I've heard all the good things about boxing day, but so far I've only been disappointed every time I go out to find bargins on boxing day (or even online).
Was boxing day ever good? or am I just spoiled by all the good deals found on OZB throughout the years…
I find End of Financial Year clearance (May-June) more lucrative than boxing day sales.
while in adelaide, few of biggest shopping centres were open from 11am-5pm >_<''
Because our perception of a bargain has now changed from this website. My only good buy was a 60" Sony TV last year for $1k
I'd agree with this…from here I've come to associate a "bargain" as must be a substantial discount (40% and above), must be based on a comparison with the overseas price as well (ie no "Australia tax" prices considered as being a correct base price) and must have an attainable number of items on sale.
Any sale of this type 11AM blah blah items 12 noon another set of items etc etc is almost certainly verging on click bait, as is "click frenzy".
Items always stocked at a single seller basically indicates " no possibility that a competitive market place" exists in reality.
A sale on a previous generation model is not a sale without a huge markdown, my money is not at your beck and call to clear your inventory problems.
A closing down sale is not such without a huge markdown, my money is not at your beck and call to clear your inventory problems.
…a substantial discount (40% and above), must be based on a comparison with the overseas price
The "substantial discount" is often based on the store telling you that and using a number to make it look that way. The overseas comparison doesn't make sense given that exchange rates vary independently of retail prices.
I didn't think it was necessary to add "a genuine" to every point, you are correct but to me it looks like the op was addressing seasoned Ozbargainers so replied in that vein.
"The overseas comparison doesn't make sense given that exchange rates vary independently of retail prices." Not sure what the point is here, we're looking at spot specials on the day so to speak (the op was posting re a single day, Boxing Day), the exchange rate is a moving value but that's over a period of time and that is irrelevant if looking to purchase "today".
With online shopping you can quickly vet prices.
Doesnt matter if an item is 10% off or 90% off, you can compare what you will actually pay with every other online retailler and pay the best price.
Because perception matters, its more of a psychological reason. Did you know that ABC News recently discovered that only 8% of crosswalk traffic light buttons in NY actually worked? They still put them everywhere because it gives people the perception they are in control. This stops people from being impatience and jaywalking because they think it will turn "green" soon. The reality is most traffic light systems are now automated.
See http://www.businessinsider.com.au/crosswalk-elevator-buttons…
This is exactly what happened with Masters, during its final months I was quite amazed at how packed the car parks were, despite there being little stock and discounts in store. A full year before the close down, they were running large discounts, an example were 40% discounts on lights and you could get an extra 10% off with those sale events they held once every 2 months. On top of that you had a trade card which gave another 5% off, they had heaps of stock but no customers. During the close down, you couldn't even find stock! However, people's perception was: WOW, CLOSING DOWN, NEED TO GET DOWN THERE NOW. It gives them the sense they are in control.
To me, it seems Black Friday this year has seen many more "real" discounts.
It has not been any good for many, many years. You used to be able to get genuine clearance bargains at Myer/DJ's in the city but that doesn't happen anymore. They are incredibly disappointing and a waste of time. It amazes me how many people get caught up in the hype every year..
I agree, but a big part of this is that stores are now better at forecasting demand.
In the old days, stores took a punt and ordered, sometimes too much, sometimes too little.
It meant no tickle me elmos for a week before Xmas, and steep discounts on gamecubes the week after.
Now, instant POS data means over supply is rare, so fewer steep clearances, but we can usually find the shopkins or whatever trendy thing is in stock.
This is why we need OzBargain to alert us to regional or temporary anomalies.
Agreed. OZB provides us with the information to arbitrage the price anomalies.
Most of my purchases I have no idea what to do with the item because I neither want or need it. Ozbargain is all to blame for the ever expanding waste line and discount coupons.
Very true. Most of the larger multinational/big retail stores use a real-time POS analytics backend that grabs daily sales total from all participating retailers around Australia. By being a part of the network, they are able to see the demand of all products from across the industry.
20% off kitchenaid @ Myer was of interest to me as kitchen aid is rarely on sale.
A free icecream bowl tempted me on the mixers, but I believe it can go lower (fingers crossed).
