How do you figure?
#11
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,515
When I got to the check out Lady took 30% off each piece again. So I saved 60% off each piece.
THis happened to me too at JoAnn's once. I tried to tell the checker the fabric was marked down at the cutting table but she told me she knew her job, she was the manager and the girl at the cutting table wasn't suppose to do the discount only the cashier. So I let her take off the extra with a smile. The girl at the cutting table was nice and friendly. I thought no need to get her in trouble with this rude boss.
THis happened to me too at JoAnn's once. I tried to tell the checker the fabric was marked down at the cutting table but she told me she knew her job, she was the manager and the girl at the cutting table wasn't suppose to do the discount only the cashier. So I let her take off the extra with a smile. The girl at the cutting table was nice and friendly. I thought no need to get her in trouble with this rude boss.
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Chula Vista CA
Posts: 7,403
I will look if there is a sale for 25% or more off - then do a quick calculation to see if it really is a good deal. Sometimes they have just used the manufactures' suggested retail price and then mark it to their price - thus they want you to think it's on sale but it really isn't. You need to know your prices in order to determine if it's a value or not. And it is true, if I really want something and it's a reasonable price and within my budget - I get it, even if there is no sale.
#14
Power Poster
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
I have also learned that if it is a reasonable price - and I really want it - that it may not be there - if and/or when - it might go on sale.
I just get annoyed at ads that say x% off - without mentioning what the so-called "original" price is.
I just get annoyed at ads that say x% off - without mentioning what the so-called "original" price is.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 2,530
When we were first married, times were tough, and I became the coupon and bargain shopping queen. Prices were extremely important, so the cheaper, the better. As time went on, and things improved, I continued to watch sales, bargain rooms and bottom line pricing. Now, when I'm at a place where I truly don't have to look at prices, I still always look at the bottom cost. A jacked up original price with a 20% discount isn't enough to entice me.
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,183
I mostly look at things and think, does that seem ok to me? I do have limits on what I'm willing to pay and some of them might seem sort of silly, like living here in Washington state, I'm not willing to spend much above a dollar a pound for apples, so I happily let the high end market consumers get the $3.99+ perfect large apples and I get the class 2 versions (off shaped, smaller, leaf marks) for my $1.19.
But I really don't like the model of "fake" prices where they don't expect anyone to buy. It's not only chain fabric stores, but basically all furniture and mattresses and many other things are artificially priced so they can always be on sale.
When you see those ads on tv and hear the "deep discounts and 50%" or more, know that they are still making money. Enough that they can afford those tv ads. Same thing with organizations/charities that can afford tv ads or sending you a "gift" or whatever....
But I really don't like the model of "fake" prices where they don't expect anyone to buy. It's not only chain fabric stores, but basically all furniture and mattresses and many other things are artificially priced so they can always be on sale.
When you see those ads on tv and hear the "deep discounts and 50%" or more, know that they are still making money. Enough that they can afford those tv ads. Same thing with organizations/charities that can afford tv ads or sending you a "gift" or whatever....
#17
Bottom line. 30% gets my attention, but some stores jack up prices to give the discount. I noticed the other day that JA puts expensive fabric ($14-15/yd) with $1 off so that you can't use your 40% off one item!
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Greater Peoria, IL -- just moved!
Posts: 6,183
One of the things you can actually often use the 40-50% off coupons is on the extra wide backings, and they become a pretty good deal at that point!
But yeah, everything is on sale because 25-35% is the real regular price and it prevents you from using the enticement coupons.
But yeah, everything is on sale because 25-35% is the real regular price and it prevents you from using the enticement coupons.
#19
Power Poster
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
If only the % discounts are listed, and you have to calculate the final price, then they are both important!
20% off 1000 = 1000 - 200 = 800
15% off 800 = 800 - 120 = 680
26% off 680 (wait; I need my calculator!) = 680 - 176.80 = 503.20
Why didn't they just say 50% off in the beginning?
20% off 1000 = 1000 - 200 = 800
15% off 800 = 800 - 120 = 680
26% off 680 (wait; I need my calculator!) = 680 - 176.80 = 503.20
Why didn't they just say 50% off in the beginning?
But for practical purposes,one can say approximately 50% .
#20
Power Poster
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
When I got to the check out Lady took 30% off each piece again. So I saved 60% off each piece.
An example: (assuming that this is how the discounts were calculated)
Original piece is $100 (you are buying a backing)
Minus the first 30% discount: $100 * (1 - .30) = $70.00
Minus the second 30% discount: $70 * (1 - .30) = $49.00
That is a 51% discount - not a 60% discount.
I used to think I could add up the discounts and then use that to calculate the final selling price. That does not usually work out.
An example: (assuming that this is how the discounts were calculated)
Original piece is $100 (you are buying a backing)
Minus the first 30% discount: $100 * (1 - .30) = $70.00
Minus the second 30% discount: $70 * (1 - .30) = $49.00
That is a 51% discount - not a 60% discount.
I used to think I could add up the discounts and then use that to calculate the final selling price. That does not usually work out.
Last edited by bearisgray; 11-01-2020 at 11:10 AM.