A Consumerist reader noticed the trend and broke it down:
In this week’s ad, there is a Dell, sku 9693191, for $US649.99. Regular price is $US629.99. An HP, sku 9705373, is advertised for $US699.99; regular price is $US649.99. Last week, a Toshiba, sku 9705221, was advertised for $US499.99, this week it’s back to regular price, $US479.99. Likewise, a Dell, sku 9693191, was advertised for $US649.99 last week, and this week it’s back to its regular price of $US629.99.
Now, this isn’t false advertising, as Best Buy never claims these items are on sale. But by sticking them in their weekly ads with the prices highlighted, they’re certainly giving the impression that they are. So when someone sees the ad, assumes the computer they want is available for cheaper than normal and then buys it, they’re essentially paying an idiot tax for not doing their homework.
It’s pretty low, even for Best Buy. So much for building trust with your customers! [Consumerist]
Paddy
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 9:29 AMJB Hifi do a very similar thing. They often advertise with massive savings, when little are to be had. Series 7 3D 46 inch LED – JB Hifi say “Outstanding” and “Crazy Prices” $3691. RRP on Samsung website $3699. $8. Wow.
Douglas Orchard
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 11:29 AMLol! Paddy, that samsung is a “crazy price(s)”. No false advertising there. Clearly states what it is.
Nato
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 2:08 PMThe thing I hate is when places like JB tell you how much you saved from RRP even though it might have only been $20 more than it is now last week and other places have it at JBs price from last week.
eg RRP is $399 for a camera they have it for $250 you save $149 in big letters when last week it was $260 and other places still have it for $260 so really you only save $10.
Yes JB you are often the cheapest but not by huge the amounts you claim.
It’s not untruthful and I guess you still get a decent deal. I should probably just get over it.