Disappointment about NAS items now on sale again - YouLookFab Forum

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Disappointment about NAS items now on sale again

Liz A.

Veteran

After seeing some recent threads about NAS items going on deeper discount, I went back and checked those items I had purchased, none of which have been worn except for one pair of undies. ALL were on deeper discount. Granted, I bought relatively basic items, but only the lingerie has not gone on sale for less.

So what is the takeaway from this experience? I feel quite disappointed myself, especially since 3 items were purchased in store, so I was only able to get a price adjustment on 1 item (Caslon sweater). Next year, will I only purchase extra special items from NAS that may sell out? Maybe. Or maybe I will keep the tags on every single item in case of having to return and re-buy. Seems like a lot of hassle, but then again I don't like this feeling of being duped in a way.

Halogen Ribbed Merino Blend Lightweight Top (Regular & Petite)

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Caslon Relaxed Slub Knit U-Neck Tee (Regular & Petite)

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Pleione Split Neck Mixed Media Tunic (Regular & Petite)

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Caslon Zip Back High/Low Tunic Sweater (Regular & Petite)

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68 replies

Latest reply was from chadya

Anonymous

I went through my items and many of Angie's Picks yesterday, too, and found many of the picks were on sale for at least 40% off. However, many of them were either full price or sold out, too. No good, Nordstrom!!

JAileen

Veteran

Someone said they asked for price adjustments.

I bought a ton of stuff during NAS, but returned all but three items: Pendleton coat, North Face puffer, and Stan Smith sneakers. I haven't worn (or cut the tags off) the coats, but have worn the sneakers a lot. Anyway, none are on sale now. But if they were, I'd ask for a price adjustment.

Mochi

Veteran

I don't think of it as being duped, as if there's a hidden agenda. It's clear that NAS is a tactic to induce buying frenzy--I've succumbed to it. It's transparent manipulation. That said, there's always the chance that something will sell out completely. If you don't want to participate,you have to be willing to let something go, completely. I will rethink my impulses to buy certain things during that window. I may or may not abstain next time around. It could go either way.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I only bought and kept three things from the sale, and two are unworn because it's too hot to even think of them (the Pendleton coat and the Free People sweater -- the other is a necklace). Neither of those are on sale.

But I do see that the plaid Helene Berman vest is back in stock in sizes and on sale. I hope Vivian sees that and gets a price adjustment!

I agree that it's frustrating. Part of the reason I scaled back my enthusiasm for the sale this year.

Liz A.

Veteran

@Jaileen I did go online and request a price adjustment on all 4 items, but they were only able to adjust one, because the other 3 were purchased in store. They stated that I could take the items to the store and see if they would do a price adjustment, but they probably wouldn't because it's been more than 15 days.

@Mochi I knew someone would say something reasonable like that. I'm not known for being reasonable about shopping. I do agree with what you're saying, but I think the biggest frustration lies with the fact that the sale takes place prior to the wearing season, so it really seems unfair for the items to go on sale for less before I've even had a chance to wear them.

Hmmm it seems like my items that went back on sale are store brand items, and many of the name brand items are not on sale again yet. I really wouldn't mind it if I felt that I had gotten good use out of them at the price I paid, but to not have even worn them!

AviaMariah

Veteran

What this has taught me over the years it to be extra picky about what I buy and not to fall victim to FOMO. For me the best strategy is to look for an extra special piece and/ or basics (like underwear and jeans). The TT coat was my special piece and it's not on sale. It doesn't look like a lot of the NAS jeans are now on sale either.

Trina Turk Wool Blend Military Coat (Regular & Petite)

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AG 'Farrah' High Rise Skinny Jeans

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KUT from the Kloth 'Reese' Distressed Stretch Straight Leg Ankle Jeans (Capability) (Regular & Petite)

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sjchicago

How do you request a price adjustment online? I bought a number of things that are now on sale but don't see an option to request the adjustment.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Yep, happens EVERY year! )-: I think the store brands tend to fall victim to this the most.

Mochi

Veteran

For me, most of my items that are now reduced are at the exact same NAS price. The Madewell shirtdress is now back to its higher price. So it's kind of a wash for me; maybe I've saved $30-40 from the sale.

Thistle

Veteran

Happens every year. I have found it less prevalent in shoes and lingerie, however. the Paul green loafers, AGLs and Munros I bought are all not on sale. Neither is the bra.

But that's all I've bought this year.

