You're sitting there, scrolling, maybe drinking coffee, and you see that flash on the screen. It’s Local Steals and Deals Channel 9. Your first instinct? Probably a mix of curiosity and "is this actually a scam?" Honestly, it’s a fair question. We’ve all been burned by "limited time offers" that turn out to be cheap junk from a warehouse halfway across the world. But the Channel 9 segment—which is a staple for many ABC affiliates like WSOC in Charlotte or others across the country—operates a bit differently than your standard late-night infomercial. It’s essentially a curated marketplace.
Local news stations have a weirdly high level of trust with their viewers. They know this. If they start hawking absolute garbage, people stop watching the 6 PM weather report. So, the "Steals and Deals" segments are usually vetted partnerships. They aren't just random products; they are often brand-name items or "as seen on TV" gadgets that are actually trending, offered at a steep discount—sometimes 50% or even 80% off retail.
Why Local Steals and Deals Channel 9 Isn't Just Another Ad
Television is changing. Fast. Local stations can't just rely on car dealership commercials anymore to keep the lights on. That's where "shoppable content" comes in. When you see Lisa Robertson or a guest host talking about a high-end silk pillowcase or a new power bank, they are participating in a revenue-share model. The station gets a cut, the brand gets a massive audience, and you get a price you typically can't find on Amazon.
It's a weird ecosystem.
The deals are almost always hosted on a third-party site, often something like localsteals.com. If you go to the Channel 9 website, you’ll usually find a "deals" tab that redirects you there. It’s important to remember that the news anchors themselves aren't the ones shipping the boxes. They are the messengers.
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The FOMO Factor is Real
The biggest hurdle for most people is the clock. These deals aren't evergreen. They usually drop during a specific morning show or midday broadcast and expire within 24 to 48 hours, or—more likely—whenever the inventory runs out. Because these are "local" deals, the inventory isn't infinite. If 10,000 people in the Charlotte metro area all decide they need a discounted air fryer at the same time, that stock is going to vanish in about twelve minutes.
The Logistics of the Grab
Buying something through a TV link feels a little 1998, doesn't it? But the backend of Local Steals and Deals Channel 9 is surprisingly modern. They use Shopify-based platforms or similar robust e-commerce engines. You’re not calling a 1-800 number and talking to a lady named Gladys. You’re checking out with Apple Pay or a credit card on a secure site.
One thing people get wrong: shipping times.
We are spoiled by "Prime" culture. We want it yesterday. With these steals, you have to realize the brands are often small-to-mid-sized companies suddenly getting slammed with thousands of orders in a single morning. It’s not uncommon for shipping to take 7 to 10 days. If you’re buying a birthday gift for tomorrow, don’t do it here. You’ll be handing someone a printed-out picture of the gift, which is always a bummer.
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Real Talk on the Quality
Is everything a winner? No.
I’ve seen some stuff on there that’s basically "plastic clutter." However, they also feature legitimate brands like Cuisinart, Gaby’s Glass, or high-end skincare lines that are trying to clear out last season's packaging. The key is to look for the "Compare at" price and then do a quick Google search. If the "Steal" price is $20 and Amazon has it for $22, it’s not a steal. It’s just an errand. But if it’s $20 and the next cheapest place is $55? That’s when you click "buy."
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
The most frequent complaint I hear about these segments involves the return policy. Most of these deals are "Final Sale." Why? Because the margins are razor-thin. The brand is barely making money after the station takes its cut and the discount is applied. They don't want to deal with the logistics of you "changing your mind" about a lavender-scented weighted blanket.
- Check the return policy every single time. If it’s not there, assume you own it forever.
- Sign up for the email alerts. If you wait for the TV broadcast, you’re already behind the people who got the 7 AM email.
- Watch the shipping costs. Sometimes a "steal" for $10 has a $15 shipping fee attached. That’s how they get you.
The Regional Difference
It’s worth noting that "Channel 9" can mean different things depending on where you live. In North Carolina, WSOC is the powerhouse. In other markets, it might be a different affiliate. But the "Local Steals and Deals" brand is a syndicated program. This means a viewer in Orlando might be seeing the exact same deal on a cordless vacuum as someone in Seattle. The "local" part is a bit of a marketing stretch—it's local to your station, but the deal is often national.
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This is actually good for the consumer. National scale means better negotiating power with the brands. It means you aren't just getting a coupon for a local dry cleaner (though those show up too); you're getting access to a massive supply chain.
How to Maximize the Value
If you're serious about using Local Steals and Deals Channel 9 to save money, you need a strategy. Don't just impulse buy a "vegetable spiralizer" because the host looked like they were having fun with it.
- Inventory your needs. Keep a running list of things you actually need: new towels, a backup power bank, better kitchen knives.
- Verify the MSRP. Brands love to inflate the "original" price to make the discount look like a miracle. Check a neutral site to see what the item actually sells for on a normal Tuesday.
- Set a "Deal Budget." It's easy to spend $200 on "deals" and realize you just spent $200 on stuff you didn't need. Saving 50% on something you weren't going to buy is still spending 100%.
What to Do Next
The next time you see the segment pop up, don't just watch. Go to the station's specific "deals" URL immediately. If you see something that fits your "needs" list and the price check clears, move fast. Use a digital wallet like PayPal or Apple Pay to avoid fumbling for your credit card while the inventory counts down. Most importantly, read the fine print on the shipping window so you aren't frustrated when the box doesn't show up in 48 hours.
Check your local Channel 9 website's "About" or "Contact" section if you ever have an issue with an order; while they don't fulfill the orders, they usually have a dedicated customer service link for their marketplace partners to protect their reputation.
Actionable Insights:
- Bookmark the direct URL: Don't wait for the TV segment to find the link; keep it in your favorites.
- Compare prices instantly: Use your phone to check a third-party retailer before hitting "checkout."
- Check for "Hidden" Costs: Always proceed to the final checkout screen to see the total with taxes and shipping before committing mentally to the "deal" price.