I have found the last few years, that it is better to jump on the pre-xmas deep discounts that bait buyers to come to the store, and take a list of things you couldn't find on sale through the year to get at least 20-30% off it. I did have to hit a few stores to find even that today though.
I think this is true. My wife's birthday is a week after Xmas, and I think my bargain credentials are fair, but in the almost two decades we have been together I have swung from getting almost all her gifts in the post-xmas sales to getting almost all pre-xmas.
A part of that is I now get stuff from overseas too, which almost doesn't work at all as post goes on holiday from Xmas to new year, but the deals for many things are also better pre-Xmas.
I feel there are a few things still better to buy post-Xmas: TVs, and some other big electrical, Manchester and some other homewares, but most personal gift items are better before Xmas.
True, the XB1 sale from JB hifi for $279 was the best one pre xmas and boxing day. It didnt reach the same figures again.
Online shopping changed Boxing Day. Brick and mortar shops have had to run "sales" all year round now to compete with online. So Boxing Day and stocktake sales are basically not much better than every day prices.
In summary: Boxing Day Sales dies about 15 years ago.
This is somewhat true, but the same technology allowed bricks and mortar stores to manage their inventory better too, so less need for clearances.
Kathmandu were advertising a 'Boxing Day Sale' 'Online and In-Store' from at least as early as the 20th December.
Basically retailers are now all trying to get your money before you spend it elsewhere and they're competing by offering their sales earlier and earlier to the point that the concept of a boxing day sale is a joke.
Kathmandu is always on "sale".
Happened to me too when I grew up
Some years a friend worked for Myer as a buyer for furniture….she told me that at a certain stage she had to contact their suppliers and request / demand that they sell to Myer items specifically for the next "Sale" at a deep discount so supposed huge sale discounts could be offered. I expect this was to get the punters through the doors, bet this sort of thing is common with retailers and their supply chains?!.
yep, thats the way all discounts are done. supermarkets do the same eg, coke half price.
I didnt think it was a secret, thought everyone knew this.
Because no one is selling boxes nor boxing anymore.
I personally found the EOFY and the pre-Christmas sales better than the Boxing Day sale…
Yes I did score some decent deals on Estee Lauder kits for Mum and Sister, but only because they sell from October onwards. The discounts on perfumes, skincare, garments etc were no different to any other "Super Saturday" or "Family and friends weekend" that keeps happening every now and then at Myer/DJ etc
Yeah gone are the days of $1 jeans & other stuff. I hate when I see Boxing day sales with crap like 30% off! Um NO that is not a sale! 50% off Min is a sale! Although I noticed Kmart was packed out like major today but yet that don't have a boxing day sale on!! Target on the other hand does and they were pretty quiet
My pet peeve with percentile-based discounts are the ones that have "Up to" printed next to a big percentage, such as "70% off!".
Yd. For example, pretty sure they have that 75% off banner 11 months of the year.
I'm in marketing, and can tell you that only a couple items have to 70% off for them to claim that.
boxing days sales more like ritual shopping day in australia. its for many typical australians who have little idea how to find real bargains
Boxing day sale is big in the US… in Australia, we have become used to pay more for stuff and thus have in turn 'trained' the retailers to charge us more… even on Boxing day!
In Australia, this sale has merely become no different to other 26 regular sale events that happen every other weekend over the 12 month period.
Aussies may get better deals once global giants like Amazon/Costco etc. get strong footing in Australia. Everyone has witnessed 'Costco/Aldi Vs. Colesworth Duopoly' as an evidence of what's coming.
The brick n mortar Aussie retailers (like Myer, DJ, Repco etc.) need to start charging realistic margins or their mere presence may soon be limited to being a web site (owned by a foreign company) like DSE.
I think you mean Black Friday is big in the US. They don't celebrate Boxing Day.
Feels just like another VIP night.
But without the free drinks!
I think we also have to consider CPI raises - It is impossible for a manufacturer to say a products max retail price will be X over a period of a few year. The deals usually are on the price of the product that year. Which eventuates to many feeling that there are not too many bargains over the years on product X. Still with me ?
In our case, we bought all white goods and some more - three or so years ago on boxing day. All through these years, I have kept an eye on the individual prices - and never have they sold for lesser than what we bought them for. But I am an ozbargainer so when we purchased even on discounted prices, I'd ask the sales agent - 'how much can you wiggle on price?' and they most certainly came back with an even discounted price (sometimes 10 bucks and sometimes another 100). Some agents are pricks so you need to know how to pick who you will deal with.
