Crappy watch sales and people going nuts

[finzup-kt]

Never been on a cruise (yet) but I've been to the "Everything $10" store (Bjioux Tener I think it's called) in a few places. Each time I see a store like that it's completely mobbed! I think about this kind of stuff a lot -- what motivates people? Why do certain things drive ppl do act a certain way... Anyway I'm a bit of a dork like that...

 

I think with items such as watches that vary so widely in price (every price point up to $15000 and beyond...) people tend to "forget" that there still can be a $2 watch. Whey they hear the word "watch" they think of whatever watch it is that they "normally" would wear? So if you normally shop for or wear a Fossil, and you hear "watches for $10" you think a $10 watch is a great value, even when it's a $2 POS. I dunno it's not so black and white and for a lot of people it's probably not a conscious decision ... when I find something on sale for a great deal, I just get a "feeling" and it's so satisfying to buy whatever item it is knowing I got such a great deal -- what it is or what it's driven by, who knows - maybe I was dropped as a child :confused:

 

Anyway, back to the $10 watches, I think that sometimes when compared to the Timex, Citizen, Fossil type watches ($50-200 range) they actually would be a great deal, IF it was the same quality/warranty (which they're not and good luck with the warranty on a $10 watch "Oh sure we have a warranty, send it back to us in China, pay for shipping both ways, tracked, insured, + a $5 fee and we'll send you a new one!" :eek: )

 

Another reason people may buy $10 watches is that the $10 styles generally mimic what's out there at higher price points... so for $10 you can "try" a style before you invest into a more expensive/durable/higher quality version?

 

Don't think I'm knocking anyone for buying anything at a $10 sale -- I'm guilty as well! I bought a watch a the Bijoux Tener in Vegas ... It was junk (as I expected) but for the few days/weeks I wore it , it was fine.

 

Anyway I have been rambling... I'll stop now :)

[Elmer McCurdy]

I think if you know what you're doing when buying jewelry you can find a deal.

 

I don't think you're going to find it at the $10 table though.

[elcuchio24]

One of our freinds went to the straw market in Nassau to 'haggle' her way to a great deal. Talked a guy down on a nice native shawl she wanted from $10 to $5. What a deal. Got back on the ship and saw the 'made in china' tag. :D

[DocF]

As costume watches go, the $10 watches are a pretty good deal. The same brand is sold in many airports for $19.95. Compared to the department store, no name watches which sell for $ 14.99 to 29.99, they are a good deal.

 

However, there is absolutely nothing about them worth having a riot over.

 

Doc

[finzup-kt]

One of our freinds went to the straw market in Nassau to 'haggle' her way to a great deal. Talked a guy down on a nice native shawl she wanted from $10 to $5. What a deal. Got back on the ship and saw the 'made in china' tag. :D

 

Yep unfortunately lots of things in markets are not handmade :(

You see the same trinkets in almost any country these days -- not much unique. And if it is really handmade/local, you can bet it's not $5 :)

[okwriter]

I remember driving through the countryside in Pennsylvania and stopping at many Amish stores 15 years ago...seeing "Made in China" tags. :(

[repo-cruiser]

Don't worry my daughter and wife riot on the streets for fake gucci and coach stuff, what a joke and I think the real ones are ugly. To each there own though , I see people here riot cause theres no cheap shrimp coctail or throw a hissy fit because there serving meatloaf, these people make the watch people look like civilized people.;)

[iceleven]

Sheeple.

 

With the price of gold at over $1,800 you are not even going to be getting anything near "gold"

[hancogran]

P. T. Barnum had it figured out!

 

As long as people know what/why they are getting it, and don't really think its some "great sale" - then it's all good!

 

Inch of Gold --- good luck getting anyone there to admit it's simply plated. I think some of those people think that it's REAL (14kt solid)!!

