Team Pay Full Price versus Team Buy On Sale - YouLookFab Forum

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About: Relaxing Into Missing the Bargain

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Team Pay Full Price versus Team Buy On Sale

Anonymous

I was taken aback by Angie's blog this morning. I thought about it throughout the day. Based on the comments, it seems that I am in the minority on this website for trying to buy clothes on sale.

I wanted to take a minute to explain why I choose to buy clothing on sale whenever possible.

First, I was raised to be budget conscious and financially responsible. I use credit cards, but I pay them off in full every month.

Second, I do have an annual clothing budget and I try very hard to stay within the limits set. I don't always succeed, but I do try.

Third, I live on one income. That means I don't have as much extra cash available to me as dual income households have. That brings me back to having to be more financially responsible.

Fourth, I live in an older house that needs lots of loving repairs. I am not particularly handy so I have to pay contractors to do most of the work for me.

I've often wondered what it would be like to go to any shop I want and buy whatever strikes my fancy without checking the price tag first. I have friends that can do that, but that is not part of my life and it is doubtful it ever will be. I fully accept that.

So I do shop sales. I do ask for price adjustments when something I bought last week is on deeper discount on Cyber Monday. I would have been foolish not to ask for a price adjustment.

It is not about how valuable my time is compared to others. All of us have limited time. For me it is purely budgetary. If I get a price adjustment, I can afford to buy something else later.

I'm happy that so many people on this website can afford to pay full price for their clothing. But please don't impugn those of us that have to buy our clothing on sale.

Shopping

51 replies

Latest reply was from Alassë

Anonymous

Gaylene's comment probably makes the most sense to me in light of Angie's blog [copied below].

Thanks for a breath of fresh air on the subject, Angie. Thoughtful buying at a price that seems reasonable–and then happily wearing the item–makes sense to me. It astonishes me to see how successful marketers have been at convincing consumers that they should never pay “full price” for anything and that “sales events” ought to be opportunities for indiscriminate, bulk buying because of the “bargains” to be had. I’d suggest that being a thrifty shopper these days has less to do with the price I pay for an item and more to do with the number of rarely worn, ill-fitting, “what-was-I-thinking” items hanging in my closet waiting to be sent away in the next closet purge.

Lyn D.

Veteran

I am Team Sale but try to use Angie's PPP guidelines for all purchases.
Knowing that retailers can afford to reduce prices often makes me feel that clothing is generally over-priced!

MsMary

Veteran

I would hope that nobody is impugning those who choose to wait for sales. And of course it's all relative. I mean, full price at someplace like WalMart is likely to be less than the sale price at someplace like Nordstrom.

And also, I, for one, certainly don't walk the store and buying everything that strikes my fancy, regardless of price. That's a fantasy. Full price or discounted, a dollar is still a dollar and my pile of dollars is still limited and spoken for. I think many people, including me, who pay full price specifically noted that they buy fewer items than when they were buying on sale.

And I note with a smile that all four of the reasons you noted for buying on sale also apply to me! LOL

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sterling, rest assured that no one should judge anyone for buying at the price they are comfortable with. Bargain price, full price, goodwill, designer - ANY price at all is fab as long as you are happy with the item and the amount you spent on it. FWIW, you absolutely have my blessing if you only shop for sale items. Your reasons make perfect sense.

I've found that most people like to buy on sale, actually - heck me included! It isn't always possible though, because there are currencies that people value more than money (like time), and the other reasons that I mentioned in the post.

To answer your original question, I purchase most items full price, and that's not because I am made of money. It's because I want an item when I want it - and when my size is available. Like you, I have a monthly budget and when it's gone - it's gone. But I don't mind paying more for something if I can have it right away. Yes - it eats up more of my budget so that I can't get something else, but I don't mind having fewer things. The fact that I can't have it all makes me appreciate what I can get even more.

unfrumped

Veteran

I thought in part what Angie was saying was, if one makes a good choice for one's situation and needs, and then it goes on sale, don't let that make you feel "taken" and lose the joy of the item.

