30% is not enough

So, since everything is on sale nowindays I have some advice instead of sales.

The Advice:

Don't settle for 30% off. 30% is NOT enough.

I know everyone gets excited for sales, I do as well. However, the thrill of on sale sometimes overshadows that you just aren't getting that great of a deal.

You should be checking the sections in stores that you know have clearance. The very very back of the store or in jewelry, the special box. These items usually are anywhere from 50-75% off, they are the best deal in store.

To be truthful, in these economic times, 30% is just not enough.

We're learning to hold out for more. Wait for the retailers to get desperate, because they WANT to sell to you. You just have to wait until they're offering the item at something you actually want to pay.

Tools for Great Deals

One of the best tools you have for getting a great deal is your voice.

It sounds strange, but talking to someone about the price you think you should have, and sticking to it or even telling them you'd love to buy the item, just not at that price is how many people get great deals.

Several years ago at Best Buy I bought a lemon computer. For years it plagued me, and when I could finally scrap it out, the people who were working there refused to give me the computer I wanted that ran about 500 dollars less than I had originally paid for the lemon.

I originally had been told by management that I could exchange it for any computer up to the purchase price of the lemon, but when at the store I had to stick to my guns and deal with an hour long conversation of, "I want this, I won't take anything less, I was promised this, " because they decided they could only give me an outdated, exact copy of my computer... that's worth was about 700 dollars.

Well, being me, I didn't want anything like the original. So I stuck to my guns and patiently let them run around while I examined my new computer. In the end I was offered the computer I wanted just to get me out of their hair, AND I was given a copy of windows vista home in case I wanted to switch from the vista that came with the computer.

Now there's a difference between irrational screaming and demanding and patiently stating your case, sticking to your guns and waiting. Practicing the second will get you great prices, practicing the first may land you in jail.

Good luck with the great deals!

The Christmas time is upon us and the sales are free flowing. I would recommend opening a new email address and going to all your favorite stores and getting e-mail updates. Many times they send discounts and coupons.

So for a party I was throwing I decided to drop into Macys on the advice of a friend to look for a new dress.

And I am really really glad I did.

I ended up getting a gorgeous Maggy London silk dress for 30 dollars. It fits like a dream, the color is complimenting, and it was originally priced at 158 dollars. That's 5 times what I paid!

I also needed to go shopping for a friend's birthday. My local Macy's always has a basket filled with small plastic bags full of ultra-clearance jewelry in the jewelry section. There I found a Sterling Silver Onyx cross necklace that was perfect for her.

Originally priced at 80 bucks it was clearance priced at 20 bucks. But after a 50% off discount not labeled on the bag and a 20% discount in store, I got the perfect gift for 8 dollars.


I don't search for sales much and even if the item is a great price I don't usually buy it unless I need it. But knowing where the best area in a store to find sale items is a must.

I also must say that as many people who rave about Online sales, I am one who much prefers to do my shopping in store. I have found that the Ultra-clearance items will not be listed online. These are the jewelry/ designer clothing pieces that though they have nothing wrong with them, they have been removed from their sale counter. Either by discontinuing or simply less space.

So those are my awesome purchases for this week.

I'd encourage you to go scour your local Macy's and see if you can't find a couple greats deals for yourself.

I know you're all wondering how Black Friday went.

I was actually sick. But I did manage to do a little consignment shopping in between Vitamin C shots. I picked up some gorgeous sling-back Ann Klein shoes for 6 dollars and two pairs of Italian pumps for the same.

(Pics will be posted later)