Discounts and our psyche!
What is it about sales and discounts which sweeps us off our feet and makes us end up buying the good. Well, I ask you this because every where I glance around, I spot shops where there are combinations of 'Buy 1, get 2 Free'; 'Take Jimmy Choos for much lesser', 'Buy a fab dress for half its cost' and more flashing its way into our heads. Quite obviously, the twinkle in our eye is inarguably brighter. We get drawn towards the shop and once the good is in our hands, there's a definite sense of achievement. Small or big, is a big question.
But how is it that even adults with great thinking capacity get conned into impulsive buying. These string of thoughts started when a handsome hunk and my sweetheart ended up travelling a long distance to check out a property which was offered at 20 per cent discount. Yes! he had been looking for a neat deal in real estate for sometime and nothing much seemed to have clicked. But one fine morning, since most others in his professional coterie showed interest in the estate beyond the city's' municipality, he was quasi-convinced that the estate was truly desirable. And when he was offered a cost which was arguably 20 per cent lesser than usual times, he fell for the 'plot'. And in his mind, he instantly sealed the deal. A drive down later. One look at the estate, and a payment cheque was signed and handed over to the agent. Today, he can say, he's a part owner of something that he always yearned for. But was this the best deal he could've got? Think, he wouldn't be able to tell but the 'Discount' bit worked big time.
Now to the most coveted brand of shoes and accessories — Jimmy Choo too bent backwards to make itself more appealing to the younger experimentative lot. Jimmy uncle bribed singer Madonna into making a public claim that she found sporting that brand's shoes more satisfying than having sex with a man. And then advertisements of the brand offered at costs as little as 4 - 5 K started doing the rounds. The trick clicked. Most fashionistas jumped to the offer and now clearly seem more satisfied with the fit. Was this the best deal for their feet. They couldn't tell but they sure fell for it.
And so, this festive season, its Christmas time and while most people (of religions other than Christianity) do not observe the essence behind the festival, they religiously follow the spirit behind it of buying and gifting. Not to be spared, I too dashed to the nearest store to buy a pair of jeans in a jiffy in an impulsive manner on a day I was working late. The pair of jeans came at a cost I wouldn't have naturally bought it for my use but did so for my friend. There wasn't a discount but the spirit of gifting hastened my act.
For now, take a short break. Inhale the fresh air, take a deep breath and whisk a quick look around on the streets. You are sure to find the most affordable export surplus garments offered at little costs in small make-shift shops across the road. Pick a pair of shorts, a scarf, and a tee and make your day with some inviting retail therapy. And when you are a bit hungry, stop by at the low-cost open sandwich shop, treat yourself to a bite and offer one to the beggar girl staring at your clothes. Perch side-by-side, munch and gulp down the juice. Once done, take back the smile that the needy child would flash when she's done with the gifted sandwich. Perhaps, this time you wouldn't mind the 'no discount' tag. But the feeling would be priceless.
What is it about sales and discounts which sweeps us off our feet and makes us end up buying the good. Well, I ask you this because every where I glance around, I spot shops where there are combinations of 'Buy 1, get 2 Free'; 'Take Jimmy Choos for much lesser', 'Buy a fab dress for half its cost' and more flashing its way into our heads. Quite obviously, the twinkle in our eye is inarguably brighter. We get drawn towards the shop and once the good is in our hands, there's a definite sense of achievement. Small or big, is a big question.
But how is it that even adults with great thinking capacity get conned into impulsive buying. These string of thoughts started when a handsome hunk and my sweetheart ended up travelling a long distance to check out a property which was offered at 20 per cent discount. Yes! he had been looking for a neat deal in real estate for sometime and nothing much seemed to have clicked. But one fine morning, since most others in his professional coterie showed interest in the estate beyond the city's' municipality, he was quasi-convinced that the estate was truly desirable. And when he was offered a cost which was arguably 20 per cent lesser than usual times, he fell for the 'plot'. And in his mind, he instantly sealed the deal. A drive down later. One look at the estate, and a payment cheque was signed and handed over to the agent. Today, he can say, he's a part owner of something that he always yearned for. But was this the best deal he could've got? Think, he wouldn't be able to tell but the 'Discount' bit worked big time.
Now to the most coveted brand of shoes and accessories — Jimmy Choo too bent backwards to make itself more appealing to the younger experimentative lot. Jimmy uncle bribed singer Madonna into making a public claim that she found sporting that brand's shoes more satisfying than having sex with a man. And then advertisements of the brand offered at costs as little as 4 - 5 K started doing the rounds. The trick clicked. Most fashionistas jumped to the offer and now clearly seem more satisfied with the fit. Was this the best deal for their feet. They couldn't tell but they sure fell for it.
And so, this festive season, its Christmas time and while most people (of religions other than Christianity) do not observe the essence behind the festival, they religiously follow the spirit behind it of buying and gifting. Not to be spared, I too dashed to the nearest store to buy a pair of jeans in a jiffy in an impulsive manner on a day I was working late. The pair of jeans came at a cost I wouldn't have naturally bought it for my use but did so for my friend. There wasn't a discount but the spirit of gifting hastened my act.
For now, take a short break. Inhale the fresh air, take a deep breath and whisk a quick look around on the streets. You are sure to find the most affordable export surplus garments offered at little costs in small make-shift shops across the road. Pick a pair of shorts, a scarf, and a tee and make your day with some inviting retail therapy. And when you are a bit hungry, stop by at the low-cost open sandwich shop, treat yourself to a bite and offer one to the beggar girl staring at your clothes. Perch side-by-side, munch and gulp down the juice. Once done, take back the smile that the needy child would flash when she's done with the gifted sandwich. Perhaps, this time you wouldn't mind the 'no discount' tag. But the feeling would be priceless.
Girl with the blue scarf says: To me Christmas is the festival of hope, even if it means doing the smallest little deeds, at least I do it straight from my heart and no Jimmy Choos can substitute that bill. What do you say...
Comments
To choose between the devil or the deep blue sea??? I firmly feel the best thing to do is keep aside all the money that you save at Sales. And at the end of the year, splurge on something U really really want. It makes sense.
ask eve, when she tempted adam with the apple...
we r all humans .. and all prone to temptations.. and yes a chance of a good deal does excite..