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Non-Tulsa Discussions => Chat and Advice => Topic started by: inteller on January 26, 2009, 10:02:51 AM

Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: inteller on January 26, 2009, 10:02:51 AM
Not surprised really....

http://www.kjrh.com/content/news/franchises/dwym/story/Circuit-City-Closing-Sale-Undercover-Investigation/Dd7Xe20qJUec0osLHi92rA.cspx


Maybe every store should "liquidate" and bring in all the idiots who think they are getting a deal.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: TURobY on January 26, 2009, 10:28:52 AM
The best is to usually wait for a couple of weeks. I got some really great deals on some notebook supplies and computer parts from CompUSA when they went out of business.

However, there were a few things I was waiting for to come down even futher, but someone sniped them out from under me. [:O]
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: sgrizzle on January 26, 2009, 10:32:00 AM
So they went deep undercover to discover things every shopper should already know and understand? The sign says "UP TO 30% off" which means that some old pile of crap is 30% off and everything else is 10-20%. Also, When they begin a closeout, they use the markdowns off full retail price and with major consumer electronics stores, items rarely spend much time at full retail price.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: TeeDub on January 26, 2009, 10:56:46 AM

You mean you should check out the prices for what you buy and not just assume that 10% off means you are getting the best deal?

Wow, with news like this how can we ever lose?

How long until they remind me not to send my banking information to strangers in Nigeria?
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: cannon_fodder on January 26, 2009, 11:04:35 AM
Also deep enough undercover to do what the Washington Times has already published (quoted in the article).

Also the story was already done by:

The Mercury News (Silicone Valley):
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11549464

The Portland Press:
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=235085&ac=PHnws

MSNBC:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28819924/

LA Times:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-liquidation20-2009jan20,0,2708883.story

And CNN:
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200901161353DOWJONESDJONLINE000813_FORTUNE5.htm

All within the last week or so.  And that's just to name a few.

The fact that it was stylized as an "Undercover Investigation" is a bit insulting.  The story had already been out there on other major news outlets, and you took your camera in and documented it for TV news.  Kudos on doing more than just reporting other peoples stories, but don't pretend like this is your story.

This just in!   cannon_fodder news has conducted extensive meteorological studies and concluded that we will have winter weather later today.  Expect a full investigative report tonight at 9.

Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: T Badd on January 26, 2009, 11:08:22 AM
This has been discussed in depth on Consumerist lately. Some of the stories of the "liquidation sale" tricks are truly maddening.

http://consumerist.com/search/circuit+city/bydate/?timerange=all

I didn't shop at CC before they filed for bankruptcy, and I certainly won't try to take advantage of their "deals" they're offering as they fade away into obscurity.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: Hoss on January 26, 2009, 11:22:55 AM
quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by TURobY

The best is to usually wait for a couple of weeks. I got some really great deals on some notebook supplies and computer parts from CompUSA when they went out of business.

However, there were a few things I was waiting for to come down even futher, but someone sniped them out from under me. [:O]



there wasn't jack **** left at Compusa when prices got down to where they should have been.  There won't be anything else at CC left either.  All the rubes come in and snatch the stuff up.



+1 for the use of the word 'rube' in a forum post.

[:D]
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: grahambino on January 26, 2009, 11:26:22 AM
yeah went by on Saturday.  The store on 41st was packed, but they apparently don't want to liquidate much inventory.  10% off?  weak.

Though 30% off my copy of "Earnest goes to the Podiatrist" was a good deal.




Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: TURobY on January 26, 2009, 11:34:04 AM
quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by TURobY

The best is to usually wait for a couple of weeks. I got some really great deals on some notebook supplies and computer parts from CompUSA when they went out of business.

However, there were a few things I was waiting for to come down even futher, but someone sniped them out from under me. [:O]



there wasn't jack **** left at Compusa when prices got down to where they should have been.  There won't be anything else at CC left either.  All the rubes come in and snatch the stuff up.



