Black Friday has grown to become a household event in many societies, with retail outlets opening early on Thanksgiving night to accommodate crowds of enthusiastic shoppers eager to acquire items at significant discounts. While some deals are genuinely beneficial, others are cunningly crafted to draw your attention and prompt more spending. So, how do you differentiate between worthwhile discounts and deceptive deals?
Prior to embarking on your Black Friday shopping spree, consider these eight items you should avoid buying.
1. TRAVEL AND FLIGHT DEALS
You may be aware that securing flight tickets or holiday packages around the festive period can be costly. Similarly, it isn’t wise to organize vacations or book flights on Black Friday. While it might appear sensible to arrange spring vacations in advance, Black Friday isn’t the right time. That’s because travel fares typically increase from September to accommodate holiday journeys and these fares don’t usually drop until January. It’s better to reserve such purchases for after the festive rush is over and Spring Break seems far away.
2. FURNITURE
If you’re aspiring to snag new furniture such as a couch, dining table, or patio items during Black Friday, you might need to reconsider. Furniture typically sees discounts during July and August, as retailers seek to clear out the previous season’s inventory. By November, most worthwhile deals have probably gone. Items like outdoor furnishings and patio items follow a similar trend. Therefore, it’s smarter to redirect your focus towards other home appliances come Black Friday.
3. WINTER GEAR
While Black Friday boasts numerous clothing sales, it’s not the best moment to acquire items like winter coats, sweaters, hats, and scarves at great discounts. As winter is just around the corner, retailers are unlikely to slash prices yet for these items. Hold off until after January or March when winter attire and equipment typically hit their best sale prices.
4. HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Although holiday decor items may not occupy a prime position on your Black Friday shopping list, it doesn’t mean retailers won’t attempt to lure you. Some, like Target, offer discounts on purchases reaching certain amounts. However, it’s not the perfect time to seize the best prices on holiday decorations, especially since Christmas is still on the horizon. Decorations are typically cheapest post the festive season. If you’re planning to save, aim to buy holiday decorations at the start of the following year.
5. FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATES
Companies like Godiva and 1-800-Flowers do proffer sales during Black Friday, but apart from these discounts, finding deals on flowers and chocolates is challenging. Besides, these perishable items won’t last through the holiday season. If you’re considering them as holiday presents or treats, hold off for a bit – you’ll likely find superior deals as Christmas draws nearer.
6. PREMIUM BRAND AND ADVANCED TV SETS
Black Friday is often regarded as an ideal time for electronic purchases, especially TVs. However, this depends on what you’re searching for. Expect considerable reductions on lower-tier brands and older TV models. However, if you’re aiming for top-notch smart TVs, particularly LED or OLED TVs, the Black Friday period isn’t your best bet. For these, consider waiting until the new year or spring, and scour online sales for the best deals.
7. FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Though November may feature some discounts on exercise gear, finding any discount greater than 15% might be a tall order. December usually sees the greatest variety of quality equipment at excellent prices, which surpasses those available during Black Friday. Postpone your fitness equipment shopping until December, or around the New Year, when people are generally keen to uphold their fitness resolutions.
8. GIFT CARDS
If gift cards form a part(s) of your shopping list, reconsider buying them on Black Friday. Retailers will already be chopping prices and providing heavy discounts, thereby making it less likely for them to offer gift card deals. They often save the best deals for December when last-minute holiday shopping is at its peak. So, hold off until closer to Christmas to find choice gift cards at lower prices.
HOW TO SAVE MORE BY WAITING
While Black Friday presents plenty of chances for grabbing enticing items at modest prices, remember that not everything hits its lowest price in November. Every item has its own sale cycle throughout the year. Besides, retailers may cleverly place items in easily accessible places to seduce you into buying or offer mediocre discounts on a myriad of items. Beware of these strategies; while in shopping mood, it’s easy to accidentally buy non-essentials. Stay ahead by planning beforehand and buying only what you absolutely need. This way, you’ll make substantial savings on your holiday purchases.
Are there other categories of items you usually steer clear of during Black Friday? Let’s hear your thoughts on www.smartasset.com
