Why Black Friday Is a Bad Day for Impulsive Electronics Shopping
Food, clothing, homewares: If you can buy this, it’s most likely a Black Friday deal advertised for it. But just because you’re getting something with a so-called Black Friday markdown doesn’t mean you’re actually getting a better deal in the long run. Particularly with electronics, a cheap price tag can mean you are being tricked into buying cheap models of what you really need. Here’s how to avoid misleading Black Friday “deals” and make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Cheap products are not the same as a good deal
When you see a piece of clothing or a kid’s toy with a big old Black Friday tag, it makes sense to take advantage of this deal. Most likely, this is the same product on other days of the year. However, the same cannot be said for TV. Stores often take cheaper, lower quality versions of the same electronics and mix them with legitimate offerings. You may end up buying a Black Friday “deal” that actually has low-quality components.
So of course you can choose a cheaper TV on Black Friday, but think about the value of what you are buying. As Motley Fool says, “You might be better off spending $1,200 on a TV that lasts eight years than on an $800 Black Friday special that lasts half as long.”
Do your research and look forward to Cyber Monday
To avoid a hidden scam, you should do your research. The easiest way to make sure you’re getting the correct product is to check the model or serial number. And with online shopping, finding and double-checking those numbers is quick and easy.
On that note, when it comes to electronics, you might be better off skipping Black Friday in favor of Cyber Monday. According to a USA Today report, the Monday after Thanksgiving is generally the cheapest day to shop for electronics, with an average of 18% off 17% of items. On the other hand, you risk getting more “out of stock” results if you wait, so the risk is up to you, depending on the popularity of the item you’re looking at.
After all, retailers are selling products at a price that still benefits them compared to you. Don’t fall victim to a falsely advertised substandard product and make the most of holiday deals by doing a little research beforehand.