Comments on: Tip: Compare Those Craftsman “Sale Prices” To The Catalog Before Buying http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/ All tools. All the time. Your source for news, information, and reviews of hand tools, power tools, and tools of all kinds. Fri, 16 May 2008 05:55:32 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.2 by: bobby b http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-247354 Sun, 02 Mar 2008 08:12:27 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-247354 Happens a lot? Well . . . How about "sometimes"? Okay. And it's been my experience that these kinds of things usually happen, not because some greedy junior (or senior) exec somewhere is thinking he can boost margin and get that year-end bonus, but because someone in buying/receiving/distribution screwed up and mismarked something, or didn't check a number that should have been checked. Regular, planned rip-offs are hard work, and require expertise and cunning. Fact is, most huge corporations don't perform on a level sufficient to support devious practice. Happens a lot? Well . . . How about “sometimes”? Okay.

And it’s been my experience that these kinds of things usually happen, not because some greedy junior (or senior) exec somewhere is thinking he can boost margin and get that year-end bonus, but because someone in buying/receiving/distribution screwed up and mismarked something, or didn’t check a number that should have been checked.

Regular, planned rip-offs are hard work, and require expertise and cunning. Fact is, most huge corporations don’t perform on a level sufficient to support devious practice.

]]> by: Old Donn http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-80694 Wed, 20 Jun 2007 21:40:37 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-80694 Anybody who shops Craftsman has 1) picked up a catalog in the store or got one in the mail. And, 2) found out there are better deals in it as well as stuff not available in the store. Besides that, everthing's available on line. Don't see what the big deal is here. Anybody who shops Craftsman has 1) picked up a catalog in the store or got one in the mail. And, 2) found out there are better deals in it as well as stuff not available in the store. Besides that, everthing’s available on line. Don’t see what the big deal is here.

]]> by: Toolmonger » Blog Archive » Reader Question: Who Are Your Favorite Online Vendors? http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76995 Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:25:24 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76995 [...] Stuey, who recently busted Sears here on TM for some questionable “deals,” wrote in with a positive experience and a question: “I’m a bit picky about where I shop online – sometimes it’s about getting the best deal and other times the best service.  A week ago I decided to place an order with Enco after they were recommended to me when I asked around about where to order calipers from.  I was a little unsure about a particular item so I called them up.  A few minutes later I was speaking with two people who quickly and competantly answered all of my questions.  My order arrived today and everything was in brand new and tip top shape.  Check out their “hot deals” catalog; some of the items were a steal!” [...] […] Stuey, who recently busted Sears here on TM for some questionable “deals,” wrote in with a positive experience and a question: “I’m a bit picky about where I shop online – sometimes it’s about getting the best deal and other times the best service.  A week ago I decided to place an order with Enco after they were recommended to me when I asked around about where to order calipers from.  I was a little unsure about a particular item so I called them up.  A few minutes later I was speaking with two people who quickly and competantly answered all of my questions.  My order arrived today and everything was in brand new and tip top shape.  Check out their “hot deals” catalog; some of the items were a steal!” […]

]]> by: John http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76878 Thu, 14 Jun 2007 17:54:49 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76878 I've noticed sale commercials recently with small print: "Regular prices shown may not have resulted in actual sales." English translation: "The regular price is not the price we regularly charge." I’ve noticed sale commercials recently with small print: “Regular prices shown may not have resulted in actual sales.”

English translation: “The regular price is not the price we regularly charge.”

]]> by: Brau http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76620 Thu, 14 Jun 2007 06:07:02 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76620 It is common practice for businesses to raise prices for a certain time then lower them as a "sale". Sears does this too as most people buy on "sale frenzy" and never do any research because essentially they are too lazy to bother. The wise buyer does not get caught up in these scams because they shop around and take *time* before laying out the cash. It is common practice for businesses to raise prices for a certain time then lower them as a “sale”. Sears does this too as most people buy on “sale frenzy” and never do any research because essentially they are too lazy to bother. The wise buyer does not get caught up in these scams because they shop around and take *time* before laying out the cash.

]]> by: Brian http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76584 Thu, 14 Jun 2007 03:41:51 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76584 Sears has been doing this for years. Once a year they publish a tool catalogue and their 'regular' prices are based on this. But the regular prices are never actually the prices the tools sell at, they are ALWAYS on sale. So actually, they are never on sale, right? I once asked a Sears employee about this while I was in the store. He asked me, "Are you from the government?" LOL! Home Depot wins my buck since they really never have 'sales' and their prices are low to begin with. Craftsman tools are good quality but Sears' pricing games force me to shop elsewhere. Sears has been doing this for years. Once a year they publish a tool catalogue and their ‘regular’ prices are based on this. But the regular prices are never actually the prices the tools sell at, they are ALWAYS on sale. So actually, they are never on sale, right?
I once asked a Sears employee about this while I was in the store. He asked me, “Are you from the government?” LOL! Home Depot wins my buck since they really never have ’sales’ and their prices are low to begin with. Craftsman tools are good quality but Sears’ pricing games force me to shop elsewhere.

]]> by: l_bilyk http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76447 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:48:49 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76447 What a rotten thing to do! I never shop at sears What a rotten thing to do! I never shop at sears

]]> by: benjamen http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76410 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:40:38 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76410 I have also noticed that the meaning of Dollar Days in some stores is to round some products up to the next dollar. Don't get me started about how Best buy won't honor their web prices in store. I once told a sales person that X was $X online but $(X+25) in the store. He told me to go home and buy it online then come back to pick it up. I have also noticed that the meaning of Dollar Days in some stores is to round some products up to the next dollar.

