https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:25:36 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1404010 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 19:28:29 +0000 Karie 1404010@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh to not be lured by the sale siren! When I shop, I "try" to take into consideration need vs. want, and how I will wear the item. Then I'll look&nbsp;it over (but not the price tag)&nbsp;and decide what I would pay for it, sale or no sale. I'd rather take my&nbsp;time deciding on something and pay a little more for it than purchase it and have buyer's remorse. I've missed out on a few things this way, but I'm none the worse for it. &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403941 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 16:56:57 +0000 unfrumped 1403941@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I may need to change my shopping schedule more dramatically. The question is how to make it happen.</p> <p>I used to think it was fine to "nibble," as Angie puts it, and buy a few things here and there, a few per month or whatever. I have moved a bit more toward "getting ready for the season" (4-season year) in order to reduce the number of things bought at end-season and unworn for months.</p> <p>But, all of that puts me in constant contact with the new, the next trend, the discounted, the new but not-yet discounted, the it-got away thinking, the oh now it's on sale review.</p> <p>I'm not sure it would work for me, but there would be advantages to having pre-pre-season "thinking", the "buying"&nbsp;month, and then 2 not-buying months where I&nbsp;amazingly "make do" and create outfits with what's there.</p> <p>I know this would be good financially and time and mental-healthwise, and if I also could convince myself that all of that leads&nbsp;to a truly more fun and functional wardrobe, &nbsp;that might be the clincher.</p> <p>The more honed the style focus, the easier, I think, because there is more "aha" recognition of the good item--or really, the truly good-enough item, once you let go of "perfect" as a goal. Of course another item can always be <u>better,</u> but more in that incremental, grass-is-greener way that you have to learn to live with for everything, really. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403921 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 15:22:09 +0000 Anonymous 1403921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the end, the true value of an item is what you're willing to pay for it. This is what I keep in mind when I'm shopping. I have a $ amount in mind when I browse, and rarely go above it. This shopping mentality has nothing to do with sales. It has to do with what something is worth to me, and includes my projected CPW. I will pay more for something that I know will have a very low CPW and less for something I need to have (special occasion dress, for example) but know won't be worn as often. Hope this makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403915 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:51:40 +0000 christieanne 1403915@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It does not work not to have sales in the US. I work for JCPenney and can definitely say that although our try at not having coupons and sales was effective from a pricing, fairness and profit point of view, the American consumer didn't get it. They wanted sales and promos. We had to go back to heavy promo and coupons (which from an employee perspective we dislike - the confusion is abundant) just to get consumers to notice. It's all about the promo to the US shopping mentality.&nbsp;<br />I can see some high end brands not doing sales but they will have tiny market share and a very very high markup so that works for them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403914 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 14:50:44 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1403914@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've noticed something new this year - or at least, something new to me. &nbsp; I am noticing that a&nbsp;lot of the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales are <u>final sale</u>. &nbsp;Check the fine print today if you're shopping - it isn't a bargain if it doesn't fit and you can't send it back.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403861 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 08:26:55 +0000 jenanded 1403861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Its exhausting. I feel ripped off when a brand I shop regularly plays discount roulette so often... you mean you are taking me for a fool if I paid full price and had tge discount calculated into what you are charging me? Not to mention I find the clothes I pay full price on are those I wear the most and fit my lifestyle and wardrobe best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403815 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 04:10:25 +0000 Echo 1403815@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>^ That's a really good point. I tend to shop more at places where I know they either do not offer sale prices or coupon codes, or where the coupon code is always the same when/if they have one. I hate always having to second-guess whether I found the best price. Places that offer things and the price is the price, period, tend to make me feel better overall.</p> <p>And I rarely shopped at JC Penny before their change, and I certainly don't shop there now. They are right back to offering all sorts of coupons and sales, etc. Places that play roulette with prices so you never know what they might be drive me insane and I'd just as soon write them off entirely than to try to learn to play their game. Clearly, though, others don't feel that way, otherwise JC Penny would not have switched back to the sales and coupon strategy.