The designer pieces size me out, and I have learned to wait on the other stuff. Assuming I really want it. I have gotten caught in the sale frenzy myself, and have learned the hard way.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

What's bothering me the most about this is that they are getting more stringent with their price adjustment policies -- having to take the items into the store is meant to be a deterrent, for sure. I got some very significant price adjustments with no problems a few years ago, but last year I got some pushback for a much smaller amount.

It just doesn't leave a good taste in the customer's mouth to do this, especially because the sale precedes the wearing season by at least six weeks (in our area) as Liz comments. This definitely puts a damper on my enthusiasm for the sale.

Eliza

Veteran

Just went through my orders to price adjust over the phone. Any order over a month old required that the item now on sale for a lower price be currently available in my size. That left me out of luck on several items. Items I purchased at the very end of NAS were still within the 30 day window, meaning availability in my size was irrelevant and the credit was granted. Now my only question is what to do with my extra $17.00. It could have been $35 more if there was more availability of items in my size. That is a reason to seek your credits quickly when a new sale appears more than 30 days post purchase.

Liz A.

Veteran

@Janet, yes, I agree. Part of the issue is that this is not the Nordstrom we are used to. Yes, we are spoiled by the level of customer service at Nordstrom, but then again that's why we tend to shop there more often. I would not be griping so badly if this were the Gap. But I know what I'm in for when I shop the Gap, and Nordstrom surprised me.

Mochi

Veteran

Okay, I haven't tried getting a price adjustment yet. But otherwise, doing an exact calculation based on current sale prices versus NAS pricing, I am now in the red for about $9.

Individually speaking, I made out well with the Madewell shirtdress (no pun intended)--at least for now it's about $40 higher, though could obviously end up cheaper soon. (Let's not account for whether or not my size stays in stock for these items, and stick with the pricing issue.)

The other items are marginally cheaper than what I paid during the sale, but add up to being about $30 cheaper altogether.

I remember Angie saying at some point before the sale, I think, that the best deals were on the high-end, designer items. I kept that in mind, but still, I had no desire for any of those NAS items when the time came.

So it would seem like I should sit out NAS next year.

viva

Veteran

I made my purchases online, and I just requested a price adjustment using the online chat feature. I had my online order number (which was easy to find in my Nordstrom account when I signed on) and put all relevant info into my request, and the whole thing took under two minutes and I didn't have to wait on hold or talk to anyone (my preference). Because the size vest I bought is still available, they gave me the price adjustment. It was painless and fast.

It is somewhat annoying that the prices drop post-NAS, but I'm not sorry I bought the vest during NAS. The whole NAS thing is kind of fun -- although I do have to be careful about the frenzy. I bought the vest when I saw it and loved it, and I didn't miss out on the extra $21 off today.

I think the real challenge is if you purchase in-store; as I understand it, you have to go back to the store to get the adjustment, which for me would be a huge hassle since the closest store is an hour away.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I had to check my stuff!

I only ordered two items on the sale. (Well, three, but panties that are carried year round doesn't quite count in my book).

One of them (Classiques sweater, store brand!) is on sales, but for a little more than what I paid, and sold out in my size in the other colors.

the other, the Dre burgundy jeans, still full price. Whew. I feel like won the price lottery! LOL.

I have gotten a price adjustment over IM. the item had to be in stock in my size, but that seems reasonable.

Meanwhile, I just went back and checked my other wishlist items that were outside of budget and ordered a new skirt cause it's back on sale.

Classiques Entier Funnel Neck Sleeveless Merino Wool Sweater (Regular & Petite)

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Rag & Bone JEAN 'The Dre' Slim Boyfriend Pants

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Halogen Pleat Detail A-Line Skirt (Regular & Petite)

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Peri

Veteran

My 3 items are either sold out or not on sale. I know your disappointment and agree that Nordstrom should be more careful, but I think we have to realize that buying anything, anytime, is a bit of a gamble. Will you find it later on a better sale? There is always that maybe. I think it hurts more for NAS because these are things we haven't worn yet. But we can chase sales forever. I think we need to just consider whether we like the item for the price we paid. Is it something you love at a fairly reasonable price? If so, keep, enjoy and don't beat yourself up that maybe maybe it could have been even less. If you don't like the item(s) enough to be worth the price difference you can always return.

Style Fan

Veteran

I bought one item during the NAS. They are now sold out. I am very happy with them and will be posting pics soon. Inge bought them in green. Mine are eggplant.

Jen7 Stretch Sateen Slim Straight Leg Pants

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Mochi

Veteran

I just got complete adjustment on the three items in a chat! The items had all been bought online. So I'll get back the $30 or so. Easy peasy!

