Sale Sale Sale!!!... that's all we see as consumers. When you buy something on sale you may not be saving much at all. You're obviously saving money from the "regular price", but who ever pays for the regular price? Here's a few examples of a sale where you really aren't saving much.
1. The "up to" syndrome.
There will be very few appliances sold at the "up to" percentage. Very often these "up to" models are limited in the amount available per store. I went into Sears and they did have all Kenmore appliances on sale, but not all at the 25% stated, hence the "up to". This number is to get you in the door.
2. See details.
You must open up a new credit card from Sears in order to get the extra 15% off. Here's some details.
- "Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the promotional period or if you make a late payment."
- "APR for purchases: Variable 7.24%-27.24% or non-variable 14.00%-29.99% as of 12/5/11. Minimum interest charge: up to $2. An Annual Membership Fee of up to $59 may apply. See card agreement for details."
Even if you pay off the credit card on time every time, you're still going to get hit with an "up to" annual membership fee of $59!! There's no "may apply"... it will apply!! That's probably more than you would have saved on the 15% off. These terms are for 18 months so you're bound to get hit with that annual membership fee at least once unless you're really on top of things.
I find it hilarious that they'll say that the (minumun) least amount possible that they'll charge for interest is "UP TO" $2. So, they'll at least charge you the maximun?
3. Exclusions apply.
You've saved very little and you've just signed up for a credit card that will most likely cost you a lot of money. Now, you want your appliance delivered. Free right?.. Wrong...that will cost you at least an extra $69.99. Sure, you could pick up your new fridge at Sears, haul it inside your house, hook it up... but what about that great deal?
Oh, and P.S.
You'll be charged an extra $10 for Sears to haul away your old appliance. Just click add to cart.
