Boxing Day Is A Scam

[Eyeman]

I'm amazed that people fall for tthe hype about boxing day sales. It's been many years since boxing day was really a good day to shop. Retailers have learned that many shoppers expect bargains that they think that they are getting a deal whether they are or not. So the retailers just dump their overpriced junk. Sure, they may ber the odd deal, but most boxing days sales are scams. Retailers are much better these days at controlling inventory. The days of really great sales are long gone. You seldom see stores flooded with unsold stuff that they are desperate to move, like you did 10 years ago.

Real shoppers know that the real sales start in early January. That's when stores are really willing to get rid of stuff cheap because people don't buy much in Jan-Feb.

So save your money for a few weeks, you'll do a lot better in 2005.

[michael1996]

I'm amazed that people fall for tthe hype about boxing day sales. It's been many years since boxing day was really a good day to shop. Retailers have learned that many shoppers expect bargains that they think that they are getting a deal whether they are or not. So the retailers just dump their overpriced junk. Sure, they may ber the odd deal, but most boxing days sales are scams. Retailers are much better these days at controlling inventory. The days of really great sales are long gone. You seldom see stores flooded with unsold stuff that they are desperate to move, like you did 10 years ago.

Real shoppers know that the real sales start in early January. That's when stores are really willing to get rid of stuff cheap because people don't buy much in Jan-Feb.

So save your money for a few weeks, you'll do a lot better in 2005.
especially for rfder. They already got all cheap stuffs by PM.

;)

[cil254]

I would tend to agree. Especially when you see most of the electronics sale have a MIR attached. I'm not buying anything with a MIR on boxing day.

[Rehan]

Hmmm.

[Canadianpsycho]

If you're talking about BB and FS then sure Boxing Day sucks.

But some stores do offer good boxing day/week prices sometimes.

You just have to sort through more BS nowadays.

[bluetroll]

sporting life has some good sales.

[darth wolf]

yes n no...there are always a few door crasher type items at good prices, but limited to the first freaking 5 people.

There are also sometimes stuff discounted more then usual, if u looking for clothes a stuff...so if u don't go boxing day, u may miss out on sizes/models u want.

Yes the deals start a few days after boxing day but that cause the stores need to get rid of all the crap left over, open boxes and x-mas returns. So if u can wait it out, then good...but if u have ur eye on something for a while...then boxing day may be a good time to stag it.

[biggerthanboykins]

last year i bought a 2.4 ghz panasonic cordless phone on boxing day, i have yet to see it for that price anywhere else, since...

[ConwayJim]

I agree, I remember buying a stereo system for a fair price one year (Futureshop said retail was like $700 but on boxing day it was going for $499). Anyways, i buy the unit, and later find out that futureshop has been sellng it for $499 for months before hand, and never charged the full suggested retail price in the first place.

Do your homework folks

[MrDisco]

dont get sucked into the hype, particularly with bb/fs. if you miss out on a deal don't stress - you WILL find it next year at the same price or better.

[HighFlyer]

Boxing day sales are nothing compared to the black friday sales in the U.S. after Thanksgiving. The Boxing day sales in the past few years have been quite disappointing. Stay in your warm home and sleep in.

[trini]

Right you are about these sales being a scam.
Just wait till the "after rebate" kick in this season even worse.

[heartofgold]

The even bigger scam is you don't even need what they are trying to sell you. The only things that are important are friends, family, other humans and animals and the earth, organic food, clothing, and shelter, and a decent job.

[Driftwood]

The even bigger scam is you don't even need what they are trying to sell you. The only things that are important are friends, family, other humans and animals and the earth, organic food, clothing, and shelter, and a decent job.

Heh What are you doing on a website dedicated to consumerism then? There's no point in resisting, buy buy buy! That's what the holidays are all about... unfortunately. ;)

But back to the topic at hand, most boxing days sales aren't worth the hassle. Other than cheap cell phones from FS, I can't think of anything that I picked up on a boxing day that was an exceptional deal.

[takumi86]

yeah I tend to agree but haha I have no self control when they want my money ... ! those money suckers. ... neeed to buy something ...

[ericyjh85]

MIR SUCKS period.

