An example of how prices can bounce around

We don't talk much about exact prices of items here on the forum, but I know lots of us are always on the lookout for discounts. I have changed my behavior since joining YLF and will occasionally pay full price to get just the right item, especially footwear, but I always prefer sales.

This example really surprised me, and it shows how things can change every day.

I ordered this bag from Macys on 12/13, and it arrived today. I fell in love with this color and this is the 3rd one I've ordered after doing a lot of online and in-store shopping. The first 2 had shapes I didn't like so they went back. I'm happy with this one!

The original full retail price was $328.

The day I ordered it, it was $147.60. I have a Macy's card so I might have gotten a small additional discount over the advertised price with some points of some kind. I just knew I was happy with that discount.

I was just reviewing my find again to see the exact dimensions, found that just 2 days later, today the price is up to $246.

So I got it for around half price, but today it would cost me 75% of the original price. I guess if you are serious about looking for the biggest discounts you really have to stalk!

Macy's

Berwick Mindy Hobo

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7 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Gorgeous purse! Yes, you're right- at some stores the prices do vary quite a bit. It's frustrating to have to do it, but stalking is the way to do it.

Joy

So true. It is always a gamble though. I love this bag and it is a rather rare shade of brown. I also like the wine colored version.

Anonymous

I agree about prices having the potential to fluctuate greatly and the need to stalk. It takes a lot of time. For me, it was a hobby. I am stepping away from my stalking behaviors in 2017 because too frequently I came home with sales items that were too good to pass up. Those sales items were usually less productive purchases. Sigh.

Great purse. Congratulations on the price you paid. I'll bet you feel wonderful.

Suz

(website)

Lovely bag, Chris, and it sounds like a great deal!

I used to buy only on sale but now don't get too worried about it except for those places that are always having sales (like BR) where I go for the 40% off.

I do purchase quite a lot at the NAS, though, so there's the fall stuff. And it happens that most of my spring/ summer stuff is bought on sale also since I tend to buy that "later" in the season (which still will not have actually started where I live.)

lpr200

It drives me crazy! I just bought a jacket quite happily at full price in store at Neiman Marcus. The next day it was 1/3 off online! And I got a postcard for an upcoming friend's and family deal. So I went back to the store and got an adjustment for the jacket and the friends and family for the dickey (20%) the following day the dickey was 1/3 off and I gave up-- it was so annoying, but not worth another trip to the mall at Christmas time.
The advantage of full price is getting your size and hopefully adjustments later.
Still, I feel like this is some kind of Pavlovian training to get consumers stalking!

krishnidoux

Good for you!

Emily K

You got the better of the price-setters, this time. Good job! I have a policy of not returning to look at what I've bought or at other items in the same category after I've purchased--the price bounce and/or buyers remorse (when I see a potentially better item that I did NOT see before buying) just kills me.

I have a theory that sometimes in life you have more time than money, and sometimes you have more money than time. So depending on which is my current stage is how much effort I will put into stalking an item. I have been known to order an item twice if they won't price adjust, and return the more expensive. Other times I'm ok with moving on because I don't want to bother with it. It also can depend on the price difference, the ease of the return, and the scarcity of the item.

I have experienced the same thing while watching things on my Nordstrom wishlist. I think it's a game retailers play to make shoppers "bite" when they see a discount. Waiting for too long for a price to drop though can sometimes result in the product selling out and missing it altogether. Right now I use the wish list for items I like, but could live without, that are expensive and I can only justify if they go on sale.

Barbara Diane

Wow, that's a much bigger price variation than I am used to. Thanks for making me aware of it.

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