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403805 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 03:46:39 +0000 ironkurtin 1403805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Funny how the JC Penney thing backfired.&nbsp; I shop at Everlane precisely because the price is the price. They don't go on sale, ever.&nbsp; They charge us what it costs them to make it plus enough to cover profits.&nbsp; But then I suppose that's a small-scale boutique brand, as opposed to a "value" brand like JC Penney where people expect extra bargains on top of lower prices. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403798 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 03:23:26 +0000 Debbie 1403798@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The constant sales drive me crazy. BR, AT and the Loft's Black Friday sales were no different than their sales two weeks ago. I stalk things and half the time when it goes on sale I don't want it anymore. Some things I see and know it's exactly what I want and I pounce on it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403795 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 03:08:48 +0000 Echo 1403795@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is interesting, though, that while I will watch sale prices on certain items and perhaps buy when/if the price is right, the things I absolutely LOVE I don't have to think twice about buying whether they are on sale or not. There was one item this season that I had not even been looking for, but when I saw it, I HAD to have it. It was sold out, and I gave my credit card number in advance to reserve me one when they came back in (which won't be until mid-January). I just wanted it and loved it that much.</p> <p>And situations like that remind me that no matter how much I might watch sale prices or search for coupon codes, when something I really adore pops up, I don't even think about waiting for a sale. Perhaps I need to stop watching so-so items that I'm not willing to pull the trigger on immediately.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403788 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 02:47:08 +0000 Peri 1403788@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm agreeing with others that it's the full price that is the scam. I'm now very reluctant to pay full price for something when I can wait a week and there will be a sale code. Yeah, it shouldn't be that way, but since retailers have made it that way I am more likely to buy sale than not. It does seem to be a never ending cycle, but I'm not going to protest it by insisting on paying full price.</p> <p>Now, I'm not a fun shopper, so I'm not one to buy something just because it's on sale. I'm not an impulse shopper. It's not like sales are making me buy things I wouldn't buy otherwise. But I can't say I mind them and I doubt they are going away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403785 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 02:41:05 +0000 Jaime 1403785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For the first time I noticed, there were Black Friday sales all over Israel. I don't even know what else to say. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403783 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 02:39:03 +0000 retailgirl 1403783@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've had sale fatigue for years! When I grew up, there were sales maybe twice a year?...not sure because we never reacted to them. I know when my favorite retailers mark certain things down, and I'll wait to buy but if I want something and the price is reasonable, I'll buy it. This past weekend, there were 3 things I wanted at talbots and I had them in my shopping cart waiting until the discount went into effect. When it did, my size and color were sold out. Bummer! Oh well, wasn't meant to be. I have way too much, I'll bet most of us do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam/page/2#post-1403779 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 02:32:45 +0000 janni 1403779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, shopping is recreational. I admit it. I work a high stress job &amp; make a good living. I enjoy the thrill of the chase in reference to sales. There are few things that I feel I must have, so I only buy what I want when I want it. I'm addicted to getting a good deal, tho. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403772 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 02:17:50 +0000 Anonymous 1403772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think my wardrobe is more cohesive and functional because I spend so much time browsing online to check out what's available. I love it when I score a big discount on something I already wanted. That's what it's all about. But I don't browse to look for bargains. I browse to find what I need--things that fill wardrobe holes, fit me properly, and work well with things I already own.</p> <p>As for CPW, I don't use a spreadsheet. I suppose I could, but I know which items get worn regularly and which ones don't. My wardrobe is restricted to what's hanging in my closet, so there's nothing packed away and forgotten.</p> <p>I think we can all agree that these sales don't reflect the true value of the merchandise. Most of us would rather be given a fair deal than play the "Frequent Sale, Use the Promo Code to get X% off" game. People do what works, and so do the retailers. If it didn't work, they wouldn't do it. And some try different tactics only to find they don't work. J.C. Penney found that out the hard way with their strategy to display everyday low prices rather than regular online sales.</p> <p>The important thing is to have a sound shopping strategy and know which direction your/my style is headed. Focus on the items that are really needed and not on sales.