Taking Advantage of Overstocks
How to Get the Best Deals on Overstocks at Your Favorite Stores
Feb 10, 2008
You can buy high-end merchandise at rock bottom prices by searching for overstocks. How to find them and where to get the best deals.
Last year’s fashion, discontinued styles, merchandise imperfections…Whatever you want to call them, overstocks can save you big money. And the best part? No one will know your designer duds are overstocks. And who cares? As long as you get a great deal.
How to Find Overstocks:
- Stop in at Overstock.com. The big "O" definitely has the upper hand when it comes to word-of-mouth. Even if you don’t shop there regularly you’ve probably heard about this mega Internet outlet. But just because you buy there, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a great deal every time you walk through the virtual doors. First of all, don’t press "purchase" unless you get free or one dollar shipping. Their regular shipping charge is $2.95. That’s too much. Get on their e-mail list and watch for special sales even below their lowest prices.
- Check out outlet malls. You’re not necessarily going to get the greatest prices at outlet malls unless you arrive prepared. Learn what regular retail prices are going for to make sure you're really getting a deal. Look for coupons online before you enter the stores and don’t be swayed by "buy two get one free" or "buy four and get two free" deals. You may come away spending a lot more than you planned on and getting a lot less than you’d hoped for. Just because you’re on vacation and near an outlet mall, doesn’t mean you have to spend money there. Look around and compare prices. And if you still think it’s a good deal, you can always call the store and have them ship it to you when you get home.
- Search your favorite brands for outlet alternatives. For Land’s End lovers, the conservative clothing retailer offers an online outlet store that it doesn’t really advertise. For every chic clothing store there is usually an outlet. Saks Fifth Avenue’s discount store is called Off 5th. While Ann Taylor is closing some of its flagship stores, they plan to open 25 more outlet shops across the country. If you like Gucci, Cole Haan and Nicole Miller, but don’t have a designer budget, shop BlueFly for sharp discounts. But know your size in each label before you press "place order." They can vary wildly between designers and you have to pay for shipping returns.
Bottom Line: Know What You’re Buying
- Don’t settle for fake knock-offs.
- Examine the merchandise carefully.
- Only buy from reputable retailers and make sure you know the return policy before you purchase.
The copyright of the article Taking Advantage of Overstocks in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Taking Advantage of Overstocks in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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