You described a problem with many retailers--AT is notorious--regarding constantly shifting prices, so that it really does take some of the fun out of, bought that, happy, don't look back.
The AT phenomenon is maddening because they do many promotions, not sales, so their policy is, no price adjustments on the, oh look. FLASH 40% off.

So, consciously or subconsciously, that has to be takine into account--if I know it will still kill me to see this item 40% off next week, and more so than "losing out", I probably shouldn't buy it because somehow it's not worth it to me.

I also think that it's quite possible to have a wardrobe-building strategy that really does not allow for much full-price buying at all. That can be a relative choice--millionaires can be very frugal!--or can be, I can build the wardrobe I want, but to do so I have to add slowly and patiently, finding my pieces here and there when quality and price align. We all do that to some extent anyway. It all gets back to not buying things that aren't right, regardless of price.

Anonymous

You sound like a very smart shopper to me, Sterling. I have a long-standing bias against paying full price for anything. I think for me, it's more about how reasonable the price of something is. If it seems reasonable for what it is, I'll buy it, enjoy it, and not look back. If it seems exorbitant, there is no way it's going home with me, no matter how badly I want it. Some things, even when they're on sale, don't seem reasonably priced. Other things that are not on sale do seem reasonably priced. Perhaps it's in the eye of the beholder. If the price frightens me, I quickly back off, and hope it goes on sale if I truly love it. I guess I'm just tight with a dollar, but since I have an old house too, I have to be. Thanks for your post.

shedev

Veteran

I do a little of both. I don't have the goes on sale after I buy problem as much as the I see one I'd rather have after I purchase. Buying only five things means I'm not getting that second one. So I look at a lot of a thing before I pull the trigger. I'll save items in different places while I look. Sometimes they go on sale and sometimes they sell out while I look. Price wise my fall five broke down to 2 full price, 2 sale, 1 deep discount on ebay. I'm really happy with all of them.

Deborah

Veteran

I do both but more often than not I buy on sale:). I have the advantage of receiving a 50% discount on clothing from the store I work at so that equals current styles at reduced prices:). But what I have also found is that the sale cycle ( here anyway) is quite regular and frequent. I know roughly how long it will be before my fave retailers will reduce new stock so I wait! Of course you can miss out but I also realise that there will always be that next gorgeous dress, etc, so if I miss out, so be it. There will be another! Truth is my fashion wants are wants not needs so I try to go with the flow. BTW I haven't read the blog post yet:)

retailgirl

Veteran

I usually don't pay full price for things, except shoes, ( weirdly sized feet) but I don't wait for deep discounts if it's something I need or love. I shop at talbots and Brooks bothers a lot and they usually have at least 25% to 30% off when they have sale events.

Dee

Veteran

I buy most of my things on sale, but for things I really love I am willing to pay full price. Some retailers have sales so regularly that I honestly won't buy full price anymore (Loft, Gap, etc.). And most higher-end pieces are only in my price range when they are on sale. But for some items, particularly shoes, outerwear, and gym wear, I generally end up paying full price because it can be hard enough to find the right fit even at regular prices.

Diana

Veteran

I do a bit of both. For a long time, I was very much on Team Sale, mostly because I had champagne taste on a beer (grad student) budget, and I refuse to carry a cent of debt, so I had to wait for things to go on sale to be able to afford them. Now that my finances are not so limited, I do buy some things full price, but I do still prefer to get things on sale. I'll always comparison shop, for example, but I might not wait months for something to go on sale any more.

But there are also stores (for example, AT or BR) where I'll always wait for a sale because they are so frequent. I'm less likely to do that at somewhere like Nordstrom that doesn't have 40% off codes every other second.

And I still love the thrill of scoring something really awesome for a really awesome price.

Echo

Veteran

I agree with and can see both "sides" of this. If there is something I will be crushed if I do not buy or if it is gone in my size, then I will purchase it when I see it, sale or not. But in all honesty, there have been things that I have desperately wanted and simply was unable to afford. I do keep an eye on those items and if they go on sale to the point where I am able to afford them, I pounce. If not, I also realize that there are things beyond almost everyone's budget (that line may differ between people, but almost everyone has a line where they simply cannot - or choose not to - afford something).