[YLSF]

An example is the Samsung 43" DLP. I am pretty sure the 43" model is last years model. So, they probably have a few of these lying around various stores and in their inventory. They probably relocated the items to get a few in each store or bought some more from the supplier to clear out inventory. They are selling for $2000 at FS or BB, I forget which one I saw it in now. But, I am pretty sure you DON'T get a stand. So, the stand alone is $600+ .. they will try to upsell you on their service warranty, etc. Even if you don't buy that but want the stand it will be $2600 for a 43" tv from last year. Well. I think they had a 46" samsung DLP for $2999 a few weeks back with a free stand. So, if you paid the extra $400 you would get an extra 3", better quality light wheel as a result of the new model year, etc...

So.. I guess for some people the older model would be a good deal but sometimes when you look at the alternatives it isn't as "hot" anymore...

Hopefully that discourages people from buying the 43" tv so I can go pick one up ;) Well.. I am just saying, there is a lot to consider when trying to figure out what is a deal or not.

Last year I remember getting a pair of Altec Lansing speakers for a decent price. A week or so later, I found out it was probably only $10 cheaper than the normal price at Compusmart! But at least I got free shipping.

[akito925]

I would tend to agree. Especially when you see most of the electronics sale have a MIR attached. I'm not buying anything with a MIR on boxing day.

I hate all theses mail in rebates..

I'd wouldn't mind the store to take my upc code, and a copy of my recepit, and they send their off mail in rebates, and the store gives me the money that the rebates takes off.. I'd rather have the store handle the rebate.. that would be much better..


I have my eye on that benq dvd-r's 100 spindle.. just to let you know people thoses dvd-r's are junk! lol

this way it discourges people, so it leaves more for me! lol.

[Ch28]

It depends on certain stores. There will be places like Futureshop who jack up their prices and then go on to slap on a discount. The thing with that is their mark up price plus discount will equate to the same price as the regular price before with maybe a little bit of a discount.

Clothing stores have good sales. I just picked up a long sleeved collared shirt at Club Monaco for $15 the other day...regular price of it was $50. That's why there are so many huge lines in the mall because of all the clothing sales. Just do what I do. Walk around the mall a couple days before boxing day and scope out what you want and which store has it. When boxing day comes just go to the stores you need to instead of wasting time in the lines hoping for potentially good sales.

[dealcatcher]

MIR SUCKS period.

TRUE!

[saskwatcher]

MIR SUCKS period.

TRUE!



I agree but I am one of those who actually sends in MIR!!!
So I would like to thank all those people who don't send them in because you are subsidizing me and saving me a tonne of money!!!

But seriously, it is up to you to buy or not buy the product.


Say, isn't this thread wandering off-topic???
----
... only 2 more sleeps until Boxing Day,.... unless you are getting in line at 2 AM, then don't bother sleeping..... :)

"Let the shopping begin!!"

[eelfliw]

Hey, I heard the same thing said on radio this morning! Definitely worth repeating.

I'm amazed that people fall for tthe hype about boxing day sales. It's been many years since boxing day was really a good day to shop. Retailers have learned that many shoppers expect bargains that they think that they are getting a deal whether they are or not. So the retailers just dump their overpriced junk. Sure, they may ber the odd deal, but most boxing days sales are scams. Retailers are much better these days at controlling inventory. The days of really great sales are long gone. You seldom see stores flooded with unsold stuff that they are desperate to move, like you did 10 years ago.

With JIT delivery and computerized inventory control, the days of overstock and panic clearance are over. Boxing day sales are all about hype and scam. While true deals exist for the first few ppl who actually lined up in the cold for 6 hrs, the frustration isn't worth it - esp for a TV or HT system that'll be outdated in 5 yrs. You know what I mean. The $500 DVD player that you lined up to buy at $250 5 years ago has been replaced by a $50 unit.

While there are still true deals to be found on RFD, its little voice is being drowned out by the hype during this time of year.

I can't wait until mid-Jan when RFD returns to normal after all the return/exchange threads are done.

[RnC]

if u would rather waste 3, 4 hours in the line for the discount....im sure everyone has a job, even us students.....we could really make up the discount by spending the same amount of hours working......whats the difference?

[Corel]

Meh, just don't buy anything in the next 2 days and wait until boxing day - just incase.

[vybe232]

MIR SUCKS period.


I agree...such a waste of time..give me a price discount in the store or SHOVE IT! BOOO for MIR

[Jaytee]

I agree its harder and harder to find a good deal on boxing day and smarter shoppers (like RFDers) can find similar deals throughout the year.