Don’t get me started about how Best buy won’t honor their web prices in store. I once told a sales person that X was $X online but $(X+25) in the store. He told me to go home and buy it online then come back to pick it up.

]]> by: Walker http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76382 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 20:46:47 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76382 Most all retailers do this. Carpe Diem. Most all retailers do this. Carpe Diem.

]]> by: Jim http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76355 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 20:00:48 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76355 Unfortunately this sort of stuff seems to happen far to regularly. Two nights ago I was at the local Home Depot and saw they were having their annual clearance sale. Among the items was a Milwaukee router. Somewhat interested I checked the price and saw it was $159, a quick run around the corner to where the rest of the routers were located and I noticed that the same exact Milwaukee router was $139 regularly. I pointed this out to an employee there and they couldn't have cared less. And thus my love hate relationship with HD continues. Sigh... Unfortunately this sort of stuff seems to happen far to regularly. Two nights ago I was at the local Home Depot and saw they were having their annual clearance sale. Among the items was a Milwaukee router. Somewhat interested I checked the price and saw it was $159, a quick run around the corner to where the rest of the routers were located and I noticed that the same exact Milwaukee router was $139 regularly. I pointed this out to an employee there and they couldn’t have cared less. And thus my love hate relationship with HD continues. Sigh…

]]> by: Stuey http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76350 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:42:36 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76350 I'm only down to the 7th "confession", but thanks for the link! Also, it may or may not be worthwhile to mention that Best Buy is in trouble for fraud regarding ordering from a duplicate website that's accessed by customers from within the store. I only mentioned my Sears pricing observation for the benefit of others that might see an item, specifically tool chests and the such, and say "I'll buy it later when it's on sale". If someone sees a chest for $170 and then decides to buy it later when on sale for $135, they might be thinking that they're getting a 20% discount. Don't get me wrong, I still like shopping at Sears, but I just thought that this is a little sneaky on their part even if not entirely intentional. Also sale price discrepancies are not new - Sears is notorious for hiking up appliance prices before major sales. There's a difference here though since this is online/in-store/sale prices vs. catalog prices as opposed to sale price vs. msrp price discrepancies. I’m only down to the 7th “confession”, but thanks for the link!

Also, it may or may not be worthwhile to mention that Best Buy is in trouble for fraud regarding ordering from a duplicate website that’s accessed by customers from within the store.

I only mentioned my Sears pricing observation for the benefit of others that might see an item, specifically tool chests and the such, and say “I’ll buy it later when it’s on sale”. If someone sees a chest for $170 and then decides to buy it later when on sale for $135, they might be thinking that they’re getting a 20% discount.

Don’t get me wrong, I still like shopping at Sears, but I just thought that this is a little sneaky on their part even if not entirely intentional. Also sale price discrepancies are not new - Sears is notorious for hiking up appliance prices before major sales. There’s a difference here though since this is online/in-store/sale prices vs. catalog prices as opposed to sale price vs. msrp price discrepancies.

]]> by: Rick http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76335 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 19:20:15 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76335 That Best Buy story reminded me of many of Circuit City's practices per an ex-employee from the Consumerist site a few days ago: http://tinyurl.com/32toyn That Best Buy story reminded me of many of Circuit City’s practices per an ex-employee from the Consumerist site a few days ago:
http://tinyurl.com/32toyn

]]> by: jeremiah johnson http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76320 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:49:55 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76320 Best Buy tried this on my wife a few days ago. They had a dvd player on sale for $29, but the regular everyday price for that item was 25. When we pointed it out to them they accused us of trying to swindle them - we just wanted what we overpaid. There was a problem when one of the pimple-faces couldn't coax the register into giving money to a customer based on the sale price being more than regular price, so over comes the manager to claim that it can't be done. He was adamant. We left and came back with all of the extended warranty reciepts we'd bought there (over 30) in the past 4 years and at that point they were finally willing to give us our $4 back. Best Buy tried this on my wife a few days ago. They had a dvd player on sale for $29, but the regular everyday price for that item was 25. When we pointed it out to them they accused us of trying to swindle them - we just wanted what we overpaid.

There was a problem when one of the pimple-faces couldn’t coax the register into giving money to a customer based on the sale price being more than regular price, so over comes the manager to claim that it can’t be done. He was adamant.

We left and came back with all of the extended warranty reciepts we’d bought there (over 30) in the past 4 years and at that point they were finally willing to give us our $4 back.

]]> by: Toolaremia http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76307 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:25:32 +0000 http://toolmonger.com/2007/06/13/tip-compare-those-craftsman-sale-prices-to-the-catalog-before-buying/#comment-76307 I totally expect this from Sears. They are a retailer, a public corporation, and not doing great. They also have Marketing-types who's job it is to hype products and make money, truth be damned. Caveat Emptor! Harbor Freight does this too. It's best to hold onto a few of their flyers and when you want to get something, look through all of them to find the one with the best price, then check online too. Local stores will usually honor the best price you find, but certainly will not tell you if you could have had it cheaper. I totally expect this from Sears. They are a retailer, a public corporation, and not doing great. They also have Marketing-types who’s job it is to hype products and make money, truth be damned. Caveat Emptor!

Harbor Freight does this too. It’s best to hold onto a few of their flyers and when you want to get something, look through all of them to find the one with the best price, then check online too. Local stores will usually honor the best price you find, but certainly will not tell you if you could have had it cheaper.

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