Discounts, Freebies, Coupons, and Special Offers
Now that we finally got rid of the TV advertising and bloodied yard signs from the election, now we have to deal with the inundation of discounts, freebies, coupons and special offers from retailers.
With unemployment hitting 6.5% and consumer sentiment at rock bottom, the crucial holiday selling season for retailers is predicted to be the worse since 1991. Experts are looking for a 1.7% increase over last year. I think retailers would be happy being even.
As consumers, what do we value most? It used to be customer service. Other factors included convenience, location, brands offered, return policy, and value/price.
What do you value most?
Discounts are good because they give immediate satisfaction. You know you are not paying list price. The problem is you never know if you are getting the "best" discount.
Freebies are good but then we are getting more "stuff" than we originally shopped for. Buy 1 bag of chips and get another for free is great but you end up eating more chips.
Coupons are good because you get instant savings after doing all the work of clipping, storing and presenting them before expiration. The issue with coupons is that you have to remember to use them.
And we all love special offers. These are time sensitivity based so you have to act quickly to take advantage of them. The most popular of all are the day after Thanksgiving sales (I think Wal-Mart will start at midnight this year). The issue with special offers is that if you are too busy, then you can’t take advantage of them.
I love ELP (everyday low price) best. Wal-Mart and Costco adhere to ELP most of the time. We would love to adhere to ELP if our suppliers would let us so we do discounts and freebies.
So with Christmas shopping right around the corner, besides what you value most, what is on your shopping list? Hint: Gift cards are rated the #1 gift this season and are never discounted or given away. Go figure.
Happy Friday!
November 7th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I heard on the radio last week that unemployment rate is over 8%.
Maybe I heard wrong??
Anyway, I absolutely love getting gift cards. I am a “Gift card queen”!
Some say it’s a easy “cop-out” for a gift, but honestly I would rather people received something that they can use rather than something that they will throw away or toss in the back of a closet.
Like those pre-packaged, cheap bath sets, with the smelly lotions and bath gel. It’s a great thought but honestly, it goes right to the back of my closet everytime!
If I’m shopping for women I know, Candles and picture framse are always and easy and great gift. They’re my favorite!
November 7th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
I think gift cards are great!..And with unemployment very high, im hoping to still be employed to shop for them..HAPPY HOLIDAYS:)
November 7th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Gift Cards are my fave!! Don’t buy me something when you have no idea what I want. Just give me money…or plastic and let me buy what I WANT! The Target cards, or the VISA or MC gift cards are best!
November 7th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I don’t mean to be a Scrooge, but why are stressing out over buying gifts or “gift cards” just to give to someone. Don’t you want to give a gift that was perfect for that person? If you can’t think of anything or be creative, they don’t need anything. Of course I think the kids up to 18 should get stuff, but just buying to buy something has gotten totally out of hand. I am hoping one good thing comes out of this economy and that is finding the true meaning and spirit of the holidays again.
What do I value? Right now it has to be a great discount and something I really need before I am parting with my money.
November 7th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
By the way the Anonymous entry above is me, I forgot to add my name!
TGIF!
November 7th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
My girlfriend loves to be creative and make cards for people. I think what we’ve lost is the thought behind the gift instead of the significance of it. My grandma likes to give out “passes” to take people out to lunch. I think something that someone put effort into is the best gift of all. Spending time with someone you love or someone special is the best gift of all!
Have a great weekend everyone!
November 7th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
I value consistency. It doesn’t have to be on sale, I don’t need a coupon and I don’t mind if it’s not the item at the every day low price. I just want to walk into my favorite store and have them just have what I want sitting on the shelf….IN STOCK! I feel a lot of our customers feel the same way. It’s nice knowing you can go into some places and they are NEVER out of my favorite needs or wants
Be consistent. Order enough and I’m happy!
November 10th, 2008 at 9:23 am
imho giftcards are stupid. why limit your recipient where they can use gift?
come on, wake up, give cash!
CASH is KING!
November 10th, 2008 at 9:57 am
I want a Wii…and cash is good too..