Hobby Horse Blog Hop - 27: Bargains

Today I stumbled upon a bargain. I walked into Staples to buy something else, of course, and found a package of see-through labels you could print on with your computer. I wasn't looking for a package of see-through labels you could print on with your computer, but I figured I might find a use for them... one never knows. So, I tucked them under my arm and proceeded to pick up the half-dozen items I originally came for. The package of labels, originally $22.49 was only $2.50!

But, it gets better...

Going through the ream of cash register tape generated by the sale, the clerk was quick to point out the $5.00 off coupon I could use if I were to come back within the next week and make a purchase of $25.00 or more. She pointed out the survey I could take online, and register for a chance to win a zillion bucks, or something like that. Finally she pointed to my form for a rebate of $5.00 on my labels. The labels I just purchased for  $2.50. Now, that's a bargain!

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Hobby Horse Blog Hop Prompts - Week 27:




When it comes to your horse (dog, cat, husband, kid or anything else), tell about a bargain you were thrilled to find.
How about the flip side of that. Tell about a bargain you discovered that turned out not to be such a bargain after all.  
Benjamin Franklin once said, "A bargain is something you have to find a use for once you have bought it." Your thoughts? 

My answers:



1. Here's a bargain: One bargain that really excited me was the purchase of my Wintec dressage saddle. Again, like the labels I just bought, I wasn't really looking for a saddle. In fact, at that point I didn't even own a horse. I walked into a pawn shop, something I rarely do, and saw the saddle hanging on the wall. It looked like it had been used maybe a half dozen times. The price on the saddle? $79.00 When a salesman came over I asked him about the saddle. He knew nothing. At that point, I also didn't know about Wintec saddles. In fact, I think it was the first synthetic English saddle I had seen. I asked if he'd consider taking something off the price. After consulting his records, he indicated they could come down 10%. Yes, it was quite a bargain! 

2. Here's not so much of a bargain: We decided we must install a water softener in our new house. The well water is full of minerals and is so hard, it almost cracks when it comes out of the faucet. We diligently did our research and had 5 representatives from different companies show us their wares and price a system for us. We finally settled on one and had the system installed. In this instance, the price quoted to us was less than that of other systems, a bargain. However, I do have to say that it wasn't price, alone, that sold us on this model. The salesman seemed especially knowledgeable and honest. He also turned out to be the installer - and this turned our bargain into no bargain at all. Maybe he is a better salesman than a plumber! When he disconnected the line that went to the refrigerator, installing a direct line from the system, the valve behind the refrigerator didn't turn off completely. He didn't know this as the water was turned off at the main valve when he did the switch-over. It wasn't until about 10 days later that we noticed that our floor was cupping.                                         

We immediately realized that we had a small leak that had been dripping since the installation. We called the installer. He came and capped the pipe. We used fans to move the air in an attempt to help dry the floors and subfloor. 

While we were gone, the wood continued to swell. Now there is an example of plate tectonics in our kitchen! We have a new mountain range in front of the refrigerator! It is so high, it is even pushing the refrigerator off the floor. 





Our insurance will cover the repair of the floor... our beautiful floor... but we have a huge deductible to pay. No bargain at all!





3. Mr. Benjamin was so darn witty and smart. He's right. I have a number of things sitting around, gathering dust, that haven't been put to use. I guess, since I am not using the greenhouse, it wasn't a bargain! Since I never got the harness hooks installed in the barn, they probably weren't a bargain, either! Nor were the decorative metal stars, nor the 

treadmill that still sits, folded up, in the basement, nor..... 







I'd love to hear about some of your bargains - or perhaps about bargains that in hindsight, weren't such great deals.