Tom

 

;) They'll find out how "REAL" it is after six months and it all tarnishes, even with wearing it only a few times!:eek:

[Kstofflet]

I'm sure they were referring to Canal St in Chinatown here in NYC

 

Interesting... when I read "Canal Street" I immediately thought of New Orleans, LA

[gelo7]

One of our freinds went to the straw market in Nassau to 'haggle' her way to a great deal. Talked a guy down on a nice native shawl she wanted from $10 to $5. What a deal. Got back on the ship and saw the 'made in china' tag. :D

Lol:D

[GO_WOLFPACK]

$10 watches, 3 bingo events per day, $5.75 beer, $12 pictures, etc are the reasons why it is a good time to invest in CCL stock. 3.1% dividend and $100 off each carnival cruise you take. Cheers!

[luv2cruzfrmtx]

Interesting... when I read "Canal Street" I immediately thought of New Orleans, LA

 

 

Lol!!! Me too!!!!

[BananaAnna]

;) They'll find out how "REAL" it is after six months and it all tarnishes, even with wearing it only a few times!:eek:

I guess I've been lucky. I've bought and worn 'Gold by the Inch' on Carnival, Celebrity and NCL since 2006 and I've never had a piece tarnish.

I'll take a piece of costume jewelry over a t-shirt souvenir any day!

[sarge98]

HA! I LOVE that someone brought this up. I saw the crowd in the shop... went over to check it out, and when I realized what all the pushing and shoving and hair pulling was for... boxes of mix and match el cheapo watches, I about died. It was absolutely hilarious to me how crazy the crowd went! People were walking out with piles of watch "sets".

 

Incidentally, that cruise my husband also snuck down to the same shop, behind my back, and bought me a nicely priced Citizens Eco Drive watch I fell in love with as a gift for my birthday... I think I made out in the deal, and I'm pretty sure my watch will last a lot longer. :)

 

I bought a Citizen's Echo drive on a cruise 3.5 yrs ago. It's running fine, operationally and keeps excellent time, good choice on his part.

[remharri]

I guess I've been lucky. I've bought and worn 'Gold by the Inch' on Carnival, Celebrity and NCL since 2006 and I've never had a piece tarnish.

I'll take a piece of costume jewelry over a t-shirt souvenir any day!

 

I've bought some too and silver, and it's about 4 years old and still looks brand new.....

[LibratPDX]

I love my Eco Drive, but I checked out prices online to make sure it was a decent price before buying the one on the ship :D Then I got another one via eBay when I got home.

 

I bought one of those el cheapo watches for $10 (but not during a sale with rabid shoppers) because it was "waterproof".....lo and behold, I dove with it several times and it lasted for several years!

[gersus]

We just returned from our first cruise and I thought the whole sale after sale was hilarious! I think I laughed more at the mob than I did at the comedy shows. I don't understand why someone would think they are going to get a really good deal when they are in a atmosphere where there is no reason for a bargain. CCL loves to get your money - alcohol, photos, casino etc. Do you think they would just hand over awesome deals on watches, gold (plated) chain etc? Same goes for the art auction. How many art auctions do they really need? lol Whatever is fun for everyone I guess!

[parrothead74]

I'd pay the same thing from street vendors for a "No-Lex" or a "No-Vado".

[VirtualCEO]

I'll stick with my panerai :cool:

[golfb4cruzing]

Our first cruise, we fell for the gold by the inch. Stuff looked great for about 2 weeks. Then it started peeling and I was bummed. I think I saw a guy selling the same watches but he had them hanging on the inside of his trenchcoat.:D

[DEBnGAB]

The title of this thread alone made me LOL!!!

 

It's exactly what I think when I see those people down there tearing up the tables...."crappy watches and people going nuts!"

 

I actually heard a lady up on the Lido say once "I cant be late for the watch sale!" :rolleyes:

[kbmeow]

I always wander by and check the watches at sometimes after the hordes of people are gone. I am rough on stuff and there cheap watches take a beating.

[golfb4cruzing]

They had the tables all covered up so nobody could get a peek at the great merchandise until the announced time. It was pretty funny seeing folks standing around the table just waiting. I was waiting for a flashing blue light.

[kbmeow]

They had the tables all covered up so nobody could get a peek at the great merchandise until the announced time. It was pretty funny seeing folks standing around the table just waiting. I was waiting for a flashing blue light.

 

Lol @blue light special