I and my $15 notebook bag, which was selling for around $60 at competitors, would proudly disagree. But, that was probably more luck than anything else, as I'm sure that notebook bags aren't "hot" commodities. Everything else I got were supplies that I needed, which just happened to be $5-10 cheaper than competitors.

The key is to know for what price things sell elsewhere, and then check out the store to see if the liquidation price beats it. Simple as that.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: sgrizzle on January 26, 2009, 11:38:37 AM
quote:
Originally posted by grahambino

yeah went by on Saturday.  The store on 41st was packed, but they apparently don't want to liquidate much inventory.  10% off?  weak.

Though 30% off my copy of "Earnest goes to the Podiatrist" was a good deal.








Was that the hd-dvd version?
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: sauerkraut on January 26, 2009, 12:02:36 PM
Yeah this is nothing new, closeouts are no bargan no matter what the store. The last few days they have deep discounts but everything good is sold. I never did buy much at places like "Circuit City" & "Best Buy" the items are not really cheap and returns are always a hassle and a fight plus they tack on a 15 percent restocking fee on returned stuff. I find it much more easy to buy at stores like Wal-Mart where the price is low and refunds are easy no questions asked and no re-stocking fees.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: patric on January 26, 2009, 12:41:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder

the story was already done by:

The Mercury News (Silicone Valley):
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11549464

The Portland Press:
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=235085&ac=PHnws

MSNBC:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28819924/

LA Times:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-liquidation20-2009jan20,0,2708883.story

And CNN:
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200901161353DOWJONESDJONLINE000813_FORTUNE5.htm




Add this one, from Dec. 13, "Beware of Liquidation Sales"
http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Beware-of-Liquidation-Sales/zEyi4O7LMUiTaMs-YbpJOg.cspx?rss=77
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: TheTed on January 26, 2009, 02:02:19 PM
They really know how to grab viewers: Bring us stuff we read on the internet a week ago.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: Conan71 on January 26, 2009, 02:17:31 PM
Hail sales at car dealerships are usually a rip-off as well.

Buyers get false confidence that they are getting a great deal.  In reality, the dealer winds up selling the car for about the same as you'd buy an undamaged one for, plus the dealer gets to keep the insurance claim on each vehicle.

Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: Hawkins on January 26, 2009, 04:06:34 PM
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Also deep enough undercover to do what the Washington Times has already published (quoted in the article).

Also the story was already done by:

The Mercury News (Silicone Valley):
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_11549464

The Portland Press:
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=235085&ac=PHnws

MSNBC:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28819924/

LA Times:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-liquidation20-2009jan20,0,2708883.story

And CNN:
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200901161353DOWJONESDJONLINE000813_FORTUNE5.htm

All within the last week or so.  And that's just to name a few.

The fact that it was stylized as an "Undercover Investigation" is a bit insulting.  The story had already been out there on other major news outlets, and you took your camera in and documented it for TV news.  Kudos on doing more than just reporting other peoples stories, but don't pretend like this is your story.

This just in!   cannon_fodder news has conducted extensive meteorological studies and concluded that we will have winter weather later today.  Expect a full investigative report tonight at 9.





People are sheep.

--
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: sgrizzle on January 26, 2009, 05:38:58 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Hawkins


People are sheep.

--



However, if you are ever facing charges for criminal sexual behavior, sheep do not count as people.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: nathanm on January 26, 2009, 06:19:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by TURobY

quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by TURobY

The best is to usually wait for a couple of weeks. I got some really great deals on some notebook supplies and computer parts from CompUSA when they went out of business.

However, there were a few things I was waiting for to come down even futher, but someone sniped them out from under me. [:O]



there wasn't jack **** left at Compusa when prices got down to where they should have been.  There won't be anything else at CC left either.  All the rubes come in and snatch the stuff up.



I and my $15 notebook bag, which was selling for around $60 at competitors, would proudly disagree. But, that was probably more luck than anything else, as I'm sure that notebook bags aren't "hot" commodities. Everything else I got were supplies that I needed, which just happened to be $5-10 cheaper than competitors.