I learned years ago that Boxing Day is just when all the retailers start a big sale on the same day It's about the marketing - all the hype and combined sales overwhelms us and makes us think we're getting into something good.
The reality of it is that most of these prices are available at regular sales throughout the year at different times, and a lot of the extra discounts can be got through haggling with cash offers in person at big shops like The Good Guys ("Let me go and talk to my manager…".
There would be a few exceptions of course, certain clearance products most likely kept for this sale and loss-leading items to get people into the stores.
For as long as I can remember, new years day sales have been better than boxing day sales. Ie, the general sale stock is further discounted because it wasn't that cheap on boxing day and hasn't sold yet by the new year. That says a lot.
This is because , people don't find time to find out the best deals on boxing day and trying to generalise that boxing day is worse
all watches were reduced to $90 from $749 @gluestore
all Oral B brushes reduced to 50%
all business shirts @ david jones for $35
all suits reduced by myer @ 40% discount ( no exclusions all)
all lego toys reduced by 50% of second pair
harris scarfe dunlop pillow reduced by 75%
good guys sale of printers
just that people don't want to look around and want to be spoon fed :)
Please don't be so sensitive. We're a captious community.
The two people who down-voted you might have done so because the sales aren't that great. See below
Gluestore watches - who really wants to buy vastly overpriced crappy watches w/o any class anyway? They should be $50, for the low quality components that go into them.
Oral B brushes - Any experienced Obz can easily purchase these at close to 50% off.
Business shirts - Were any decent styles by Canali or Thomas Pink on sale? Or were they hidden?
Suits at Myer - 1. Myer sells terrible suits (construction + material) 2. Who buys OTR anymore anyway?
Lego toys - That works out to be 25%, easily found.
Dunlop pillows - Regularly have massive sales e.g. 70% off
Good guys printers - Really?! Did we want to focus on any other obscure low trafficked items?
Just because some people value their time more than others. Efficiency is a beautiful thing:)
bad suits at myer>>? wot
you do realise that myer sells brands other than their own right?
what fantastic amazing suits do you buy? I honestly would love to know… maybe im missing out on something
@supbah:
I was exactly like you a few years back (whilst in uni)! And you ARE missing out.
Quick summary as this is not the place to discuss pretentious stuff like quality clothing.
Ways to purchase suits:
OTR - Off the rack, what you get at retail outlets
MTM - Quality retail brands e.g. Canali, Zegna, Oxxford (don't mistake with Oxford) who provide a service where a client's measurements are taken, and a suit is produced using templates to a close approximation.
Tailored - Measurements are taken by a tailor, a suit is custom built to exact proportions, and requiring 2-3 fittings/adjustments to get right.
Bespoke - Super version of the tailored, found only in major business/cultural hubs e.g. London (saville road), Hong Kong… suits start from $5k. For the very rich, stars, politicians, royalty, and super pretentious poor people =D
As a OZB, i suggest you purchase OTR and get minor adjustments OR tailoring from overseas. I highly recommend MJ Bale due to their decent sales, good material (weights and type of wool), construction (half canvassed), and preference for a more european fit (slim). There are numerous other brands but they are either overpriced or designed for very big guys -read fat or very muscularly.
My wife and I get all our clothing tailored overseas at reputable tailors. Expect to pay $800+ for a decent suit. Lol, so many people come back complaining after their $200 100% cashmere suit from thailand dying after 1 wear.
The thing that took me the longest to wrap my head around, was the importance of fit. Being from a lower middle class family, I was brought up valuing brands e.g. hugo boss, calvin klein… shivers…….
@supbah:
There's an over-emphasis on brands due to good marketing. Most of the mainstream brands are very average. The most efficient way for you to be exposed to quality clothing is to go and get fitted at MJ Bale. A knowledgeable staff member should give you a decent rundown of what to look for. Then, consider checking out forums like styleforum to read in more detail. Do note, that those guys can get very pretentious/wankerish.
Best of luck =D
i would rather an average lower price, than a 1 day mega discount. i also couldnt think of anything worse to do over my christmas break than to wake up at 5am and line up in front of a storefront with an army of mindless materialistic drones.
