Everyone loves a bargain! A word of caution, many bargains are not really bargains but just clever advertising. Some examples:
“Buy this and receive a gift!” Cosmetic companies are really good at this one. “Purchase $55 or more on cosmetics and receive a free gift bag.” You really like their foundation for $39.50 and you find yourself looking for something else you might use just to get that cute gift.
“It pays to stock up! Earn a $10 gift card every time you buy $50 in participating stocking spree items.” Example items – 12 mega or 24 double rolls package of paper towels, buy 2 family size cookies, buy 2 bottle of dressing etc. But wait, I’ve only spent $23. What else can I buy? You end up buying items you don’t really need and don’t have adequate space to store just for a $10 gift card.
“Free shipping when you buy $75 or more!” You love that blue blouse. It costs about $49. Standard shipping/processing charges will add $11.99. You find yourself leafing through the catalogue looking for something $26 or more. You end up ordering some socks or underwear that you really don’t need to save on the shipping.
“Everything a dollar!” What a deal! Or is it? Many times big-box retailers can actually be a better buy in quality and price.
“Winter sale! Everything 50% off!” A couple of things here. Those same items were probably marked up for the holidays and 50% off of something you don’t need or love is not $75 dollars saved but $75 spent for something that will just sit on your shelf or hang in your closet.
Am I telling you to never grab that bargain? Of course not. You should shop a bargain when it is something you really need, love, and have a place to put it away. Just know what you are doing and why.
Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer
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