Why Black Friday Is a Bad Day for Impulsive Electronics Buying
Food, clothing, home goods: If you can buy it, chances are it’s advertised as a Black Friday deal . But just because you get something with a so-called Black Friday discount doesn’t mean you’re actually getting a better deal in the long run. Particularly with electronics, this new price tag could mean you’re tricked into buying a cheaper model of something you really want. Here’s how to avoid misleading Black Friday “deals” and make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
How to Tell if a Black Friday Sale is a Good Deal
When you see an item of clothing or a children’s toy with a big ol’ Black Friday tag on it, it makes sense to take advantage of the deal. Chances are it’s the same product you’ll find on other days of the year. The same cannot be said about TV. Stores often take cheaper, lower quality versions of the same electronics and mix them with legitimate offerings. You may end up with a Black Friday “deal” that actually has low-quality ingredients.
Sure, you can buy a cheaper TV on Black Friday, but think about the cost of what you’re buying. As The Motley Fool says: “You might be better off spending $1,200 on a TV that will last eight years than on an $800 Black Friday special that will last half as long.”
To avoid discreet scams, you should do your research. The easiest way to ensure you are getting the correct product is to check the model or serial number . And thanks to online shopping, you can find and double-check these numbers quickly and easily.
On that note, when it comes to electronics, you might want to hold off a little; According to CBS News , it’s worth waiting for the five-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, when you can get up to 30% off electronics. On the other hand, if you wait, you risk getting more “out of stock” results, so the risk is up to you, depending on the popularity of the item you’re eyeing (and how badly you want it).
After all, retailers sell products at prices that still benefit them compared to you. Don’t fall victim to a falsely advertised low quality product and make the most of the holiday deals by doing a little research beforehand.