When a Bargain is Not a Bargain

Table of Contents

Smart Shopping – Taking Time to Think

We have all been there – suddenly in front of us is that great/shinny/new thing that we have to have and look – it is on SALE – it is a BARGAIN!

Although we have not budgeted for it, frugal living has put us in the enviable position of being able to pay for it with cash.

So what is stopping us? Why are we standing in the aisle thinking and not running towards the checkout till with the item clutched firmly in our hands?

Frugal Thinking – Overcoming Consumer Conditioning

As frugal consumers there may be a number of reasons we are wisely putting on the breaks – not the least of which is our awareness of and resistance to consumer conditioning.

What is consumer conditioning?

It can be a multitude of factors including such things as

  • positioning/wording/graphics on the product’s display,
  • use of the word ‘Sale’ and implied limitations on availability,
  • music and store ambiance,
  • the ads we may have seen about the product,
  • colour and shape of the product,
  • perceived coolness/hipness of the product/brand, and
  • many, other marketing/advertising/conditioning factors.

Simply put, we have received countless marketing and conditioning messages about buying and products that has almost nothing to do with our ‘real need’ for a given product.

Realizing that your desire for the item may have very little to do with the item or your ‘need’ for it – can help to break your consumer programming and enable you to make better, more rational and informed decisions about spending your money – if you take the time to think.

Frugal Shoppers: Beware of ‘Bargains’

One type of ‘consumer conditioning’ that can be especially hard for us frugal types to resist is a ‘bargain’ in the form of a ‘sale’.

We want to make the most of our money – and we realize that there are times we need to act quickly to secure he best price on a particular time. However, just as ‘new’ attracts the early adopter of items – ‘sale’ is designed to attract us frugal types.

Many of us thrive on the challenge of finding the perfect ‘bargain’ but it is important to remember:

“A bargain ain’t a bargain unless it’s something you need.”
–Sidney Carroll

Take the time to think before you buy that ‘bargain’.

Take Your First Step Towards A Debt Free Life

If you are overwhelmed by debt, call us at 1-844-962-9200 to book a FREE, confidential appointment. We will review your financial situation in detail and discuss all of your options with you. Alternatively, you can fill out the form below and our team will reach out to you. 

Share This!

The team at David Sklar and Associates Inc are very professional and are willing to help you get out of debt. Highly recommended.
Melissa MacKenzie
12:35 29 Mar 23
I would like to thank the team at David Sklar and associates inc. for all the time and effort they put in to support this process for me. This topic can be challenging to disclose but a big thank you to Christine for going above and beyond in guiding me through all my options and supporting me through the decisions. I cannot recommend this group enough , as they have shown me compassion , knowledge , and understanding throughout the entire process. I look forward to the next step of this process and learning how the proper way of becoming financially educated through the support of their financial counselling team. For anyone who is struggling , just know that there is a wonderful group of educated professionals at David Sklar who are available to help!
Michelle Plouffe
18:45 14 Mar 23
It took me awhile to get up the courage to contact David Sklar but I’m so glad I did. Trina walked through my options with me and provided the knowledge I needed to make a decision to help turn my financial situation around. She is patient and empathetic and answered any and every question that I had. Trina provided me the reassurance I needed that I was making the best decisions for me and my family. I’m so happy that I reached out and now have a plan to get back on track.
M. Mackenzie
19:59 12 Mar 23
Trina was very helpful and thorough.
Sam M
15:26 12 Mar 23
Christine was very helpful, kind, and understanding. She explained everything thoroughly, answered any questions I had, and was responsive to any concerns I had. 100% would recommend
Katherine Campbell
17:29 08 Mar 23
Jackie Stanley is excellent she took the time to explain everything to me and I am so grateful to her for giving me a fresh financial start so if you have any doubts don’t and go see her if you want to achieve financial freedom!
Heather Helfield
21:24 06 Mar 23
Amazing friendly staff that knows what they are going. They make a difficult situation not so bad. Would give 10 stars if I could.
alie Balan
22:37 25 Feb 23
Very helpful and kind and gave me all the available options before helping me decide which one was best for me. I would definitely recommend Jackie
Alison Rivard
01:01 21 Feb 23
Great experience i was in financial trouble and someone of my friends recommended this company. Cori is a wonderful and welcoming person she did a very good job and came up with a smooth and flexible monthly payment after the reduction. i highly recommend this company. Thank you David sklar and special thanks to Cori.❤️🙏🏻
Jasmine Joseph
22:08 13 Jan 23
Met up with Mr. Jason Sklar to discuss more in person, very thorough and clear. He is very kind and thoughtful, I will be referring anyone with the same situation to David Sklar & Associates.
Ariel Domingo
02:33 29 Dec 22
js_loader
DS david skalr icon

Book your free consultation.

Call 1-844-962-9200 or fill out the form below. We’ll do the rest.

Contact Us