I had the same experience, although with a laptop backpack selling for $25 instead of $100.

It's still a nice bag. They still had a bunch of stuff when I was there, too, but most of it wasn't a particularly good deal. The TVs were priced about where they should have been for any b&m retailer with a return policy. The Nokia N810 was still only a few bucks off, and this was after a month.

I haven't been to Circuit City.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: Hawkins on January 26, 2009, 07:58:06 PM
Circuit City will not be missed.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: Conan71 on January 26, 2009, 08:42:13 PM
Funny, if you just scan posts sometimes how things read:

(grizzle)

However, if you are ever facing charges for criminal sexual behavior, sheep do not count as people.

(nathanm)

I had the same experience...It's still a nice bag. They still had a bunch of stuff when I was there, too, but most of it wasn't a particularly good deal...was still only a few bucks off...
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: nathanm on January 26, 2009, 10:14:47 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71

Funny, if you just scan posts sometimes how things read:

(grizzle)

However, if you are ever facing charges for criminal sexual behavior, sheep do not count as people.

(nathanm)

I had the same experience...It's still a nice bag. They still had a bunch of stuff when I was there, too, but most of it wasn't a particularly good deal...was still only a few bucks off...



LOL. Just to be clear, I did not have sexual relations with that sheep...

I'm from Arkansas, where we much prefer cows! [:D]
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: DolfanBob on January 27, 2009, 11:29:06 AM
10% off in states that have no sales tax might be worth dealing with, But here in the great state of Taxlahoma its not worth my time.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: sauerkraut on January 27, 2009, 03:11:55 PM
quote:
Originally posted by nathanm

quote:
Originally posted by TURobY

quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by TURobY

The best is to usually wait for a couple of weeks. I got some really great deals on some notebook supplies and computer parts from CompUSA when they went out of business.

However, there were a few things I was waiting for to come down even futher, but someone sniped them out from under me. [:O]



there wasn't jack **** left at Compusa when prices got down to where they should have been.  There won't be anything else at CC left either.  All the rubes come in and snatch the stuff up.



I and my $15 notebook bag, which was selling for around $60 at competitors, would proudly disagree. But, that was probably more luck than anything else, as I'm sure that notebook bags aren't "hot" commodities. Everything else I got were supplies that I needed, which just happened to be $5-10 cheaper than competitors.


I had the same experience, although with a laptop backpack selling for $25 instead of $100.

It's still a nice bag. They still had a bunch of stuff when I was there, too, but most of it wasn't a particularly good deal. The TVs were priced about where they should have been for any b&m retailer with a return policy. The Nokia N810 was still only a few bucks off, and this was after a month.

I haven't been to Circuit City.

Indeed, also if it's not much of a discount, you'll do better to buy the item elsewhere because at closeouts there is No Returns. If the item is the same price at another store buy it there- if something is wrong with it you can return it, if the closeout item is really discounted deep then it's another story.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: sauerkraut on January 27, 2009, 03:15:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Hawkins

Circuit City will not be missed.

Best Buy may be doing the same thing very soon, they layed off 4,000 people last month at the headquarters and are losing money. Circuit City & Best Buy never were very cheap and they always wanted you by the extended waranity.[xx(]
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: dbacks fan on January 27, 2009, 04:59:04 PM
quote:
Originally posted by inteller

quote:
Originally posted by sauerkraut

quote:
Originally posted by Hawkins

Circuit City will not be missed.

Best Buy may be doing the same thing very soon, they layed off 4,000 people last month at the headquarters and are losing money. Circuit City & Best Buy never were very cheap and they always wanted you by the extended waranity.[xx(]



no, as long as there are idiots that will buy electronics retail (and there are a LOT) there will be a best buy or something like them.



