Deal or Not Deal

CTV news Vancouver just reported what the real holiday sale is. Reporter captured the scene which happened in the clearance clothing store in Vancouver, BC. Several price stickers are piling up on the price label. It shows the original price is $9.99. But now the latest tag shows the sale price $10.99 dropped from $15.99. The same thing happened on the electronics. The same plasma TV has a sale price $1799 from $2199 in one store but the same TV has a regular price only $1599 at another store. People are really confused about the holiday sale. That reminds you the word by Howie: Deal or No Deal.

Let us think about the reasons for the sale before we talk about what the real deal is. The retailers will make a sale for the following reasons. First, increase the traffic volume in the store or website with the sale incentive. Mostly people will buy more not only sale items. The sale items belong to two categories: one is the real deal and the other is not. The real one means that you can not get this at such a price elsewhere during that time. The fake one possibly is that they increase the price first and then put a sale tag on it or not the one you really want. Second, retailers make a clearance for the season change or size incompleteness. Usually, you could find a real good deal at that time. Third, retailers promote the new products. For example, tietosuccess.com makes a sale of buy one get two free to promote their new-tech silk winter scarves.

Now it is the essential question how to identify the real deal or not. The most important is to learn something before you purchase. If something big, such as TV, fridge, it is worth doing some research before you make a final decision. You can try those three steps to assist you. First, read consumer report for the factors you should consider. It is good for big buy, like your appliance or auto. For example, you should at least know what the plasma or LCD is. Of course, some other features, specifications, and meaning of the technical terms. Second, search the reviews and comparison online. Be sure to read several not only one because some will have a certain bias. Third, ask for the suggestions from your family and friends. If they have a similar buying experience, you definitely get something valuable there. Fourth, be patient to watch online or weekly flyer on your favorite. It is always a great deal for you on Christmas. What you need to do is just to spend a little time and then take it at a good price when it is coming.

The last suggested word is to focus on what you need. It mostly happens on the women. People buy something for the sale, not for the demand. Check out your garage to see how many brand new sale items are sleeping there, even you forget there are since you buy them. So set your goal and review your buying list before you lose your way in the store or on your favorite website. Be a smart person in the holiday shopping season, especially during the economic crisis.