-ve Votes for Bargains with Audience Restrictions

Ljoequimby on 09/02/2010 - 20:48

In the last 10% off storewide for Staff only at DSE/Tandy stores posted here (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/19147), the discussion of whether bargains with a restricted audience should be posted or not was brought up. It resulted in a number of negative votes (21+/11-).

Woolworths tend to these every few months and the staff sale before that (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/12826) was a little more welcome, but still attracted negative votes (24+/3-).

The argument seemed to centre around the fact that the 'bargain' was only accessible to a select group of the general population, being Woolworths staff and family, and possibly friends of staff.

My question is, why does the Costco vouchers posted as bargains (http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/21596 and http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/22073) not receive the same treatment, when it appears that the Costco vouchers are more restrictive than the DSE/Tandy staff sales?

I question it because I feel the negative votes are unjustified and unnecessary.

What do you guys think?

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  • andy19363 on 09/02/2010 - 21:49
    +8

    I assume it's because anyone could become a costco member, whereas not everyone can work for Dick Smith

  • joequimby on 14/02/2010 - 13:22

    I only partially agree with that statement. "Anyone" would be restricted to "anyone that visits the store", whereas DSE/Tandy staff sales are accessible to anyone in Australia who works for Woolworths/Big W Supermarkets, Woolworths Head Office, Big W, DSE, Tandy, Dan Murphys or BWS.

    I think the number of employees nationwide is estimated to be around 140,000 and all employees excluding casual employees receive a second card for a family member. I think it's fair to say there's probably over 200,000 discount cards in circulation across Australia. That is still a fair amount of people, and I reckon Costco member vouchers are just as restrictive as DSE/Tandy/Big W staff sales as theres only one store. I would understand if there were more stores across the country, but comparing the two at present state, I just feel there is a bit of inconsistency.

  • andy19363 on 14/02/2010 - 16:58

    The only restriction on using costco is geographical (perhaps also financial).
    I could fly there from anywhere in Australia, stump up my fee, and get a service…..as could the entire population of Australia.
    However, even if I lived in the car park of Dick Smith, prostrated myself in worship to him every morning, and dressed only in clothing made from Dick Smith dockets….I am still unable to access their staff discount.

    If there is a bargain at Costco….I can access it (perhaps with a great deal of effort…but I can access it)
    Dick Smith staff discount…..despite all of my efforts, I can't access……and only some 200,000 people can……

  • AntMan76 on 14/02/2010 - 20:35
    +1

    It's just sour grapes if you ask me.

    It's no different to student-only specials and academic software too. I'm not a student, nor do I know any students. Doesn't make some of those student offers less of a bargain FOR THOSE WHO CAN BENEFIT.

    My brother is the employee and I have a family card so when someone posts a staff card special on here I am grateful cause I don't always get to hear about them otherwise.

    • andy19363 on 14/02/2010 - 20:43

      It’s just sour grapes if you ask me.

      probably right…..
      both of the posted examples were still overwhelmingly positive anyways…..

      perhaps some disgruntled ex-Woolies employees negged the deals….. :)

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