Three signs of a bad sale

The three signs it’s a bad sale

“There’s a reason why it’s on sale.” How many times have we all heard that one?  Look, not all sales are bad.  Most affordable retailers mark their stuff up 20% as soon as it hits the floor.  So shopping smart requires patience, timing, and hitting sales at precisely the right time to score the best deal.

But some sales are just plain hopeless.  Like the current Banana Republic 40% off sale.  This thing is saddled with not one, but two of the three major signs it’s a bad one.  Sometimes a sale can get by with one of these knocks against it.  But if more than one of these applies?  Don’t expect much.  Here they are…

#1 The Dreaded: Select Items Only* / Save up to*

Both are misdirections.  Select Items Only can be okay if it’s the end of the season and it’s quality overstock.  But if it’s just a random pile of crap they can’t seem to get rid of?  Just dump it on the clearance rack and don’t draw unnecessary attention to it.  Save up to is used-car lot skeezy.  You could have one t-shirt that’s marked 40% off and the rest is 10% off.  First three items I looked at in the BR sale?   20%, 15%, and 25% off.  Not quite 40%.

#2 Ridiculous size limitations*

If the first two items you try and purchase are only available in XXL?  You’re probably screwed.  It’s bad enough when there’s only a few scattered sizes.  But when the most popular items are limited to behemoth or lilliputian proportions?  That’s just plain annoying.  Example:  Banana Republic’s current price of $14.99 for their Straight Fit Gavin Chino.  A hell of a deal if you’re a 42 or 44 waist.  Otherwise, get lost.

#3 The word “FINAL” is invoked

Final Sale.  Translation: No returns, no exchanges, nothing.  Kinda implies that even the store is sick of seeing this crap, doesn’t it?  Once you hit “purchase” it’s like taking your finger off the chess piece.  The move is complete.  Even if it shows up and you hate it.  J. Crew and Gilt are notorious for these.  The greater risk does sometimes lead to greater rewards.  But if it shows up and you hate it, your only option is Ebay.

*The 40% off B.R. sale falls victim to the first two.  You can return stuff, but what is there really to buy?  You best bet is probably saving $10 on their silk/cotton/cashmere v-neck.  But hurry, sizes appear to be limited.

Got any other signs of a bad sale?  Leave them in the comments section below…