But I like boxing day because every store has things on sale. So I can hit up a ton of stores on one day and get some savings instead of waiting for each individual store to have a sale. You just have to know what sale items are a deal and what are items they want you to think are a deal.

Besides, its a holiday, what else you going to do? Sleep? Pfffftt.

[akito925]

futureshop hides their stock I'd watched them do it!

[dinesh_zee]

futureshop hides their stock I'd watched them do it!
but stooples r the experts

[CSR]

I'm amazed that people fall for tthe hype about boxing day sales. It's been many years since boxing day was really a good day to shop. Retailers have learned that many shoppers expect bargains that they think that they are getting a deal whether they are or not. So the retailers just dump their overpriced junk. Sure, they may ber the odd deal, but most boxing days sales are scams. Retailers are much better these days at controlling inventory. The days of really great sales are long gone. You seldom see stores flooded with unsold stuff that they are desperate to move, like you did 10 years ago.

Real shoppers know that the real sales start in early January. That's when stores are really willing to get rid of stuff cheap because people don't buy much in Jan-Feb.

So save your money for a few weeks, you'll do a lot better in 2005.



tahnks for the advice..i'd have to go with u on this one

[TrevorK]

I think for anything you can typically negotiate on (Electronics, etc...) it's not a great deal.

But for some stores that clear out last years inventory that don't typically negotiate (Clothing stores, etc....) have some good deals.


That being said, I rarely buy clothes so Boxing Day doesn't usually do much for me.

[saskwatcher]

But I like boxing day because every store has things on sale. So I can hit up a ton of stores on one day and get some savings instead of waiting for each individual store to have a sale. You just have to know what sale items are a deal and what are items they want you to think are a deal.

Besides, its a holiday, what else you going to do? Sleep? Pfffftt.

It is "tis the season" to spend time with family and friends, and I suppose I could do that .....
:cheesygri
but if they want to shop too, then we can kill 2 birds with 1 stone....
:cheesygri


As for the original thread - "scam or not scam", it is a case of "buyer be aware". If you know what an item is really worth, then you can decide to buy or not buy.

happy bargain hunting, and don't drink too much of the festive 'nog !!!

[Draug]

I just spent a few minutes browsing through Futureshop's site.

It sure looks like a scam to me!

They are claiming you can save $15 on Return of the King (Extended), and still pay $37.99. That means they are saying the regular price is $52.99! Myself, and a everyone else I know (who wanted it) have already bought it for $36 to $40 over the past couple weeks. SCAM!

Same thing goes for the Seinfeld gift set. I am 95% sure I saw it last night at HMV for about $100. Futureshop is saying that you can save $30 and still pay $120. As if the regular price on that is $150! SCAM!

I will tell you this much. You better be previously informed about the items you plan to buy before heading out on Boxing Day. If you arent, you wont save a penny!

[Cisco KId]

So true the thing is not to get to hyped up on BD, there are some deals to be found but there is no way I am dragging my ass out of bed at 6am to get in line fak that!

I see some great deals on DLP and some EDTV plasmas, I figure the real savings are on the larger ticket items that will be replaced by newer models. Thats fine with me if I need a big ticket item.

The second peeve is the lousy MIR rebates that tend to make you reconsider the deal.

Example the Benq dvd rw drive and the LG cdrw, both look great till you see that you gotta shell out the cash and wait for the rebate. To be honest I would rather pay a lower price and skip the rebate although I have never got screwed on a rebate and I have been sent duplicate cheques LOL.

I just wished there were big MIR's on booze over the holidays LOL

Anyuways Merry HOHO, to all and back to HL2, kids are gonna be loving the am!!!

CK

[thedumbkid]

here's another one.
I was thinking about buying Sony DSC-W1 digital camera, but I was also considering Canon S500...

Last night I went to futureshop and asked about both.
Canon S500 was going for $499.99 and it wasn't on sale.
Today I woke up and checked, FS is selling it for $529.99!!! and that's after what they claim $20 in saving!

[eBuddy]

The only things that are important are friends, family, other humans and animals and the earth, organic food, clothing, and shelter, and a decent job.And genetically-enhanced 10-pack KFC for only $8.88, 48 non-rechargeable batteries for only $9.99, :cheesygri
and God. Merry Christmas!

