The word ?sale? is probably the most attractive word in the shoppers? world. Other worlds like ?clearance?, ?clearance sale?, ?closeout?, ?discount? etc. too are very much appealing to the shoppers. When these words are displayed on boards in front of a shop, they invariably generate interest among the shoppers or passers-by. It is one of our normal habits to at least take a look inside the shop that hangs such signs. A ?sale? is basically an occasion of substantial price reduction of products or services. For ordinary and bargain shoppers alike, a ?sale? offers attractive and more competitive price for products and services in the market.

A sale or discount is often adopted as a part of sales promotion strategy by the company. Capitalizing on the typical psyche of the buyers, companies selling products and services, frequently adopt this strategy. Products and services on sale attract more customers than when they are under the listed price. A sale is often declared to avoid predicted loss due to lack of sales. Sales and discounts may occur anywhere in the chain of distribution ? wholesale or retail. Although more frequently they are found in retail markets, ?sales? in wholesale market may also provide lucrative bargains.

From the shoppers? point of view sales could be of different types. There are seasonal sales like ?winter sale? or ?summer sale?. There are also occasional sales like ?Christmas sale?, ?Eid sale? or ?back to school sale?. Shops usually reduce prices to a great extent during these occasions or seasons not only to raise selling but also to build a relationship or reputation of trust and confidence. Both buyers and sellers benefit from sales. Buyers benefit from paying less and sellers benefit from increased selling rate plus reputation.

In marketing terms there are other sales. The most attractive type of sale is probably what we call a ?closeout? or ?clearance sale? or more simply ?clearance?. Great bargains are found in shops that are on clearance sale. Clearance sales may occur due to a number of reasons. It may be due to the final sale of products to clear the inventory. Clearance sale may also be offered due to a shop's relocation elsewhere. It may be declared as a result of bankruptcy or other impending troubles of the shop/company. In most of such clearance sales, you will find very good bargains since companies on bankruptcy offer extremely reduced price. Such a clearance sale is sometimes dubbed as ?fire sale? - a term coined by mega sales often caused by a fire hazard or accident.

A perfect ?sale? with big bargains is not hard to find around you. You need to keep an eye on the local newspapers, magazines, TV ads or commercials. Internet websites too, offer attractive sales of the various products and services. Look out especially for clearance sales. They are usually more profitable than regular sales. As a matter of caution, before buying any items on sale, check the price of a same or similar product elsewhere and make a comparison. Chances are that you may occasionally find an item in another shop with a normal or list price lower than sales price. Remember ?sales? are not always truly ?sales? and they do not always offer big bargain.