I think the bigger issue is not to buy things you wouldn't otherwise buy just because of the sale price, or not to regret things you have purchased and worn and later went on sale.

Sal

Veteran

Great discussion Sterling!

We are all in different spots - location, size, culture, needs,lifestyle and financial. This is before we even get into our own style and shopping preferences.

If you take an unusual size of footwear for example you may not have the choice of buying on sale or not. People who work in some industries have to look the part, and in true four season climates, you need more clothes than someone with steady temperatures all year.

And there is the cultural aspect. Americans tend to have more stuff than other cultures - when we travel to the US I notice the houses are often bigger as are the fridges, closets and washing machines. I know this is not true if you live in Central New York or Seattle. It is easier for me to have a small closet and repeat my clothes more often because that is the norm here.

It sounds like your strategy is working for you Sterling and that is all that matters.

UtahDesert

I'm definitely Team Sale (and consignment/thrift and clearance stores). I think that's because I consider most of my clothing purchases to be wants not needs. It's cool if I find something I like at what seems to me a good price, but it's rare that I'll even browse at full price. Exceptions are practical items such as running shoes or hiking pants--when I need them.

And I'm sticking with this even though I now subscribe to the "buy better, buy less" philosophy. For me, that just means I'm willing to pay more in my usual clearance/consignment store setting for that one perfect item.

frannieb

Veteran

I think it is all relative. I do both - I tend to try to buy sales at big box stores - this would include Nordstroms.
However I have a boutique shop in town that caters to curvy gals and they really don't have sales - only twice a year. There I pay full price to get my size, great service and super cool clothes.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Gosh, Sterling, even though I generally pay full price, I can't just walk in to a shop and not look at price tags either! I have a limit to how much I'll spend on things (different limits for different items), and I don't buy clothes all that often.

The reason I'm on team full price is kind of silly. I always feel like if something's on sale, there must be something wrong with it. The rational part of my brain knows that this is not always true, but I can't help the feeling.

Also, I like to have things in the right season. And if I wait until something goes on sale, my size often sells out.

I try to be a wear-it-a-lot-until-it wears-out person.

Deborah

Veteran

I just wanted to add that I look,or browse, at the level of my budget! So if I am looking for new boots on line I use the sort facility that includes price range. If I don't see it then I'm not tempted !

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Oh, thank god someone said it, because I was tempted to. I appreciate the idea that once you've bought something, you should stop stressing over what you paid for it, and also that sometimes it makes sense to buy one perfect-for-your-needs thing at full price rather than several mediocre things that you bought mostly because they were on clearance. But I'm not going to stop looking for deals - particularly because the US has become this "sales all the time" culture. I don't love it but it's the way things are and I'm not going to be the chump who buys things at full price when if I waited a week or used a coupon I wouldn't have to.

I think I posted about my conversation with the blogger at Grechen's Closet about this topic a few months ago - she said she refuses to buy on sale ever, which I find bizarre. For her it was about forcing herself to make choices about what she really needs and is willing to pay for. For me, it'd be like throwing good money away.

Anonymous

If I find something I love that is on sale, it is a plus. But I will only buy if I truly love something and have been known to ask for a volume discount if there is no sale and most of the the time the manager will give me from 10 up to 25% off.

My feeling is that I actually spend less buying at full price rather than splurging when a store has a sale and then not even wearing the item.

Aquamarine

Veteran

I'd say I buy on sale about 85% of the time.....gosh, it seems like stores are constantly having sales. When I do pay full price, it's because the item is an immediate need or I know the brand never goes on sale in the current season. And shoes...I am more willing to pay full price for shoes because I have foot issues and have learned not to compromise.

Joyce B

Veteran

I also go for the sales and/or the price adjustments. You get the same item and you have money left. I very rarely buy anything at full price although my cap is off to those who do.
It is a pain in the neck to follow all the sales but it must be done if you want to get a better price. I agree that just because something is on sale does not mean you have to buy it unless it's what you need, though.