[Headhunter]

I'm amazed that people fall for the hype about boxing day sales. It's been many years since boxing day was really a good day to shop. Retailers have learned that many shoppers expect bargains that they think that they are getting a deal whether they are or not. So the retailers just dump their overpriced junk.
I'd say this is true year-round.

especially for rfder. They already got all cheap stuffs by PM.

;)
Yeah, I just (yes, finally) checked through the FS/BB flyers amongst others, and was a bit disappointed that the deals are lackluster. There aren't any "Holy ****" deals to be had...

I'm going to support my comic store's Boxing Week deals with a thick wad of cash, then call it a holiday...

[smuncky]

I have my eye on that benq dvd-r's 100 spindle.. just to let you know people thoses dvd-r's are junk! lol

this way it discourges people, so it leaves more for me! lol.


i agree with everyone on those horrible MIR...argh :mad:

and watch out, im getting those 100 dvd-rs first!! lol

[moebius]

Yes, the best time of year to buy is mid January. Everyone has overspent during the Christmas and the stores are empty. Aside from deals you can take all the time in the world trying stuff...

Indeed, as one other poster noted, you don't need most of that stuff anyway.

As I just read in one book on marketing. Time is not money as we are being told. Time is life and it's in limited supply. Value your time!

I'll probably just head to comics store and buy me some comics. I might also check out a few bookstores and that's about it.

[Headhunter]

I'll probably just head to comics store and buy me some comics. I might also check out a few bookstores and that's about it.
Which store you headed to?

[Mike71]

I would say some of it is a scam and some of it is not. Like many other people have mentioned if you are prepared and know the actual prices of things before the Boxing Day sale or compare prices at other stores on same merchandis you will do alright. I got about 350 blank DVD's(combination of -R and +R) for about 128$ provided I get my 20$ rebate. I don't think you will find a better deal for quality DVD's like that anytime soon but I could be proved wrong. I also got some other stuff I was planning to buy in the next little while anyways at what I would consider excellent prices. Speakers,HD,Printer so Boxing Day doesn't seem to be such a scam to me right now anyways:)

[CSR]

I just spent a few minutes browsing through Futureshop's site.

It sure looks like a scam to me!

They are claiming you can save $15 on Return of the King (Extended), and still pay $37.99. That means they are saying the regular price is $52.99! Myself, and a everyone else I know (who wanted it) have already bought it for $36 to $40 over the past couple weeks. SCAM!

Same thing goes for the Seinfeld gift set. I am 95% sure I saw it last night at HMV for about $100. Futureshop is saying that you can save $30 and still pay $120. As if the regular price on that is $150! SCAM!

I will tell you this much. You better be previously informed about the items you plan to buy before heading out on Boxing Day. If you arent, you wont save a penny!

Well the MSRP for thE LOTR is 52.xx

[akito925]

So true the thing is not to get to hyped up on BD, there are some deals to be found but there is no way I am dragging my ass out of bed at 6am to get in line fak that!

I see some great deals on DLP and some EDTV plasmas, I figure the real savings are on the larger ticket items that will be replaced by newer models. Thats fine with me if I need a big ticket item.

The second peeve is the lousy MIR rebates that tend to make you reconsider the deal.

Example the Benq dvd rw drive and the LG cdrw, both look great till you see that you gotta shell out the cash and wait for the rebate. To be honest I would rather pay a lower price and skip the rebate although I have never got screwed on a rebate and I have been sent duplicate cheques LOL.

I just wished there were big MIR's on booze over the holidays LOL

Anyuways Merry HOHO, to all and back to HL2, kids are gonna be loving the am!!!

CK

yeah that wuld be grteat! $10 mail in rebates on beer. 24's, plus returen for deposit vaule, plus a mir. lol.

[akito925]

i agree with everyone on those horrible MIR...argh :mad:

and watch out, im getting those 100 dvd-rs first!! lol

not if I'd beat you to it! hahaha

don't buy any they only burn at 4x. loll , buy the maxell's they burn at 8x! lol but for $59.. lol.

leave more for me! yeah! :P

[junglebass]

hehehe
completly agree with this :razz:

theyr just mostly clearing old "crap", proly making a killing too


and well i got 3 year old speakers: logi 560's for a bill cus well i dont think i can get a better sound for a bill