One of the first lessons we learn in life is that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This morning, I had another opportunity to prove that theory. Virginias Largest Furniture Store advertised a dual reclining leather sofa on sale today only for $495, roughly 2/3 of the regular price. With 48 mo.s interest-free financing, this was too good a deal to pass up. I called them shortly after 9 a.m. to make sure they had the sofa in stock, get the specs, and ensure that if I bought it today that delivery would be available this Saturday. My friendly phone assistant reassured me they could accommodate my requests and said they had plenty. I arrived less than an hour later. The parking lot was sparse. I quickly found a salesperson and announced what i was there to buy. He was unfamiliar with the product at first so he went to find the ad. Oh yes, this has been our most popular model since it went on sale. (Yesterday. It went on sale Yesterday.) He invited me to his computer where we found...surprise...they only had the floor sample in stock, and he isnt allowed to sell it. But...they have 24 on order! Maybe after October 8th, they will be in. Why dont you let me show you something else. Its almost exactly like it ---but we have it in stock...and for only twice the price! Yeah, right. The moral: furniture stores have no morals. They operate on a 400% markup and use bait and switch tactics to ensure they meet their margins. Oh, and theres no such thing as a Sale.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 16:42:41 +0000