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Ever feel bad about not paying full-retail?

gladhands

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I have a best-kept-secret store where I score fantastic deals on shirts, and the occasional jacket. Their clothes fit me incredibly well OTR, which is rare because of my freakishly long limbs. I probably buy something there at least once or twice a month. Only twice, has there ever been another customer in the store. I don't think they do a lot of business, which is why so much of their stock goes on clearance. Everything I've ever purchased there has been 40-to-90 % off. I don't even look at their non-sale racks.

Sometimes, I feel that I should buy something at full-price to "support the business". It hasn't happened yet, but I do feel a slight twinge of guilt.
 

Kenneth Cole Haan

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Originally Posted by gladhands
I have a best-kept-secret store where I score fantastic deals on shirts, and the occasional jacket. Their clothes fit me incredibly well OTR, which is rare because of my freakishly long limbs. I probably buy something there at least once or twice a month. Only twice, has there ever been another customer in the store. I don't think they do a lot of business, which is why so much of their stock goes on clearance. Everything I've ever purchased there has been 40-to-90 % off. I don't even look at their non-sale racks.

Sometimes, I feel that I should buy something at full-price to "support the business". It hasn't happened yet, but I do feel a slight twinge of guilt.



No because it's a free market, if they didn't want to sell it, they wouldn't have discounted it. Why don't they order less from their wholesaler?

And have you seen retail prices? Ralph Lauren's latest fashion attempt, RLX "Translucer" jacket is basically clear plastic windbreaker for $300 or so. (This ain't hand knit cashmere!) (Note: it is still awesome and I might buy one but not at retail)

And how can you possibly believe you are the only other customer the store has? Could they be that pathetic in marketing themselves?

Wow you really DO keep it a secret. They could at least put up a sign outside.
 

acecow

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I doubt they are losing money during their sales. Just not making as much. I wouldn't worry too much...
 

patrickBOOTH

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Originally Posted by Kenneth Cole Haan
No because it's a free market, if they didn't want to sell it, they wouldn't have discounted it. Why don't they order less from their wholesaler?

And have you seen retail prices? Ralph Lauren's "new" RLX "Translucer" jacket is basically clear plastic windbreaker for $300 or so. (This ain't hand knit cashmere!)

And how can you possibly believe you are the only other customer the store has? Could they be that pathetic in marketing themselves?

Wow you really DO keep it a secret. They could at least put up a sign outside.


You should add Allen-Edmonds to your avatar.
 

TC (Houston)

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Originally Posted by gladhands
I have a best-kept-secret store where I score fantastic deals on shirts, and the occasional jacket. Their clothes fit me incredibly well OTR, which is rare because of my freakishly long limbs. I probably buy something there at least once or twice a month. Only twice, has there ever been another customer in the store. I don't think they do a lot of business, which is why so much of their stock goes on clearance. Everything I've ever purchased there has been 40-to-90 % off. I don't even look at their non-sale racks.

Sometimes, I feel that I should buy something at full-price to "support the business". It hasn't happened yet, but I do feel a slight twinge of guilt.



The best way you can support their business is by helping them generate more customers. Tell the people you refer to mention that you sent them. The owners will greatly appreciate it.
 

Wayward

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I agree that all parties involved already have done a mark-up on the item, and that short of human error, no one is going to be losing money. At worst, they'll sell things at cost just to get rid of them. Sure there may be other things to consider if that's the case (like freight I suppose) but businesses are out to earn money. They are not a charity.

Seriously, it must be more than 5, if not 10 years, when I paid full price for a piece of clothing.
 

Threadbearer

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Originally Posted by gladhands
Ever feel bad about not paying full-retail?
No, but I often feel bad because a store sold out of my size while I was waiting for an item to go on sale. That's kind of the opposite problem, I guess.

Originally Posted by TC (Houston)
The best way you can support their business is by helping them generate more customers.
+1
gladhands, it is self-contradictory to say that you want to "support the business" while at the same time keeping the place your "best-kept secret." Shop the hell out of their sales and sing their praises far and wide. Otherwise you're going to lose them.
 

gladhands

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Originally Posted by Threadbearer
gladhands, it is self-contradictory to say that you want to "support the business" while at the same time keeping the place your "best-kept secret." Shop the hell out of their sales and sing their praises far and wide. Otherwise you're going to lose them.


I see the obvious contradiction., but I'm conflicted. Their lack of popularity increases their clearance stock.
 

cbarr

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No.

But I do feel different about purchases made at full price.

The clearance stuff is the least loved and the first to go. The 'suck it up and pay retail' stuff gets more love.
 

Prince of Paisley

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Never feel bad - though as another poster alluded to, I expect more from stuff I pay full retail for. E.g. I'd have no hesitation returning the item if there was a slight flaw, even if I think I could live with it, whereas the same flaw on something I got at deep discount I wouldn't worry about as much.
 

Threadbearer

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Originally Posted by gladhands
I see the obvious contradiction., but I'm conflicted. Their lack of popularity increases their clearance stock.
Think about the long-term, my friend, and support that store. The whole national economy is counting on you.

Say! Why don't you grant yourself a cathartic moment and post the shop's name and address right here? Come on -- you'll feel better.
 

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