Jan
12
2009
Beware of Phony Baby Bargains
Author: JoshEverybody loves a good bargain. How many times, though, have you found yourself buying something BECAUSE it was a good bargain rather than because you actually needed it? Then it ends up sitting on a shelf, hung in the closet, stuffed in a drawer or a box never to be seen or heard from again. But it was a heck of a deal, right? I don’t care if it was a quarter, if you aren’t using it that quarter would be better off in your pocket to be used for something else.
What about the buy one get one free sales out there? Do you really need two of _________ (fill in the blank). If you pay attention when you check out many times you’ll notice that each item rings up at half price. Many times instead of spending $20 for two you can just spend $10 for one.
Oh, here’s one of my favorites. Many women get excited when Bath & Body Works does there buy 3 get 2 free sale. Let’s do the math. $10.50 X 3 = $31.50. But the week before or after this huge promotional event they were 5 for $25. This is a regular cycle that you will recognize if you are a regular customer. So wait for the better bargain, not the most hyped.
So carry these concepts forward when shopping for baby bargains. Is the big Babies R Us promotion really that great of a bargain? Be careful of “while supplies last”, “two days only”, and “half off” promotions. I can’t tell you how many times we have seen a promotion for something that was half off. Our initial reaction is – we better get it now while it’s on sale even though we won’t need it for another few months. But then upon closer inspection you can find that same item in a different store or online at that same price or less without it being on sale.
Here’s the big one – going out of business sales. With the downturn of the economy you are liking to see one or more of these in your area. In my area we’ve recently seen Linens N Things and K.B. Toys going out of business. Don’t get sucked into buying mindlessly. Check other stores prices before you go if there is something particular you are looking for. Before the stores reach this point they have already been deeply discounting their prices. According to some different articles I’ve read online a third party liquidator purchases the remaining inventory, jacks prices back up to its original levels, and then starts taking 20% off making it higher than before, then increasing each week.
All you baby bargain hunters out there. Be smart, Be vigilant, and get the true Baby Bargain.
If you want to be notified when our Ultimate Guide to the Best Baby Bargains is available please send an email to josh@mommydaddysavers.com
