Re: Black Friday scams

 

I don't really consider those scams, just common marketing ploys of
our times.
My motto is: Just don't go.

If you don't go to the store you can't waste any money. Avoid shopping
as much as possible. Make a list. Know what you are looking for and
the relative value of things. It's the same with cars or toothpaste.
Sometimes there is a place for inferior quality at the right low price
if you can make it work.

Another motto I like is: If everybody else is doing it, there must be
something wrong with it.

  Al Bundy wrote:

  I do all my shopping in one swoop. Macy's Cellar is full of enough
kitchen devices that I can find something for everyone. 30-45 minutes
and I am done with it. For those who I can not think of anything a store
gift card is always welcome.

 George Grapman wrote:

Just make sure that 1) it doesn't have service charges or a short
expiration time, 2) it is large enough that they can actually buy
something with it (or it's a store that you know they shop at a lot anyway).

<http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/money/20071114/b_giftcards_14.art.htm>

"Part of the problem is that the cards get lost or don't get used before
their expiration dates, or the amount on the card is too small to buy
anything decent."

Also:

•Fees. Some gift cards, particularly those issued by credit card
companies like American Express and MasterCard, have stiff fees,
including purchasing fees or fees to replace a lost card. Cards issued
by retailers usually don't have fees.

•Expiration dates. Some cards can expire within a year, or less.

•Inactivity fees. If you don't use the card within a certain amount of
time, you could be docked a monthly fee.

--
Evelyn C. Leeper
I believe I found the missing link between animal
and civilized man.  It is us.  -Konrad Lorenz

 George Grapman wrote:


Macy's has great kitchen item sales! I've purchased many unadvertised
things there (year round) that were great deals. Combined with the
coupons they send me I have saved some serious coin.
This week I purchased two Ralph Lauren tableclothes (originally $50
each) for a final price of $14 each after sale and coupon discounts.
Macy's is a good basics store. Others may shop at Walmart or Target... I
like Macy's Housewares section!

 
    No wonder Christmas Day has been called a pagan holiday.