Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
12:17 pm Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Think twice before snapping up that "bargain"

By Staff
Michelle Blaylock, Mom's Corner
Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving, the time to reflect on our blessings. Do you know for retailers it's a time of "thanksgiving" as well? Well, actually, it's the day after Thanksgiving, better known now as "Black Friday." The reason it's called "Black Friday" is because it's the day retailers gamble on taking their accounts from the red into the black.
You see they plan on consumers to be in a buying frenzy. The sad thing is most of the time consumers are. I think for most people it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of Christmas shopping, after Thanksgiving Day sales, and the general hustle and bustle of the season, which leads to the problem of over-spending.
I admit I love the hustle and bustle. I love the excitement. Hubby, however, isn't quite as thrilled when he balances the checkbook. So in order to keep Hubby happy and preserve the peace in our family, I had to come up with a plan.
First, I decide how much I'm going to spend, end of discussion. If I think the sales will be too tempting, I take cash. When the cash runs out, I'm done. Now there are some risks with using cash–the biggest being having it stolen. If you're going to do this I recommend using something like a fanny pack that you won't be tempted to set down even for a second. Someone can easily see you using cash and discreetly follow you, waiting for their chance to grab your purse or wallet.
Second, I try to have a list or a general idea of what I want to buy. Most stores put out sales fliers, which can help you plan purchases. I also try to have a general idea how much something cost normally. Stores love to use the 99 or 98 trick and many people fall for it. For example, the regular price might be $30 and the "big" sale price is $25.99. In reality you're only saving $4. Granted it's still a savings, but it's not a huge savings. It's not even 30 percent off.
On that note, unless you're just a whiz at math, I suggest you take a calculator or have a cell phone with a calculator function. Take the time to be sure when they say 60 percent off that it really is. Also, don't trust the store computer. There are times that the sale price of an item didn't get entered correctly into the system or just wasn't entered at all. Watch the register to see you get the correct discount. As a note, remember it's not the cashier's fault, he or she usually isn't responsible for the price changes, so be patient.
If I'm planning a large purchase, I make it a habit to shop around before I purchase it. At the very least, I call around and check prices. I usually have the prices of things I'm planning to purchase written in a small notebook that I carry with me.
I note which stores the item was advertised and how much it was. If the store with the best price is sold out and not giving rain checks, then I can go to the store with the next best price. Occasionally, if you speak with the manager, he or she will give it to you at the best price you found, providing you have the sale flier to prove it. I have also found internet sites that do price comparisons for you.
I've noticed that stores will frequently tell you what the manufacture's recommend price is, but they don't mention their regular price. Their regular price may be the same or within just a few dollars of their sale price. Unless it's something I just have to have, I usually wait for my idea of a really great sale, not just the store's idea.
I also plan not to take children with me. Children are a distraction when I'm shopping. It's harder for me to keep a running total. I find myself just wanting to get out of the store. I only take my kids if I think they will have to try something on or they need to shop themselves for a present for someone.
Speaking of trying things on, most stores have return policies.
If I am limited on time, I will forgo the dressing room nightmare and try the clothes on at home, assuming I can return them if they don't fit (always ask before you buy). I typically put all my receipts in the same pocket of my wallet that makes returning items much easier.
One year after Christmas, my mom heard of a clothing store near her who was going out of business with all sales final. They were having some terrific bargains, so we loaded up the kids (at the time there were five, ages three, five, seven, nine and 12 years old) and headed to the store.
Let's just say we did get some great clothes at great prices, but I think my mom and I aged about 15 years in about two hours. It was a zoo. In fact, my mom ended up going home and taking a nap! Now I think I would do it in shifts and just take two or three kids at a time.
My final strategy is to walk away. If I'm just not sure if I like it or if it's a good price, then I just walk away. I feel it's better to save the money and risk losing something I MIGHT like that MIGHT be a good deal. There aren't that many once in a lifetime deals, so to me it's worth it to be really sure.
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. If you have a question or comment for Mom's Corner, please send it to: Mom's Corner; P.O. Box 1496; Hartselle, AL 35640 or e-mail: moms-corner@juno.com.

Also on Hartselle Enquirer
School board picks Sutherland for next superintendent
Hartselle, News
Rebekah Yancey 
May 21, 2025
Members of the Hartselle City Board of Education voted Wednesday to approve the district's next superintendent.   Holly Sutherland, who has been the s...
Fallen officers honored at memorial
News
By GraciAnn Goodin 
May 21, 2025
For the Enquirer At the Morgan County Fallen Officers Memorial Service, Judge Takisha Gholston posed the question: How do we honor the police who have...
The gift of fellowship
Opinion
May 21, 2025
In Hebrews 10:24-25, the Bible encourages us with these words: "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking...
Lacy named new Brewer girls’ basketball coach
Brewer High School, News, Sports
Russell Frye 
May 21, 2025
For the Enquirer Brewer High School recently announced the hiring of Jonathon Lacy as their new girls' basketball coach. Lacy comes to Brewer after co...
Hartselle Parks and Rec scores
News, Sports
Russell Frye 
May 21, 2025
For the Enquirer Below are the Hartselle Parks and Recreation scores from May 12-17. Baseball 6U Cubs 17, Braves 9 Cardinals 15, White Sox 6 Giants 11...
Kiwanis reaches out to next generation
Hartselle, News
By Tracey Tylman 
May 21, 2025
For the Enquirer The Hartselle Kiwanis Club held a Young Professionals meet up on May 8 to mingle with the next generation of potential members. Kiwan...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest Stories
Falkville Funeral service for Don Turney, 82, will be May 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Gandy's Cove Community Church with Bro. David Carroll officiating. B...
May 21, 2025
Falkville Larence Hawthorne, 67, passed away on May 14, 2025, at Hartselle Emergency ER. He was born April 25, 1958, in Cullman County, to Henry Whitf...
May 21, 2025
Somerville Jimmy Dayle Patterson, 75, died on May 13, 2025, at his residence. He was born September 4, 1949, in Lauderdale County, to John Herbert Pat...
May 21, 2025
Kevin Lee Smith
Georgia Kevin Lee Smith, father, husband, brother, uncle and friend, went home to his Heavenly Father unexpectedly on May 10th, 2025. He was born in D...
May 21, 2025
Acworth, Ga.A funeral service for Sherry Lynn Barger, 72, was held May 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Peck Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Phillip Ashley offici...
May 21, 2025