and return one, or to return both. Generally, I return one (in perfect condition). Had I not been able to return, I would never have bought the item at all. Maybe would have found it at a different store. I don’t think the store where I bought 2 and kept 1 garment would say I’d taken advantage of them. I think they are well aware of the value of that policy. They don’t make policies for any reason in the world except to make money, do they?

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By: Carolyn Thomas

Carolyn Thomas — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:32:34 +0000

Thanks, Cave – while I too appreciate a store with a consumer-focused return policy, I don’t like the wasted time and effort to get back to the shop to enjoy that return experience!

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By: cave76

cave76 — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:33:30 +0000

*** Women buy more but return more, and have an easier psychological time returning items to the store****

I have a woman friend who calls that ‘Reverse Shopping’. She actually does it ‘almost’ on purpose!

I personally don’t agree with taking advantage of a store that accepts returns easily (and I’m sure that adds a penny or two to the overall pricing) but I DO return items with much more ease than the men I know.

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