Are the reductions genuine? Naming and Shaming thread

jenniewb

It just surprizes me that they take the customer for a fool: The sales that have not been real sales have insted left a sour taste in the mouths of the customers they will need to keep- no one likes getting up before the crack of dawn, and I doubt many appreciated waiting outside the doors of stores to buy said reduced goods either- customers do mind and do remember- when the next sale they have happens, they will find that many customers just wont bother with them/will go elsewhere (eg insted of superdrug, boots and insted of HMV, Amazon or Play)


Its confusing really, all you hear the managers spewing out with at the moment is how very vital good customer service is to them and how that alone will keep them from the impending doom of the credit crunch.

JoolzS

I don't get these "anti retail store" threads that seem to appear every time sale time comes around.

Of course the retailers try to sell their items for as much money as possible, while at the same time attempting to convince the punters that they are getting them for the cheapest price possible. It's simple business sense. Calling it a rip-off, or getting indignant about it isn't going to change anything. There are always idiots who believe that 50% off means they are getting something for half price, in the same way that there will always be idiots who believe buying the largest jar of mayo is always the cheapest way.

I try to educate myself as to what price I am willing to pay for any particular item, whether it is £500 for a TV or £0.08 for a dishwasher tablet (well, I try to aim for less than 8p). If I see a "sale" that doesn't fall within my parameters I simply don't buy - and I have a snigger to myself at those who fall for it. The ones who fall for it probably keep other stuff a lot cheaper for those of us who actually pay attention.

Julie

(and anyone who wants to snigger at me for buying dishwasher tablets instead of powder is free to do so - I spend, carefully, a little more when it's convenient for me.)

charlies_mum

JoolzS wrote: »

IThere are always idiots who believe that 50% off means they are getting something for half price,

Well, when this 'idiot' went to school, 50% off did mean half price. You have a little snigger at us if it makes you feel better

phunkles

Republics sale - £15 for a jumper that before Christmas was in the 2 for £30 offer
Guess if you only want one then its a bargain but surely they could of made it £10 or something more substancial??
Disney Sales are normally genuinely priced just over priced in the first place so in the sale its a reasonable price and when final reductions occur (normally slightly cheaper instore) theres some bargains to be had

p1an0player

This is a great thread because people have been giving good examples of misleading reductions. My original post only gave general impressions, and concrete examples are much better.

Nomad25

I don't get these "anti retail store" threads that seem to appear every time sale time comes around.

I don't see this as anti-retail, more pro-consumer .


It's a 'heads-up' for all of us and don't forget many new [and some not so ] MSE'rs are completely unaware of the tricks that are played in the 'sale' game .


Plus we get to learn from the people who are actually working for these organisations and I for one find that very revealing.

So I appreciate all the posts giving information .

bashernrb

i've just been to zavvi at bluewater to look for some blu-ray films, new years eve they were 2 for £25. Now all individually priced with the cheapest £14.99 with 10% off everything (except consoles & apple products).
so now the 2 same films that were £25 are at best £27.

Eddyoss

charlies_mum wrote: »

B & Q kitchen cabinets half price. We priced a kitchen in Summer and went along to find that all the prices had doubled since the Summer brochure, so the 50% off just makes them the same price :mad:

We bought a full kitchen online from B&Q in their summer sale with a 50% discount from their catalogue. We now want to add on some further matching doors and cabinets in their latest 50% sale. Surprised to see that B&Q prices are discounted at 50% of DOUBLE their Summer catalogue prices. No reply to an email to B&Q! RIP-OFF. MFI deserved to fail through their everlasting sales promotions. I didn't expect it from B&Q. Who will be next?

charlies_mum

Eddyoss wrote: »

We bought a full kitchen online from B&Q in their summer sale with a 50% discount from their catalogue. We now want to add on some further matching doors and cabinets in their latest 50% sale. Surprised to see that B&Q prices are discounted at 50% of DOUBLE their Summer catalogue prices. No reply to an email to B&Q! RIP-OFF. MFI deserved to fail through their everlasting sales promotions. I didn't expect it from B&Q. Who will be next?

Read somewhere that you can get 20% cashback through Quidco for B & Q kitchens, but haven't tried myself yet - might be worth a try

Peartree

JoolzS wrote: »

I don't get these "anti retail store" threads that seem to appear every time sale time comes around.

Of course the retailers try to sell their items for as much money as possible, while at the same time attempting to convince the punters that they are getting them for the cheapest price possible. It's simple business sense. Calling it a rip-off, or getting indignant about it isn't going to change anything. There are always idiots who believe that 50% off means they are getting something for half price, in the same way that there will always be idiots who believe buying the largest jar of mayo is always the cheapest way.

I try to educate myself as to what price I am willing to pay for any particular item, whether it is £500 for a TV or £0.08 for a dishwasher tablet (well, I try to aim for less than 8p). If I see a "sale" that doesn't fall within my parameters I simply don't buy - and I have a snigger to myself at those who fall for it. The ones who fall for it probably keep other stuff a lot cheaper for those of us who actually pay attention.

Julie

(and anyone who wants to snigger at me for buying dishwasher tablets instead of powder is free to do so - I spend, carefully, a little more when it's convenient for me.)

I am unclear as to why you feel it 'anti-retail' for those people posting on this thread to discuss the tricks retailers use during sale time to get 'punters' to buy as much as possible and therefore, maximise their sales. However, I find it interesting that you feel such tricks are merely good 'business sense'.

In my experience, a good business, that survives, is one that consistently offers a good deal at a good price with good service. Consumers highlighting retailers who do not operate in this way, albeit on one forum, can change their practice and get a better deal for everyone.

It was useful to hear your own perspective on purchasing in sales but as this is, in fact, a 'money saving' forum you might want to reflect on the fact that it is far from unique and the words 'eggs, suck, grandma' spring strongly to mind.

Peartree

PS I detect a sensitivity about your dishwasher 'choices'. However, don't worry, the majority of MSErs are nice, decent people and would find the thought of 'sniggering' at other posters or inferring they are idiots or judging them in any way because of the purchasing choices they make rather horrifying.