"Up to 90% Sale, I Was Supposed to Know Only"… Secret Discount Links Everyone Is Getting?[Chosun Price Chronicles]

(34) Big Discount Benefits 'Family Sale'
Anyone Can Purchase with Link, Even if Not an Employee

There is a special sale that eases consumers' wallet worries amid high inflation. It is called the 'Family Sale.' Family Sales are private discount events originally started for employees to clear inventory in fashion as well as sports, pharmaceutical, and beauty brands. However, recently, the barrier has been lowered so that savvy consumers with good information can purchase discounted products.

Dongkook Pharmaceutical is holding a family sale from the 23rd of last month until October 2nd, offering discounts of up to 85% on products. Dongkook Pharmaceutical’s representative cosmetic, Centellian24 Madeca Cream Season 7 Time Reverse (15mL x 3), is being sold at 9,306 KRW, an 85% discount from the regular price of 63,000 KRW. The warm eye mask, Good Sleep Steam Eye Mask (10 packs × 5), is being sold at 24,900 KRW, a 75% discount from the regular price of 99,500 KRW.

The sports brand Puma is also holding a family sale until the 3rd of next month. The Velocity Nitro 3, popular among beginner runners, can be purchased for about 100,000 KRW, which is 40% lower than the regular price. The cost-effective running shoe line, Tiberis Nitro, usually priced in the 100,000 KRW range, can be purchased during the family sale period at a 73% discount for the high 20,000 KRW range. However, Puma requires customers to enter a member code after accessing the link, and purchase is only possible after signing up and having the membership approved.

High-end brands found in department stores also regularly hold family sales. The crystal jewelry brand Swarovski held a family event in August with discounts of up to 87%. The global prestige beauty company Est?e Lauder Companies (ELC) also held a family sale last month, offering products from brands such as Est?e Lauder, Bobbi Brown, MAC, Tom Ford Beauty, Clinique, Jo Malone London, and La Mer at discounts of up to 70%.

Sports brand Puma is holding a family sale for its members. Photo by Puma website

Family Sale Discounts Are an Advantage, But No Returns or Exchanges Are a Disadvantage

Family sales mainly refer to private discount events held by large fashion and cosmetics companies for their employees. These sales often occur after the season ends to clear inventory, with discounts reaching up to 90%, making them an opportunity for consumers to score great deals.

The method to get discounts is simple. You just access the shared link. Usually, the links are shared quietly among employees’ families or acquaintances, but some family sales require entering a separate access code, making it more restrictive for customers.

However, recently, as communities sharing links and SNS (social networking service) accounts providing sale information have increased, it has become easier for general consumers to participate. Even if you are not an employee or acquaintance of the brand, many family sales are open so that anyone can participate by accessing the family sale link and signing up as a member. Brands also encourage participation by making it possible to join the discount event just by clicking the link, as they can benefit from promotional effects through family sales.

As the number of consumers seeking family sales increases, an online community sharing family sale information has emerged with as many as 440,000 members. This community shares family sale schedules and reviews, helping consumers distinguish which family sale offers the best benefits.

The biggest advantage is the high discount rate, but quantities are limited, so popular products often sell out quickly from the start of the sale or the event itself may end early. Services are also limited. Some brands specify that exchanges and refunds are not allowed due to the nature of employee sales, and even size exchanges can be difficult.