Peri

Veteran

I'm both too, like most of us. I will pay full price for something when I've been looking for it, if the price is reasonable. If it is too extravagant then I might stalk it on sale or might just keep looking for something else. But I don't mind full price where the price doesn't seem too bad...I just ordered a sweater I like the look of for around $80, full price but reasonable.

My issue is seeing the sale, and then looking for something to buy. Most of the time that is actually okay...since I'm not much of a shopper I usually have some needs that could be filled. Currently it is for lighter weight sweaters, so I looked for those in the recent sales. I don't usually buy something I don;t need just because it is on sale. But...this is where FOMO comes in...I do feel driven to check out every sale, just in case there is something good. So I take from Angie's message that I could relax more here...another good deal will be just around the corner. If I miss out, there will be another one soon.

anne

Veteran

Hmm. I buy most of my stuff on sale too. But that's not because I wait for it to go on sale; it is more that I don't get around to shopping all that often and often miss the beginning of the season and therefore shop in one of the earlier waves of discounts. I don't find much in clearance though as my size usually is gone.

Price adjustment is not an option here in Australia, and returns are not automatic either. I can think of just one example where I bought something and returned it because it had gone on sale - usually I would have worn it already by then.

Like you, I'm on a strict budget, and certainly look at price tags. But I don't usually hold out for sales if something is affordable and I'm willing to pay full price for some things - most notably shoes, as they frequently sell out in my size.

But I am much more on the non-buying end of the spectrum that most of YLF and I think of you too. Sterling. It takes a lot for me to actually buy something, even if affordable. I don't enjoy shopping particularly, and have to really juggle to find the time to do it. I don't even get much time online at night to look at things - and I find even small amounts of online shopping tiring anyway. I will frequently go months without buying anything (apart perhaps from socks/ stockings/ undies) and that's partially to allow the funds to build up again in my clothing allowance, and partly for the reasons already mentioned.

Anonymous

This really is a different situation for every single one of us. Some people get a thrill out of hunting for deals, shopping the sales racks, and persisting to get the best price. I have a close friend who dresses herself on that philosophy, and she doesn't have to, financially speaking, but to her it's enjoyable. Then there are those whose lifestyle choices and financial positions make sale shopping a way of life and a necessity. I am pretty sure we have ALL been there at one point or another. I never get the feeling anyone is judging anyone else here on the forum, or I'm really dense and missed it if they are. I just don't look at things beyond my price range. I know what pieces in pretty much every brand out there cost, and I just don't bother looking at things that are way beyond my reach. I may fondle them lovingly in a store, but I sure as heck don't wait for them to go on sale in the hope I can find a piece. Maybe I'm weird, but I find no enjoyment in having to go through a rack of single sale pieces of things looking for something interesting. I just don't have the mental bandwidth, patience, creativity , imagination nor interest to do that. I'd rather be home reading a book. I agree with the others in that so many of our favourite retailers have trained us to wait for 40% codes. Even Hudson Bay, which is our Nordstrom/Macy's type hybrid, has sales so often , that one can usually count on winter boots (for example) being on sale at least 3 times during the season. That's where unless one is desperate or totally without financial restrictions, paying full price is kind of a waste. Their house branded cashmere sweaters (which are GREAT) , go on sale at least 2-3 times during the winter, so again, one can always buy those at a reduced price. Anyways, and again , I didn't get a sense of anyone looking askance at sale buying - it's just a fact of life that we're not all in the same boat at the same time.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I was brought up to hunt for bargains on sale racks, and I settled for many a less-than-satisfactory item as a result.

Presently my method is to primarily buy items in my price range, regardless of whether they are on sale or not. And I am rigorous about returns.

That doesn't mean I don't buy things on sale -- I may like something super expensive and stalk after it it hopes of finding it on the cheap. Unfortunately that often seems to be YSL and I never see it again and am yet to own a piece, but I can live with that.

For things I'm on the fence for, from stores that are known to have frequent sales (Banana, J Crew), I will certainly wait for a percent-off to find me.

And totally agree with LisaP

anne

Veteran

Lisa wrote
"Maybe I'm weird, but I find no enjoyment in having to go through a rack of single sale pieces of things looking for something interesting. I just don't have the mental bandwidth, patience, creativity , imagination nor interest to do that. I'd rather be home reading a book."

