Sales and Bargains Are Not Always Whay They Seem

I used to work in a company pulling orders. Part of the job was pricing the order before it was picked up. To do so, I pulled up a screen that gave the basic price and then listed the price breaks. If you bought 5, you got so much off, 10 got you a bit more off, and so on. Also listed was what the company paid per unit. Even at the highest price break, which was a pretty darn good discount, the company was still making a hefty profit. So, when you see an item heavily discounted, trust me; they are not being that generous. they are still making a good profit.

Often, companies play little tricks. I shop for groceries at 2 different stores. At 1, there are few sales and most of the time, sales only give a little bit off. But, the prices are fairly reasonable. The other I shop at only because they have more variety. I go there only occasionally because their prices are much higher. Now, when they run sales, they seem really good, until you look closely. I have noticed that 2 or 3 weeks before an item goes on sale, its price goes up, sometimes a lot. Then, when they put it on sale, it seems a good deal. they mention savings of $1, $2, sometimes more. But, when you look at the per unit price, it is about the same as the price for a similar item at the cheaper store. Sometimes, that sale price per unit is higher than in the cheaper store. They try to grab you by listing deep discounts that really are just what the price should be to begin with. Be careful of great deals.

Also, beware of buying in bulk. This is especially true with groceries. If you are going to use the product and you have room, fine, but make sure it will be used. Also, do the math. Sometimes the bulk price is only pennies less and remember, you will be taking up storage space in your kitchen. Do not buy spices and seasonings, except salt in large packages. Those huge jars are for restaurants. You at home, if you buy that 1 pound container of oregano or dill, will never even use a small fraction of it before it looses flavor. True, it will not spoil, but it also will add no flavor to your food. Some things are best bought in small quantities.

Often, especially around the Holidays, you find great buys on small appliances. I have known many a person who saw those bargains and ran out to buy things like ice cream makers, juicers, bread machines and pasta makers. Now, these are all good machines and they really did get good prices on them but, every single person I knew who bought them used them once or twice and after that, they sat in a cupboard gathering dust and taking up valuable space. Remember, it is only a bargain if you are going to use it. Anytime you see a great buy, stop, take a deep breath and ask yourself. 'how often am I really going to use this?' If you really are going to use it, great, run buy it. If not, do not. You can use that money for something more useful.

The point is, think. Companies play games with you to try and get your business and things are not always what they seem.