When is a Deal, Not a Deal?

I have always wanted a porch swing. I don't know why or if I would ever really use one, but something in the recesses of my brain have associated it with "good."

In February, I received an email from a wood furniture company that I had purchased a bench from nine years ago. Their porch swings were one third the regular price. Wow, what a deal I thought. Right away I chose one and paid for it. I was very excited. Eagerly, I awaited the delivery.

March came and there was no porch swing. I emailed the company and they said it would arrive by April 9. Great, it will be in time for my birthday. April came and went. Then came May. No swing. I emailed again and this time they left a message on my phone saying it was being mailed May 29. Great, in time for summer. May came and went and so did June. Finally, July arrived and so did my porch swing.

Assembly Required
My new porch swing came disassemble, which I expected. My son was off work, so he said he would stain it and put it together for me. Well, he moved into his own place a week later and there sits my porch swing stained once and needing one or two more coats. Then it will need assembly.

I really like the idea of having someone else do the work for me, but at this point I think my best bet is to finish it myself. Maybe before this class is over I will post a photo of my finished porch swing.

I ask you, when is this "good deal" not a "good deal" anymore?" My biggest deciding factors are:

• Cost. It was regularly $200 and I paid $75.
• Summer is still here, after summer and I would have been disappointed.
• It is good quality wood.
• It did arrive. I was worried they had taken my money and closed the business.