Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

Ideeli… A Bad Business

Couple of years ago I was really hyped about these online Flash/ Sample Sales. With dozens opening up, competition steep and the supply chain being tight, quite a few have slipped away.

I have continued shop several of them knowing that often the stated retail is a bit higher than I should be and that the discounts were not always as low as ‘walk in” sample sales.

Buyer Beware

I do get 100’s of emails everyday. I sign up for a multitude of e-newsletters, retail and manufacturer sites, industry, business and other sites to gain valuable info or find out about a cool deal.

These last couple of years, dozens of “Deal “ sites have emerged.

Researching Matters

On days when I have to do research, I have learned how to dig for information without letting on what I am doing.

I tend to look around a boutique, warehouse or store for a bit, checking out product and pricing. If I like what I see or if I am on the fence about how good this spot is, I then strike up a conversation by asking a question of the sales clerk, manager or if I’m lucky… the owner.

Drawbacks of Online Shopping

Since I have been sick this last week with a virus/ flu thing I have had to resort to finishing some of my Holiday Shopping online. I haven’t been up to shopping my favorite local Sample and Warehouse sales. That is such a drag! Especially when this is the best time of year for these sales.

Ebay Ripoff

I hate getting taken. I hate it even more when I fall for the “super low price” without questioning why it’s priced so low. There is always a reason for it. I know better and fell for it anyway.

Juniper Credit Cards Suck

I hate Juniper/ Barclay credit card companies… Especially Juniper

We used our credit cards when we moved to our new home this last winter racking up a few thousand dollars in a couple of months. One card company, Juniper raised my interest rate to 33% when I was late on a payment in March. That really ticked me off.

Sunday’s Shenanigans

This last weekend, we all headed to the Rose Bowl Flea Market. Unlike other visits, I wasn’t as thrilled with the vendors or prices this go round.

Has the word “recession” not been passed around here?

Top Ten “No No’s” for Discount Retailers

Discount retailers buy differently and sell differently than regular retailers, sometimes reverting to tacky ploy’s to draw in more shoppers. What discount retailers should know is bargain shoppers are also a different breed of shopper, often put off by certain marketing ploys….

Lamp Quest

During our re-design of our home I wanted to brighten up our dining room with new lamp shades. I was able to find a bunch of cream silk chandelier shades at Lowe’s at Lamps Plus for $3-$6. But a pair of table lamp shades proved harder to do.

After shopping through dozens of websites and stores I finally decided I should look into either re-covering them or using different shaped shades all together.

How Charter Cable Messed Up and T- Mobil Saved the Day

Setting up a new home isn’t easy. Especially if you run a business out of your home.
Our internet server in both locations is Charter Cable.  We ordered new service at the new house to start on the 11th and keep our old connection open through the end of January at our old house. Essentially two accounts open at the same time for a two week period.