Comments on: A Deal is Not a Deal When…

By: BJK

BJK — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:49:12 +0000

I am getting better on the not buying things that I don’t need. But the one thing I wish I could get better at is buying something that cost more knowing it would last longer. One thing I can think of is our breadmaker. I make our bread. I use our breadmaker at least 3 to 6 times a week. So a cheaper breadmaker will last about a year or a year and half. When I am looking at them, I want to “invest” in a more $$ one but the thought of paying out more than $75 for one when I know I can get cheaper, I just can’t do it…

By: CJ

CJ — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:05:54 +0000

My mom needs to read this post. She buys clothes on clearance all the time and then they sit in her closet with tags still on for years! She CAN find some really great deals and some really CUTE stuff, but it’s not always the case. And being her daughter, I have inherited this trait, always searching for sales/clearances. When will we learn?

By: DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com

DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad.com — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:34:23 +0000

Lynnae– you nailed it, “Is it a good deal for you?” I would add, “Right now?”

By: angie

angie — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:43:30 +0000

But if you could SELL those phones on ebay or the like and MAKE money on them…………….

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:07:04 +0000

I work for a mobile cell phone company and currently in training for customer service but I do collections and you would be amazed (or maybe not) at the times when people have skyrocketing bills they cannot pay and then on top of that purchase a 400.00 phone. Then seem so confused as to why the bill is so high. I just don’t understand the mentality behind a purchase like that. New phones are expensive. The best thing to do is wait and then get a nice free upgrade when you sign up for new services.

Is this off topic? lol.

By: Diana

Diana — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 01:46:35 +0000

Ditto to all!

Living at high altitude in CO, the sun can be harsh. Although I ignored in the past, I know I need to protect my eyes with good sports-glasses. I went to a chain sports store to find something I could afford (being unemployed) that were 100% UVB and would not fall off when running. At first glance, I fell in love with some NIKE glasses that were on sale. I knew it was still more than I could afford. So I spent time looking through all the glasses. I found a pair of Boles that were on clearence for 1/3 of the original price (and $60 cheaper than the NIKEs). These work and stay on well when I run. Plus who cares about what looks “good” when I’m out to run – not win a beauty contest?!

So the NIKE price would have been a steal, but I found something better at a lower price. And they are great!

By: Erica

Erica — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 23:16:34 +0000

I sometimes catch myself with putting things in my basket/cart, just because “it’s a good deal”. Then I think to myself, do I really need it?

By: Marci

Marci — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:08:40 +0000

If it costs money, takes up time, or takes up space… these days I find myself not even bothering to look at the ‘deals’… once you have ‘enough’, there is no need for more :)

By: Diann @ The Thrifty Groove

Diann @ The Thrifty Groove — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:40:42 +0000

This is so true! So many people jump on the “Well, it is just to good of a deal to pass up!” bandwagon. It is so easy to do.

I am linking this post on my blog to remind people, that a ‘bargain isn’t always a bargain”. Thanks for the reminder!

By: Sam

Sam — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:51:29 +0000

A deal is not a deal when you won’t be able to use it all before it expires.
It’s only a good buy if you will use it all or (in the case of a gadget) use it to it’s maximum capability. Unless it’s free – then all bets are off.

I had a friend whose Mom would stock up on every sale & after decades of stocking up their basement was full of dozens(if not hundreds) of detergents bottles full of expired detergent. The entire house was like that – a room of clearenced out sewing materials that had never been touched since she couldn’t sew & never had the time to learn. Before anyone asks – yes, last I heard she was getting some counseling for hording/clutter bugging.