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403748 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:55:01 +0000 shedev 1403748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm one of those people who spent much more per item, but much less overall last year. I track CPW, but I realize that there will be a difference between something I got from consignment and something from All Saints. For some of the higher end, the goal is to get good wear as defined by Mo's 50 wear lifespan. High happy per wear is worth a little higher CPW.</p> <p>I do have to think about it a little on those high ticket items so sometimes they will go on sale and sometimes they won't. I'm willing to wait a little longer for more common things to get a deal. Less common things do make me happier.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403737 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:34:45 +0000 ironkurtin 1403737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'd be curious to hear from anyone who's run retail (from the business end) on the full price aspect. Obviously companies exist to remain in business, so they need to make a profit. So I'm going to assume that some kind of math is king when determining full retail versus sale price, what moves at full price, and what's lost or gained in sales pricing. I do know sales are often a way of enticing people in to look at what's *not* on sale, for instance.</p> <p>Rabbit, I also don't think budget-conscious and financially-squeezed are always the same thing. As for the true cost of something being the thrift or resale price... well, I don't agree with that either, for a lot of reasons, some of which has to do with the decreased value of something being old, off-season,or used, which always decreases value, and some of which has to do with the arbitrary nature of resale pricing.</p> <p>It's funny how the sale system sets up an adversarial feeling between retailers and consumers, and between consumers and consumers.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403727 Mon, 01 Dec 2014 00:18:24 +0000 rabbit 1403727@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, it's hard work being a conscious consumer on a budget. &nbsp;But respectfully, to me it looks like retail pricing (for mass produced items)&nbsp;is the scam. &nbsp;Frequent sales aren't reflecting the true cost of items, but are there to entice customers as has been said. &nbsp;The true cost of items to me&nbsp;is what you pay at thrift or on the second-hand market for excellent/like new condition. &nbsp; What you are paying for at retail is convenience and timeliness and choice. &nbsp; I'm not saying those aren't worth paying for, of course they can be. &nbsp; Time can be much more valuable than the dollar difference.&nbsp; &nbsp;The shopping experience can be something you are willing to quantify and pay for. &nbsp;<span>&nbsp;Just like spending more buying from a craftsperson, or a locally owned store or business can be worth it.</p> <p></span>I can't help thinking that&nbsp;the 'bargain-hunting consumer' and the financially squeezed consumer are one and the same, and are the majority of shoppers in the US, so it makes sense that all but the highest end&nbsp;luxury&nbsp;retailers&nbsp;would need to respond to this. This may of course&nbsp;be an over-simplification, and I'm interested in seeing the research <b>Gaylene</b> talks about.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403706 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:46:17 +0000 Aziraphale 1403706@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes they are! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403705 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:45:24 +0000 Sal 1403705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>NZ is moving towards a sales culture as well, and there are some retailers who seem to be permanently in sale.</p> <p>I try and err on the buy less, buy better end of the scale, and don't always worry about whether items are on sale or not. &nbsp;I can be seduced though, I am vulnerable to the "buy one, get one for half price" deals in particular.</p> <p>I so agree with you IK though, my friends who are great sales shoppers would spend more than me in a year, but they need the discounts to get the volume of clothing they like.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403701 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 23:31:32 +0000 krishnidoux 1403701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Way to go! I like your attitude.&nbsp;</p> <p>I enjoyed reading Gaylene's comments.&nbsp;</p> <p>Personally, I enjoy buying things on sale but can't "afford" to rely on this strategy for my needs, as I am a size that retailers order to few items in; so by the time it is on sale, of course, my size is <i>always </i>gone.&nbsp;</p> <p>At one point I realized my wardrobe choices were not free will, but a series of forced choices of "least bad" things found on sale. Once I stopped this, my wardrobe finally started to serve me in a practical way.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403678 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 22:41:51 +0000 Anonymous 1403678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here in the U.S. we also have coupons for groceries, and most of the time they're for processes foods my family and I don't eat. For this reason, I only use coupons for things we actually use or eat. Our grocery bill is higher because we eat a lot of produce and lean protein that's rarely on sale. I'm not anywhere close to being an extreme couponer, and those who do spend about as much time at it as I do at my full-time job.</p> <p>This same shopping strategy can be applied to clothing and accessories. I don't buy something just because it's on sale.</p> <p>I do, however, need to stalk the stores on a regular basis to get the things I need or want in my size - and hopefully without having to pay full retail.</p> <p>Keeping up with the "sales" is time consuming, though! