Anyone know how Costway Christmas tree prices compare online vs in store? I have been looking at their 7.5 foot pre lit models and the prices seem different depending where you look. Their website shows one price but I saw a different price at a local store that carries their stuff. Not sure if the store marks them up or if online has extra fees. Trying to figure out the best way to buy before the season gets crazy.
I have wondered the same thing. Costway operates primarily online from what I understand. Their site lists direct prices but third party retailers set their own markup. The FTC has guidance on price advertising that might be relevant https://www. ftc. gov/business-guidance/advertising-marketing. Some stores add assembly fees too. Have you checked if the store price includes delivery?
@daniel13 good point about third party markup. I compared a few models last week. The Costway site had the 7.5 foot hinged tree for 189.99. A local shop wanted 229 for the same sku. Shipping was free online but the store offered same day pickup. 
Main differences I saw
Online direct price lower
Store adds overhead cost
Pickup saves ship time
Warranty handled different
Thanks for that breakdown @james27. I ended up ordering online last night. The checkout showed a discount code that brought it under 180. Free shipping too. The store near me had it at 230 even after their so called sale. I figure I can wait a few days for delivery. The warranty goes through Costway direct either way so that part is the same.
Online is almost always cheaper for Costway. They are a direct to consumer brand. Retail partners need margin. The website runs promos constantly. Sign up for emails and you get 10 percent off first order. Price match policy only applies to their own site not other sellers. Read the fine print on warranty claims though. Some require original packaging.
That warranty detail is good to know. I tossed my box last year like an idiot. Had a light strand go out and they asked for the serial number off the box. Luckily I found it in my email confirmation. The store route might be easier for returns if something arrives damaged. No repacking a giant tree box. That part sounds miserable.
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@omar25 oof that box issue sounds rough. I am debating still. The store by me has a floor model up. It looks fuller than the photos online. 
Things I am weighing
See it in person first
Haul it home same day
Higher price tag
Return to store if needed
Online saves money but sight unseen
I hear you on wanting to see it first. The photos can be misleading with lighting and fluffing. My 7 footer arrived looking sad out of the box. Took two hours to shape it proper. The store model is already shaped by staff. That labor has value. If you factor your time the price gap shrinks. Still leaning online for the savings though.
@skylar the time argument only works if you value your time at retail rates. Most people do not. Shaping a tree takes an evening with music on. Call it relaxation not labor. The FTC notes that price comparisons must reflect total cost https://www. ftc. gov/business-guidance/advertising-marketing. Store price includes their rent staff insurance. Online price reflects lower overhead. You pay for convenience either way.
Fair point on the overhead breakdown. I never thought about the store costs that way. My sister bought hers in store last year because she needed it that weekend. Paid extra but had zero stress. I have time to wait so online makes sense for me. Different strokes for different situations. The tree quality seems identical either route.
So the consensus is online cheaper store faster. What about Black Friday deals? Does Costway do sitewide sales or do the stores match? I am trying to time my purchase. The 7.5 footer is in my cart ready to go. Just hate buying then seeing it drop 30 bucks two days later.
Black Friday is their biggest sale. Sitewide 20 to 30 percent off typical. Stores rarely match that deep. They clear different inventory. Last year the website crashed from traffic. App worked fine though. Set alerts on the models you want. Do not wait for cyber monday. Stock evaporates fast on popular sizes.
App tip is solid. I got burned waiting two years ago. The FTC has holiday shopping tips that cover price tracking https://www. consumer. ftc. gov/articles/holiday-shopping-tips. Costway honors their own price drops within 14 days if you contact support. Keep your order confirmation handy. Good luck everyone. Happy tree hunting.
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