TV auction sites

Legacy_user

I know its boring, but there are some bargains to be had on TV auction shows. I have made a couple of purchases recently saving up to 50% on high street prices.

Be wary of some of the stations though, they offer never heard of "designer jewellery" stating a ridiculous guide price (up to £100,000 for 18 c gold!!!) so you think you are getting a bargain. How do they get away with it?

Margaret_Millne

I have done this as well, but I never ever etc take their guide price at face value.  I do a bit of research - the items are always repeated ad infinitum - and if I think I can get a good deal on something I need I place a bid on line.  I never bid more than 20-25% of the guide price, and only 25% if I really really want it.  If I don't get it the first or second, or even the third time, I will eventually get it for the price I am prepared to pay.

Once my bid is placed, I do not watch it on TV.  That way I am not tempted to re-bid if it goes above my bid.

I have now got my daughter's birthday and christmas presents sorted, and quite a bit of hubby's.

The only caveat is do be very careful.  It can be very addictive, and you must be sure you really need, and can afford it.  Just as Martin's Money Mantras say really.

(Must check spelling carefully before posting, to stop all these edits )

don9999

Don't forget to take into account the delivery charge and telephone cost!

I find it amazing that you can be charged £7 for delivery of an item that might only cost you £20 or £30. Thats 33% delivery charge. If any shop stated that they could deliver goods at 'just a 33% charge' they would be laughed out of business.

Some of these on-TV deals may sound good, until you add the delivery cost! So beware!

Also, the phone call costs 75p per minute! Better to place your order on-line at their web site. This is free and could therefore save you several £1's from the phone bill.

Cheers,
Don

raeble

Oh yes you have to be careful of the jewellery. I sat there watching it once for about two days(I was bored) I was just on the verge of reaching for the phone to buy something when a little voice said to me to 'google' the product. Did so and couldn't find a thing, not a single thing on the product at all. Well that was the end of my auctionw...shopping. ;D

payless

A lot of the brands seem to sound familiar - but are actaully not well known .

Margaret_Millne

Agree, but as Martin says - well know or branded is not always best.

As I say, I never believe their "Guide Price", and usually pay around 20% of this. I generally work on the principle - can I get similar elsewhere for less than I am prepared to pay. Usually, as in the case of some towels I bought recently, I could buy towels for similar to what I paid, but the ones I bought were of better quality. So if I can get better quality for the same price I am happy.

I always factor the delivery costs in, and bid on line - so no expensive phone call. And not being on the phone means I am not tempted to go higher than I have already decided.

You have to be disciplined though, buying just because it is cheap, if you don't need it, is not money saving.

don9999

I've used QVC a few times though. Fortunately they give a 30-day no-quibble money-back guarantee, so you can test it first.

Have bought several things, but am about to retunr my first item.

[Deleted User]

I used Bid-Up TV twice - the first time I was happy with the item but the second time I wanted to return it as it was not good qaulity and looked nothing like the item I had bid for.

I still have the item - as they refuse to acknowledge emails - and I refuse to dial their expensive telephone number.

I shall not deal with them again.

Amba_Gambla

Watchdog tonight (tues) on BBC -

my TV guide says it has something about TV auction channels!!!

cheers

Amba_Gambla

I bought a few things mostly !!!!!!, but some good stuff...

my best by was a Slazenger watch for £25 (thats with postage added on) - my next door neighbour (a jeweller by trade) thought it was a fantastic buy for £25!

....but they do sell a lot of !!!!!!... ;D

Kirstyshaw

Beware of their 'guide price' I found out that it was nearly triple what you would pay normally, not such a good bargain after all sometimes.