Andrew
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| Saving Money & Ethics |
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Heard recently about a tactic that some consumers are using to make their electronic purchases less expensive. Here's what they do, they visit their local BestBuy or other retail chain, and purchase a reasonably expensive item. They then use their proof-of-purchase to get money back from the maker on a rebate promotion. Then they return the item to BestBuy and get a refund. Later the same shopper returns and buys the same exact item, except this time it's an "open box" model, which results in a discount off the regular price.
Seems to me that such schemes might indeed save some money, although it appears to be not only a lot more work than I would want to go through, but also a bit on the unethical side.
What do you think?
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Mon Nov 08, 2004 6:42 pm |
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xboxundone
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This used to happen a good bit. Most stored will not accept the return unless the UPC tag is still on it.
It used to be back in the day people would buy things at walmart (cheaper) and return them at Kmart (get money back without reciept).
It is unethical!! nor should it be allowed as we all end up paying for it!
But i take advantage of price mistakes all the time, on the net or in stores!
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Mon Nov 08, 2004 6:56 pm |
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BlankenshipFP
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If you draw some parallels, this is very similar to the situation that Elliott Spitzer uncovered with the mutual fund companies last year: you create a market anomaly, and then exploit it to your advantage.
Highly unethical, from my point of view...
Now, the situation that xbox mentioned, where the vendor has a product for sale at a lower than expected price, where everyone is operating in good faith, not hiding any facts, then it is okay in my book.
Jim Blankenship, CFP®, EA
Blankenship Financial Planning, Ltd.
www.BlankenshipFinancial.com
Standard IRS Circular 230 Notice Applies
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Tue Nov 16, 2004 5:13 pm |
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xboxundone
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quote:
Originally posted by BlankenshipFP
If you draw some parallels, this is very similar to the situation that Elliott Spitzer uncovered with the mutual fund companies last year: you create a market anomaly, and then exploit it to your advantage.
Highly unethical, from my point of view...
Now, the situation that xbox mentioned, where the vendor has a product for sale at a lower than expected price, where everyone is operating in good faith, not hiding any facts, then it is okay in my book.
I always say a deal is a deal 
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Wed Nov 17, 2004 12:51 am |
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marotta
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| Re: Saving Money & Ethics |
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quote:
Originally posted by Andrew
Seems to me that such schemes might indeed save some money, although it appears to be not only a lot more work than I would want to go through, but also a bit on the unethical side.
What do you think?
Studies show that most people are willing to be unethical for small amounts of money, but feel more guilty for larger amounts.
My view is that if your integrity can't be bought for large amounts, why would you sell out for smaller amounts?
The best rule is of course the golden rule. Ask what you would want your customer's to do if you were the business owner.
Merchandise that has been opened and the UPC symbol cut out has been "spoiled" on purpose. If you were the business owner would you want someone to come through your warehouse and cut all the UPC symbols off the boxes?
This isn't a *bit* on the unethical side, it is completely on the unethical side.
David John Marotta
Marotta Asset Management, Inc.
Fee-only Financial Planning
http://www.emarotta.com
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Sat Jan 01, 2005 12:18 am |
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xboxundone
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| Re: Saving Money & Ethics |
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quote:
Originally posted by marotta
quote:
Originally posted by Andrew
Seems to me that such schemes might indeed save some money, although it appears to be not only a lot more work than I would want to go through, but also a bit on the unethical side.
What do you think?
Studies show that most people are willing to be unethical for small amounts of money, but feel more guilty for larger amounts.
My view is that if your integrity can't be bought for large amounts, why would you sell out for smaller amounts?
The best rule is of course the golden rule. Ask what you would want your customer's to do if you were the business owner.
Merchandise that has been opened and the UPC symbol cut out has been "spoiled" on purpose. If you were the business owner would you want someone to come through your warehouse and cut all the UPC symbols off the boxes?
This isn't a *bit* on the unethical side, it is completely on the unethical side.
YES unfortunately people still try to take advantage of the elderly etc... let alone businesses .... worst part is we all pay for it!!
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Sat Jan 01, 2005 12:48 am |
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SnapThat
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Personally, I think it's not only unethical, it's more trouble than it's worth.
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Sat Jan 01, 2005 8:35 am |
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john432
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Sun Jan 02, 2005 6:35 am |
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