Lots of websites are doing these "Daily Deal" email alerts, along the same lines as Amazon's Gold Box Deal. I've noticed that many bloggers seem to get caught up in sharing these deals, as if just because they exist they are a good deal. One that I noticed recently that got a lot of play was a Wal-mart deal on a printer. Even I got caught up in that one, I mean an All-in-One printer for just $30? But then I looked a little harder and found that it wasn't that good of a deal. The regular price on Amazon was only $40 and I found other websites where you could easily get the same printer for $30-$35. Granted the shipping from Wal-mart was a super cheap .97, but still. Then I looked a little harder and realized that this was one of those printers where to replace the ink cartridges would cost you as much as a new printer. Granted at only $30, it's hard to find ink for much cheaper, but the ink cartridges on this printer were a little high, IMO.
I've seen other deals that were along the same lines, and the moral of the story is don't get caught up in "deal" adrenaline. Do some research before you buy and make sure that item you are buying is really worth spending ANY money on. You also may want to ask yourself the question, "Do I really need this?". I have to ask that question a lot when I see something that seems like a really great deal. I mean, yeah, if you are going to give it to me for free I'll take it. But, do I really want to spend my money on this?
Another thing in this same category that I see a lot, are all these survey sites, etc. Remember that nothing in life is really free. At the very least you are giving them your contact information. Check the privacy policy. Who are they passing your info on to? What is the real price for all that free stuff? Is your time really worth so little? There are a handful (if not more) of these survey sites that will have you jumping through hoops just to get a "free sample" of something. Chances are it's something you don't even need anyway. And even if it is something you'll use, is it really worth that 10 minutes (or more) of your time? Aren't there better things you could have used your time for? (like reading this blog?lol). I could easily be on the computer 24/7 filling out surveys and such just to get free items or get $5, etc. And maybe for some it's worthwhile to do that. Just make sure you ask yourself the question before you spend the time, and that you really think about what you are trading for what you are getting. Is it really worth it? Is it really a good deal?
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