I work in retail (but more on a service side of things than sales), and this consumerist culture just really pisses me off. People shop up until the last minute on Christmas Eve, barely have time to relax on Christmas Day and are then back at the shops at (before) the crack of dawn the following day. It's just ridiculous.
Don't forget there's a sale near you constantly at fairly regular intervals nowadays - Click Frenzy/Black Friday/Cyber Monday/End of Year sale/End of Financial Year sale/End of week sale/End of <blah> sale or whatever reason the retailer decides to create.
There's only so much margin in the items before chartering into negative territory and I don't think anyone in their right mind would incur a loss just to make a sale more palatable?
Because Australians like sending their money overseas, which makes it hard for local businesses to compete.
slapping import taxes to everything bought overseas will make it easier for australian businesses to compete.
@supnigs, I doubt that will have any effect at all. The horse has all-ready bolted and I doubt once consumers start ordering online they never stop.
I cannot count the number of times I've been in retailers such as JB, Office works that the retail staff have walked me to their own web-store web page to show me by clicking on menu's to check the item stock price. The whole experience from my stand point of view is condescending and rude to a point I feel like taking over the mouse and showing the same item over ebay cost about 20% less or 50% less.
Actually this brings me to another point of the whole modern day experience with shopping a brick and mortar stores the complete lack of customer focus or understanding of their own product's and referring the person to online store fronts. Only recently I was searching around to purchase a new TV, and the young guy and old guy at JB didn't know the difference between IPS, and TN panels. The back-light technology that is used, nor the refresh-rate of tv in question. They only looked at me, with a dumb found look on their eye's and then said it may be OLED.
Granted, I'm all for supporting local businesses, but holy boy at-least try to actual understand ANYTHING about your product's. If you're un-able to clearly explain to me the advantages or dis-advantages of your product when I can type a couple of key words into google, and get detail analysis with a youtube video of the product in question @ 20% discount and free delivery then some-one needs to re-evaluate their business.
I would be more inclined to buy local when the same product doesn't differ as much in price once the tax is put into effect.
In terms of your shopping experience, I can only gather that not everyone is well versed in technology as you are. Some just make decisions on "which model sells best" and warranty duration. They can see for themselves what the screens are like on display without getting into technical detail.
@supnigs: I think you will find most savvy buyers are technology versed and ruthly the ones that aren't will be dead soon anyway.
@supnigs: if you're going online and only saving ~10% vs brick and mortar, sorry but you're doing it wrong.
Your comment about shopping experience is completely invalid. It is the sales person job to know everything about the product, if I'm going to pay minimum 20%+ for a product in store, I at the very least expect that the sales people can do the comparisons between products for me
@Koey:
The Australian government is planning on removing the $1k GST import threshold and it will apply to all online purchases.
You always had to pay GST at store fronts but not always online.
@supnigs: there is no excuse for staff being so disinterested they do not know the details and pros and cons of the very products they are paid good money to sell. The shop isn't always busy, if they aren't prepared to do research at home or on the bus they could do it at work. I would have thought a basic desire to do their job properly and well would ensure they know this stuff.
If I have to go online to look up details anyway, might as well buy cheapest online. The level of service is clearly the same.
That's anti competitive.
Because Australians like sending their money overseas, which makes it hard for local businesses to compete.
That's utter nonsense, no-one "likes" buying overseas. In fact many will pay a premium for local stock.
But if it's half the price overseas, what choice do they have?
(It's not only cheaper labour too: for books/blu-rays/etc, for instance, the "Australia Tax" is solely due to greedy, backwards, monopolies that absolutely deserve to be killed by the competition, both morally and economically speaking).
That's utter nonsense
Of course it is. I was mocking the average Australian consumer who buys overseas stock and wonders why local businesses aren't doing well.
As many have said, it's all about the price.
There was once a time where everybody would mock 'made in china' products. Now look who's laughing.
US and Europe have great specials when there is a discounts-season, like boxing day. But boxing day in Melbourne is extremely average. Disappointing may I say! But how brainwashed do u have to be to queue to enter Myers.
Tragic.