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403659 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 22:10:29 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1403659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, you make a good point but I think that would be the impulsive bargain shopper. &nbsp;If you have a plan and decide what items you want and then shop carefully, you can probably save money. &nbsp;But if you reinvest the savings into more and more items, you are defeating the purpose and creating a habit that can be hard to break. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403655 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 22:02:06 +0000 Gaylene 1403655@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, it works, all right. And, as the retail sector gets more and more competitive, the craze for discounts, promotional pricing, and big sales every couple of days isn't going to stop as long as the "bargain-hunter" is seen as a prime demographic. </p> <p>Even retailers in other countries who have traditionally only held sales at certain times of the year are feeling the pressure to change because of the onslaught of US-style online competitors. </p> <p>What interests me is some of the research I've read that seems to indicate that, overall, the bargain-hunting consumer actually spends more per annum than consumers who buy less frequently and pay full price. If that is true, it makes retail sense to entice consumers by encouraging them to spend less per item, but to spend more overall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403651 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 21:48:35 +0000 ironkurtin 1403651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's just too much emotional wear and tear.&nbsp; I feel like they've learned how to manipulate us so much that I'm burning out!&nbsp; It must work, though, or they wouldn't keep DOING it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403648 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 21:28:47 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1403648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is out of control this year. &nbsp;I get e-mails from a number of stores with varying sales almost daily. &nbsp;It is 30% off this week, then 50% and then 40%. &nbsp;It seems to be almost all the stores. &nbsp;Why buy now when you can wait a day and get a discount. &nbsp;</p> <p>I decided to stop shopping until spring. &nbsp;I will make an exception for undergarments and possibly leisure at home clothes which I lack. &nbsp;That is it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403645 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 21:24:36 +0000 Gaylene 1403645@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Buy what I like when the price seems reasonable." That seems like a good policy to me.</p> <p>Mass market retailers have done a good job of getting us to treat shopping as a competitive sport with "winners" yelling " I scored!", and " losers" eyeing their new acquisitions unhappily because they paid a few dollars more. Shopping has developed its own lexicon with everyone talking about "hunting", "lurking", "drooling" and "pouncing"--all of which conjour up images at odds with the sophisticated, lovely ladies who use these words. </p> <p>I was taught it was impolite to ask people what something cost or to tell someone what I paid for an item when given a compliment. I'm not interested in people excitedly telling me the price when I admire an item--my admiration stays the same whether you paid $5 at a thrift shop or $500 at a fancy boutique. And while I'm at it, I'm also not interested in breathless announcements that the sweater I'm currently happily wearing is now available at a deep discount. Ignorance can be bliss. </p> <p>My own shopping philosophy these days is to support local, independent shops and artisans; your circumstances and shopping philosophies might be quite different--not better or worse, just different. I might pay more; you might choose to wait, search, and pay less, so maybe it's better to just focus on the items themselves and less on how we choose to acquire them? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403635 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 20:47:58 +0000 ironkurtin 1403635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rabbit, I always look at clearance first too, and if there's a code, of course I use it. Why not?&nbsp; But it does get so exhausting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403634 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 20:45:01 +0000 Caro in Oz 1403634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree.&nbsp;Sales here are a scam a lot of the time - no size range, no returns or worse they bring in inferior stock which goes on sale?? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/eh-sales-are-a-scam#post-1403624 Sun, 30 Nov 2014 20:12:24 +0000 Anonymous 1403624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>More annoying than that, Thistle, is how you have to use the promo code that's on the home page of the website to get the discount. Why not say the discount will be applied at checkout? I'm having to teach my daughters how to play the promo code game. We have certain stores we regularly shop at, and we're well aware of the frequent sales and discounts.</p> <p>I agree with you that 40% or 50% off is likely the real price. If I get that much off, which is really easy to do, I figure I'm doing ok. It's not enough to make me jump for joy and yell, "Yes!" though.</p> <p>When I bought a navy sweater just now, it was after I had received a catalog in the mail that advertised 30% off until Dec. 2. I knew I could do better. Today I scoped out the website, which advertised 40% off all sweaters. I was specifically looking for a navy sweater in a certain style, and there was one on clearance that was the same color and nearly identical style of the one in the catalog. That's the one I ordered, at 40% off the clearance price. </p>