This is so me too!! Not saying that I don't sometimes do it, but only very infrequently. And I'd sure prefer to be home reading a book too!!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

Well I don't often buy retail - most of my clothes are second hand, and then it is as often as not the sale price. Lately my examples come down to jeans:
Bought Angie recommended C/E cut offs during NAS. NAS is a funny kind of sale because it is the new season stuff but it is still a sale. I have worn them tons and am very happy with them.
Bought full price Gap black jeans when I wanted them because although I knew they would be on sale in December (Gap Israel does not have the same amount of sales as GAP USA). Figured I would wear them all the time and have.
(I have since thrifted similar jeans, but that is a story in itself.)
Bottom line - agree with Gaylene nothing wrong with any strategy as long as it doesn't lead to spending on things you won't really enjoy instead of the things your really need and want.

Gaylene

Veteran

Well, I think both sides present sensible, responsible arguments for their buying behaviour--and yet both attitudes can lead to making dubious choices. Refusing to even consider paying full price if the price is within my budget doesn't make sense to me. Nor does buying something simply because it is 60% off. And the justification that I can have more for a given amount seems weird when I'm not looking for quantity.

What stirred me to comment this morning, though, was Angie's gentle reminder for us to ENJOY our purchases. My happiness at wearing something I love ought not to be tainted simply because another woman is able to enjoy that item at a different price point. It's not a competition where one of us "wins" and the other "loses" as long as both of us made the right choices for ourselves.

Maneera

(website)

Veteran

This is such an interesting conversation, Sterling. I find it fascinating to know that quite a few of you lovely ladies prefer shopping sales. And why not!!?? You get the same thing at a discounted rate --- that's totally fab!

Things work differently for me but that's because a couple of things happen differently here in India. I'll explain:

1) There is no concept of price adjustment in India. If I buy something, and it goes on sale tomorrow, I just have to live with it! So I have inbuilt training for relaxing into missed bargains.

2) In India, actual brick and mortar stores don't have sales every week. A couple of brands have regular sales, but its always just a small portion of merchandise that goes on discount - not the whole store. We have 2 Sale Seasons here, when absolutely every store runs sale. This is January & February; and July & August. A lot of people buy new season stuff during sales, and refresh their wardrobe twice yearly. I used to be one of those people.

3) Online stores have more regular sales and it can sometimes make sense to wait for an item to go on sale. Some brands are notorious for dropping prices after 15 days. But while I may find item A from brand B on sale online, I may not find it on sale at a real B&M store of brand B.

Now, as you see, my situation is different. I'm Team Full Price. I'll explain why:

A couple of years ago I decided that I'll refresh my wardrobe during sales because they always happen at the same time. I bought a horde of stuff, I felt great that I got wonderful bargains, and I was happy. But the strategy didn't work for me in the long run at all.

1) I like to shop more often and big shopping sprees twice a year are too restrictive
2) I bought a lot of stuff only because I looked at the price tag and thought it was too good a deal to pass up on
3) I bought way more than I needed....and then some more, because everything was cheaper

And then the sales ended, and I continued to still shop through the season.

After I joined YLF, I understood that I needed to shop smarter. I already have a large wardrobe, so I don't need to shop a lot. But if I never 'compromise' with what I want and buy the best thing I possibly can, I've realized that I feel more satisfied and satiated.

I don't go looking for deals anymore. I stay away from stores during 'sales'. Let's suppose I have 'red shirt' on my list. I'd rather buy one that I absolutely absolutely love, than one that I like ok and it's far cheaper. I find that when I compromise, I go back to buy that original piece I loved and have wasted money in the process.

My shopping philosophy has changed because this works best for me, my lifestyle and my wardrobe. While I still don't have a shopping budget, I never look at stores that are out of my budget. I don't go shopping at Gucci and LV; I stick to brands I can afford. So while I'm willing to PAY MORE for the sake of saving my time and buying convenience, I shop FAR LESSER because no one ever has unlimited funds. That, for me, is another appeal of Full Price. I wanted a inbuilt way of controlling my expenses and this works.

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