Tried to take the family to Birkenhead Point to get a new pair of Nike or Asic for the kids for school next year. Traffic was smooth until we got close to the parking lot and bam it went from smooth to standstill! Waited 10 minutes and it barely moved. Saw a few cars in front of us doing a u-turn so I followed. Ended up in my local shopping centre and park instead.
Tried to take the family to Birkenhead Point
Buy shoes from online stores. You almost always get a better deal.
Birkenhead Point is full of yuppies and rich Asians nowadays. They stopped catering to the average joe.
You can get good prices on cookware and plates, though.
I do buy my own Nike/Adidas/Asic running shoes online. For kids running shoes I still find Birkenhead Point cheaper and better because I could get the correct sizes as well.
I +1 buying kids shoes at bricks and mortar stores, they need a good fit and their feet are constantly changing.
You gotta be there like 8am. I did it once and got the same result as you. Next day I went back at 8am and got parking. We kinda made it worth our time spending the whole day there. My brother got some good sunglasses and I got a few things as well.
This was at dfo homebush.
Birkenhead has good Corel and Crumpler outlet though. Can't complain :)
Stores now run SALE all year arround and majority of those are just marketing gimmick….The other important thing is that australia really don't have compitition as majority of stores owned by one parent company….so until we see real compitition there won't be real bargain similar to what you see in USA during black Friday!
There is no such thing as Boxing Day sale, if you look closely, the Myer 40% off, Mathers 20% of, Windsor Smith 30%, etc are all standard sales that occur throughout the year. Politix currently have 40% of leather and jackets, that's simply because it's not the season for such fibers.
Anything you buy during boxing day sale is impulse buying and buying something you don't need at 40% off is like buying something you need at full price.
What happens is you get a bunch of idiots queue at Myer Sydney CBD creating hysteria so that other shoppers walk in and follow suit (Pretty much the way sheep operate). Once you're in Myer, or David Jones, or whatever retailer, you're bound to pick something up that you don't really need.
I have a friend who worked in Myer and she said that 1 week after boxing day sale they get inundated with "returns" as idiots later realise they didn't want it. It happens year on year.
What happens is you get a bunch of idiots queue at Myer Sydney CBD creating hysteria so that other shoppers walk in and follow suit (Pretty much the way sheep operate).
SPOT ON.
Girls operate like that too at concerts XD
buying something you don't need at 40% off is like buying something you need at full price
I think that buying something you don't need at 99% off is actually worse than buying something you need at full price - if you really need something you'll probably use it, regardless of how much you paid.
to me, boxing day sales are aimed at people who aren't really big shoppers (or don't/search for bargains through-out the year), They expect bargains to be delivered to them on a plate when they line up outside the door @ 8am. but in reality there are better sales during the year, you just have to find them.
Everyday day is a boxing day on Ozbargain
This is exactly my thought
so true
should rename the site to ozboxing lol?
People have become too complacent. Stores are probably aware that they can offer generic bullsh*t specials and people will still flock to their store.
Best thing about Boxing Day is seeing so many people at once lining up for some "deals". It feel like home on that day, busy streets, busy stores, there's a tension amongst the sellers. its just fun going out seeing that, not for deals tbh
I also felt the same. Big disappointment. Best is to stay at home and find good online deals. Saves effort on carrying the stuff and you can also use coupons/cashbacks to get further discounts.
Pretty disappointed and I think a lot of people feel that too since the shops are already mostly empty of people! I popped into Target to get an board game order and an entire floor was empty as they hadn't bothered to mass discount lingerie or beauty. There was still loads of Christmas stuff even at 50% off. I am only really tempted by things that are 'an additional 20+%' off AND of good quality so haven't bought much at all. Target is at least one retailer that needs to lift its game!
I went to the Myer sale and bought exactly nothing. The majority of what I saw was regular discounts that you could probably get all year round, there were no genuine deep discount or clearance prices to be found anywhere. You used to be able to get genuine bargains at the sales, I think those days are over. There was plenty of people, but not a lot of buying happening.
I went and bought 4 fcuk jeans for $160 less $35 AMEX deal to make is $125. That's around $31 per pants
They were already discounted and additional 50% off on top. Lucky my size and length as well.
Must be one of the few who bought something.
I used to buy multiple items then I realised that I don't even have time to wear one…..
