Every few months we spotlight offers from companies that are real head-scratchers, are actually less generous than they appear, are just plain outrageous, or may simply elicit a chuckle. Here’s the latest crop.
| CapitalOne Shopping Rebates |
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We recently wrote about CapitalOne Shopping rebates (see story) that left out a whole bunch of important information. But, we saved the best for last.
If this were your regular supermarket, getting two-percent back up to $1,000 in rebates might be a somewhat attractive offer on first blush. But think about it for a minute.
*MOUSE PRINT:
This offer is for a one-time purchase only. So to get back the maximum advertised rebate of $1,000, one would have to spend $50,000 at Stop & Shop, and gift cards are excluded. How disingenuous can this company be? Thanks for nothing, CapitalOne Shopping.
| Degree Deodorant |
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Over the years, deodorant brands have made various dryness and long-lasting claims. It was quite a milestone when some claimed 24-hour protection. Then it morphed into 48 hours. And 48 hours of protection soon became 72 hours. And now, the latest — 96 hours of protection.
*MOUSE PRINT:
This suggests if you put on this deodorant/antiperspirant on Monday, you don’t have to apply it again until Friday. So no showers for you Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Come on, how disingenuous.
And one more thing. Their old claim was “5 in 1” referring to five benefits it conferred like wetness protection, odor control, fast absorption, etc. They have now changed the claim to “5X” which most people would interpret as providing five times the strength or protection. What they really mean is that it (still) provides five types of protection. Thanks for nothing, Unilever.
| Crazy High Prices |
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For many products and brands, prices have just gotten completely out of control. Here are three examples where the sellers must think high prices don’t matter.
Almost $28 for four razor blades? Thanks for nothing, Gillette, I don’t care how good those blades are.
They are charging $6.99 a pound for turkey and it is frozen? I don’t care where it was raised and even if it was spoon-fed all-natural grain every day. Who in their right mind is going to pay over $100 for a frozen turkey, when most supermarkets sell conventionally raised birds for 69 cents a pound at Thanksgiving time? Thanks for nothing.
Lastly, will anyone buying a $130,000 Rolex watch really be interested in using a coupon code to save money? Thanks for nothing, Rolex.
For the watch ad the part that made me laugh was “Enjoy Free Shipping”. I’m thinking, hey, wasn’t interested in buying it but if I can save the shipping charge maybe it’s a great deal at $130k. I even might “enjoy” the free shipping more than the watch so that’s a double bonus!
The Rolex one is so weird. Normally prestige brands like that wouldn’t waste their time with a discount, not that 3% is a real discount.
“So no showers for you Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Come on, how disingenuous.”
This is the game they play right before they downsize. It won’t matter if you’re getting less if it lasts longer, but, like you pointed out, it doesn’t matter if it lasts five days if you don’t go five days without a shower.
Capital One Shopping is a huge hassle that doesn’t pay off for cash back. The coupon codes are good and I have saved some money there but don’t use the extension to try to get cash back. There is always an issue and it didn’t track or they deny based on terms & conditions, none of which were violated. Customer service is a joke and so rude when they actually answer. I literally had an agent tell me, I don’t know what else you want (after they fixed nothing) and so I am closing your case. I’ll stick with Rakuten. Even Swagbucks, which isn’t great, is better than Capital One.
Regarding razor blades. I think more than 2 blades on one razor is overkill. I’ve been using double edge Bic disposable blades sold by the bag at Walmart. Each razor gets me through 5 close shaves.
Also, I quit using shaving cream and gel. It’s a waste of money. I’ve been using Suave Conditioner for the past 10 years. Use one squirt spread over your face and enjoy a smooth close shave. If it works well on my wife’s legs, why not on my face? And besides, it comes in many “flavors”!
$28 for four razor blades? That will buy a whole slew of Bic disposables, of which I usually get at least 6 comfortable shaves from one.
I agree Marty! My words exactly above.
Well if you buy your Rolex at Stop & Shop, you’ll get the full $1,000 in rewards! And with the coupon and free shipping, it’s a steal!
missed that in this weeks flyer..
i have cap 1 and get the 2x for miles and laugh at some of the specials. if i book a hotel room with the card i get normal 2x miles if i book through the app advertising 2 x miles does that mean 2×2 or just normal 2 ?
as for the rolex is it made with Santo gold ? then i want 2 …??