I know that a lot of shoppers like the idea of shopping at an "outlet" but they may not be getting the best deal or bargain at a store that calls itself an outlet or liquidator. In some of the big outlet malls around the country, major manufacturers have outlet stores that are selling special or selected styles that are manufactured just for the outlet-- and in fact there is no special "deal."

In fact in some of these "outlet" stores run by manufacturers and designers, the merchandise sold in the outlet was never for sale in regular department stores.

Some companies use the name "outlet" but are in fact regular retail stores.

How do you protect yourself? By knowing the prices and the quality of what you are shopping for and what you are buying.

Be especially careful when you buy "seconds" or "irregulars" or items with flaws. You will want to know the store's return policy, and you will want to know the price of the "first quality" merchandise so you can make a proper price comparison.

Have you ever been misled by a store that operates or calls itself an "outlet" or a liquidator? How were you misled?