A Marketplace Tip from Your BBB Denver/Boulder
Shopping for a new outfit can be stressful enough without making your way through the maze of advertising claims, discounts, and markdowns. Sometimes you think you’re really shopping the bargains and getting a deal . . . but after the fact, you may not have been quite as savvy as you think.
Be wary of deep discounts—“75% off!” and the like. It may not actually reflect a price of the item that was ever actually offered or that anyone ever actually paid. Same with the “manufacturer’s list price” – you think you’re being so frugal. But was that ever actually the price?
Meanwhile, remember that buying on an attractive sale price may mean that your rights are different. For example, you may not be able to return the item (“all sales final”), or exchange it. The item may be missing buttons, a belt, etc. and its condition is not guaranteed the way a regularly priced item would be.
If you find a small tear or a stain on a piece of clothing being sold, ask the clerk whether he or she can authorize a discount in ringing it up. You may be surprised at their willingness to sell the item to you even at a reduced price. It’s better for the retailer to lower the price on the spot to a willing buyer than take a loss on a damaged item altogether.
When you see an amazing price, the item might be a factory second or “irregular.” This means that although the item may have a name-brand label, it did not pass a quality inspection for full-price merchandise. Outlet stores often sell seconds, which is why they can discount their merchandise. In many cases, this may not matter to you. However, certain irregularies in manufacturing, size, color, etc. may be present in an item purchased at a deep discount—and if you don’t notice the difference until after the purchase, it’s probably too late since the item was sold “as is” or “all sales final.”
Guarantees or warranties do not always apply to sales items. Don’t assume, especially in the case of more expensive items (leather, for example).
Too often, when there is a sale, you are making a trade-off. The clothing may be off-season or from a previous year’s line. For marked down merchandise, you may find that not all sizes are available, and the popular (most desirable) garments or brands are not usually part of the sale. It’s also possible that if the item you’re purchasing has been discontinued, you will not be able to return at a later date and purchase matching or accompanying garments.
Finally, remember the trade-off you are making with your time and a tank of gas. If you have to stand in a long line or fight crowds, is the sale price worth it? If you have to drive many additional miles to get to the sale merchandise, is the savings a wash with what you spent on gas?
Don’t forget that according to the BBB Code of Advertising, sales are by definition supposed to have a beginning and an end date. They do not go on indefinitely; if they did, the price would be the regular price and not a sale price.