Best Buy's (//%22http://www.cnbc.com/id/28880644/site/14081545/for/cnbc/%22) official statement.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: joiei on January 27, 2009, 08:45:04 PM
Some information about the Circuit City Liquidation sale from Deal news (//%22http://dealnews.com/features/Inside-Circuit-Citys-Liquidation-Sale/276019.html%22).  It looks like this isn't the best sale of the year for electronics.  
quote:
Contrary to popular belief, most liquidation sales generally increase rather than decrease store prices. In fact, most of the times the vendors aren't even in charge of their own going-out-of-business sales. Instead, liquidators buy the merchant's stock, reset the prices to MSRP, and then begin slashing prices. It's been a week since Circuit City's liquidation sale started and we were wondering what kind of prices we'd find in-store, so we went to the Union Square Circuit City in New York City to find out what kind of deals, if any, we'd find.
quote:
As expected, Circuit City's liquidation sale was atrocious. Even though the store had a Black Friday vibe, there were no sales to be found. But we were surprised to find that the stores beating Circuit City aren't just online-only stores like Amazon and Buy.com. Even Toys "R" Us and Sears undercut Circuit City. It bears repeating: Liquidation sales aren't synonymous with discounts, and consumers should remember that as more merchants file for bankruptcy.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: Michael71 on January 28, 2009, 12:25:05 PM
They are competitive on major purchases...but that's all.  If you go to BestBuy to look for a cable, headphones, accessories, etc...it's a ripoff!!!

I never understood how people can pay $60 for a cable that would cost $10 somewhere else.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: sauerkraut on January 30, 2009, 09:16:09 AM
quote:
Originally posted by MichaelWayne_71

They are competitive on major purchases...but that's all.  If you go to BestBuy to look for a cable, headphones, accessories, etc...it's a ripoff!!!

I never understood how people can pay $60 for a cable that would cost $10 somewhere else.

Best Buy has got very expensive on the DVD prices. Five or six years ago they did have some low or good prices for DVD's not anymore, and prices for TV shows on DVD are $40.00 & up at Best Buy. I rarely buy anything there, and like I pointed out any returns to the store are a big hassle. If you look close you can find some things that are good buys and  sale items can be cheap- but you have to know your prices, because that item could still be cheaper elsewhere or the same price and you break even.[B)]
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: nathanm on January 30, 2009, 12:28:11 PM
quote:
Originally posted by MichaelWayne_71


I never understood how people can pay $60 for a cable that would cost $10 somewhere else.


More like $5 if you buy it online. ;)
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: BierGarten on February 02, 2009, 02:01:19 PM
I have three high definition televisions in my house, all bought online for major savings, so I thought.  

The next television I buy will be from a brick and mortar such as BB.  Two of the three televisions have had issues (one just flat out doesn't work anymore).  Servicing, replacing, warranty work, etc... would be much easier if I had just bought them locally at a store.  I buy almost everything online but I am not going to buy big electronic purchases online any longer.  The extra cost at a local store is now worth it to me in this one instance.
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: sauerkraut on February 03, 2009, 09:16:41 AM
Those flat screen HDTV's are still full of bugs, and I heard stories where the  picture burns out after a few years. They say it's got much better since the first early sets were sold. But trouble happens more than it should they are very complex units..  I just bought a 20" RCA (CRT) TV from Wal-Mart for only $138.00 and it works good. The picture is clear and it gets digital, but it's not HD, however for me it's clear enough it's a SDTV as they call it, but it's very clear. It runs on analog & digital signals and it will last a long time it's got an old fashioned picture tube that is time tested...
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: Townsend on February 03, 2009, 12:28:01 PM
quote:
Originally posted by sauerkraut

Those flat screen HDTV's are still full of bugs, and I heard stories  from the voices in my head where the  picture burns out after a few years.


there you go
Title: Circuit City rip off
Post by: Hoss on February 03, 2009, 12:50:12 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Townsend

quote:
Originally posted by sauerkraut

Those flat screen HDTV's are still full of bugs, and I heard stories  from the voices in my head where the  picture burns out after a few years.


there you go



^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[}:)]