Lucky for me 3 of 4 are perfect for work. :)
@harkoliar: Nice one! If you can classify them as a "uniform" then you can even claim a tax deduction on them…
Went to target on Boxing Day to buy a pair of jeans I had been eyeing. Price $39. Boxing Day same price ? $39. Thought to myself. Wtf?!
Show shed had 20% of shoes that were 149$. Can be had for $104 online. Very sad.
Shoppers are more savvy, sales just aren't what they used to be
Give it 10 or so more years (maybe less) and you will see online only stores become the new thing, well they already are but brick and mortar has a lot to compete with today
Back in the day you would accept a price and take it on the chin, today you shop around, price match, make your dollar strech further and try and get the best deal, of course as everyone knows, buyers remorse when you see 20% off after your purchase, the good guys do this so it plays right into their hand, they only care in all honesty about 1 thing like any retailer, and thats maximum profit margins, with that said they have always been happy to price match vs JB Hifi, even though technically JB Hifi "own the name"
Shoppers prefer online shopping as its cheaper than having to go down and battle traffic (carindale was an absolute clusterf**k christmas week and chermside wasnt better but living 1km from chermside meant I walked) and they get a good price 9/10 times, there are of course some of us who "want it now" and I feel this is what keeps the brick and mortar stores running like clockwork, although the savings waiting a few weeks for delivery can pay off
How I see it, Sales come and go and shoppers no longer have to wait for these "one off sales" when there are numerous sales throughout the year
Because you discovered OzBargain and found sales better than Boxing Day all year round! ;)
Depend on where you shop I guess, Myer and DJ are not what they used to be. I was gonna buy a pair of Tommy H shorts at Myer for $85 (from 120) but they didn't have my size. Next day, walked across the Tommy H store in Mel Central, they had 40% off storewide, including the already discounted stocks. The same pair of shorts was discounted at the same price as Myer, add another 40% off on top of that. I couldn't resist and bought 2 :D. From $120 to $47 each, which is cheaper than most oversea outlets.
I don't know if that would be a bargain for anyone, but for someone who was gonna drop $85 and got it for $47 each, I was very happy!
It is worth it to walk around first before jumping in.
we have everything we need now thanks ozbargian. Now we buy things we dont need.
This Boxing Day was probably the worst I've ever worked. It's done now. My guess is that people get everything fairly cheaply all year round. We're lucky to make ten percent on a tv these days. When Boxing Day sales were at their peak, margins were high and manufacturers only had one model of each item. Now companies like Samsung have several series' of each size and margins have been eroded to the point that almost makes bricks and mortar stores unviable; hence the fall of a number of major retailers in recent years.
On top of that, and correct me if I'm wrong but retailers aren't allowed to have the $100 fridge loss leaders anymore because it became dangerous as crowds pushed through the doors in a race to get one of ten available at that price.
Lastly, models change around April/may. Too soon for major discounting to clear inventory from the manufacturer. Most Boxing Day specials are bulk buys by major retailers like Harvey's and GG's.
My opinion? Shop wise all year round. Know what the item is going for (not retailing for) and be realistic about what you'd like to pay. Boxing Day sales in electrical goods are done and dusted.
It's crap because sales run all year now vs. countries like France are that seem to have government mandated "sale" periods. Also I used to work at a premier department store and they brought in specific (crap) to sell on "sale" for Boxing Day. There are a few small gems one can find…but overall it's not worth it. I am a shopaholic and this year for the first year ever I didn't bother to go at all. Why? Because retail is suffering at the moment, most of the sales started early December and secondly, shopping online is a far more pleasant experience. I am so sick of dealing with psychopaths in car parks and malls!
It is disappointing because there is no boxing involved
because your expectation is too high
I scored a pair of GT-2000 4 for 50 bucks.
Same here in Vancouver. It was all poop. All the great deals were in America.
But in Canada you can always get online deals on US web sites and pay standard delivery… Here we have to pay through the nose for shipping from the US…
True.
The only time I got something good out of Boxing Day was when I care enough to line up in the morning before Myer opens. I went straight to the watch section and found some really good clearance bargains. But as expected, it was sold out in less than an hour. Never actually bothered to line up since then and just like you I found the general sale are pretty generic. Nothing to be excited about. I am more excited with the further clearance sale once the holiday season is over.. but by then the sizes & colours are pretty hard to get.