Macy's keeps changing its prices (refund, price, online, purchase)

[MaryleeII]

I buy a lot online from Macy's, and I especially like that I can return to the local Macy's for an immediate refund instead of waiting for a refund to post to my account if the item doesn't fit, etc.


However, I've noticed, Macy's tends to "play games" with their prices, colors, and availability. I'm not talking about periodic sales, but changing the price, style, color and availability several times a day


For example, a purse I really, really wanted was on sale, marked down from $298 to $125 Wow, what a bargain, I must buy! But every time I tried to purchase it, it was not available in the color I wanted. It would be available in denim and cement for $125, but luggage, which was the color I wanted, was not available. Then, luggage became available, but marked down from $298 to $233. Then, luggage was no longer available even at that price!


Then, denim and cement went up to $233, and luggage still not available. Then, I happened to find---luggage offered at the $125 price! I clicked it in my bag, but by the time I tried to order, it was unavailable again But, denim was available at $125 So, I figured denim would be nice, and perhaps I could take it back to the local Macy's to exchange later for luggage. So, denim is on the way, at $125! Now, however, denim is back to $298


Then, I finally got it! I found luggage for $125! With hands shaking---I clicked through the purchase process---and got it! It went through! I even got an email with a confirmation number, luggage is mine, mine,mine----for $125 About 10 minutes later, I just checked the online status and luggage was again out of stock!


I mean, all this went back and forth in the period of a few days! I don't get it! I mean, I can understand a sale item being out of stock (and I asked--Macy's doesn't give rainchecks), but when the availability an price varies by color several times a day----what gives? Either their inventory control is all screwed up, or they are playing games with prices, for what purpose I can't understand


Well, denim and luggage are now on their way----but cement is starting to look good, should I stalk that, too? I feel more like I'm sniping something on Ebay than buying from a website

[harry chickpea]

Pricing games by the major retailers is a primary reason people abandon them and seek alternative online sources for items. I have little patience for such nonsense. Set a fair price, have it available, and I'll buy. Try to play games with me to get a few extra bucks out of me and I'm gone.