If I ever see the Madewell dress on discount I'll give it a shot. But I'm happy.

MaryA

This is interesting. I posted on another thread that I used online chat last night to ask for a price adjustment and was flat out refused because it was an online order over 21 days. After just reading about Viva's success I decided to call and try again. Absolutely no problem. I guess it depends on who you are speaking with.
However, I do have a rule about NAS in general. I never buy something unless I am completely comfortable with the price. I know there is a chance some of it may be further reduced at the end of August. Usually, I buy things that may be sold out in my size if I wait. Also, if an item is a complete "maybe", I hold it in my cart until the reductions and then decide if I still want to purchase it. This plan keeps me from getting frustrated when the prices drop.

viva

Veteran

Jenava, that pleat detail skirt is really pretty and interesting!

Mochi

Veteran

I was thinking that perhaps the NAS, especially with Angie's Top Picks, makes me consider items in a different light. I might not have ever tried the Madewell shirtdress (I think the week before, I'd written here about having a poison eye for them

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I''m with Peri. For me, the value of the sale goes further than $$. Of course, it's great to get a good deal. But I like the fun of planning a new season before the seasons starts, and imagining outfits built around that special piece or two that I purchase each year. Also, my size usually sells out quickly in most items.

In the past, I've been able to take advantage of price adjustments on key items because I did all my ordering online. And by calling up, I did save myself anywhere from $40 to $100, with post NAS price drops.

This year, I won't be able to do that because I bought the big ticket items in the Canadian store (by phone). I'm just happy I got them delivered in a timely way without having to travel 4 hours to get them, and I didn't have to pay duties, etc. I don't care that I haven't worn them yet. I have them and they're ready to wear and I had the great fun of shopping with all of you!

Liz A.

Veteran

So the lesson learned is never buy anything in the store. Order everything online or at least keep tags on and an eagle eye on the sales online.

Mochi

Veteran

Maybe, Liz. Maybe it's also a question of who you talk to, in-store.

I just find online ordering much more effective in general. My local store has far fewer items.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think I'll continue with my mix-and-match method -- some in store shopping within Canada (where prices and taxes are higher by far but at least I don't have to pay additional duties and can establish a relationship with the SA) and some online (where I have to pay a high exchange rate and duties plus have to travel to the border in most cases or rely on long-suffering YLF friends to mail to me.)

I'm in the process of trying to request an adjustment on 3 items ordered online in the US. Looks like I might save $25 or so.

Halogen Kick Flare Knit Ankle Pants (Regular & Petite)

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Bobeau 'Yummy Fleece' Shawl Collar Cardigan

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Halogen Scrunch Funnel Neck Shell (Regular & Petite)

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Liz A.

Veteran

So many comments! Glad this thread sparked interest. I don't mean to be negative towards Nordstrom as a whole or their merchandise. I will still continue to shop there, but I will temper my enthusiasm. As a whole, they are a safer bet. For instance, I recently bought a pair of shoes from DSW, wore them once, and they proved extremely painful, although they were comfortable during several try-ons. If it were Nordstrom, I could return them, and there is still plenty to be said for that.

@MaryA, you're right, I would have been happy with the prices I paid, and they are still good prices. I usually don't cry over spilled milk so long as I've gotten good use out of the item. However, I have been known to take something back and re-buy it if it's still NWT.

And I will definitely be wary of store brands during the NAS and looking for a good deal on a higher end item. I just didn't happen to find anything like that this year, despite my efforts.

Barbara Diane

Veteran

Looks like all but one item I purchased is back at full price or a sale price higher than what I paid. Several are sold out, including my favorite dress. So, I'm still happy I purchased at NAS. One item is $8.90 less now, but overall I'm way ahead. And I still haven't decided whether or not to keep it, so I'm going to decide that before I think of asking for a price adjustment.

On items you purchased that are past the date but on sale, if they still have tags, can't you order it at the new price, wait til it arrives (to make sure you really get it), and then return the first purchase? Assuming you are in the US with free shipping.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Barbara Diane, that's right. People in the US can do that. (Not feasible for me). But totally worth doing and worth keeping tags on just in case!

I could also (potentially) call up and ask if the higher end items I purchased in Canada are on sale for deeper discount here as well and ask for an adjustment over the phone. I don't think it would be as easy since I paid by Visa not my Nordstrom card (which is issued by Nordstrom bank, and US institution not recognized in Canada.

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