Why You Should Skip Black Friday -- Savings Experiment

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Why You Should Skip Black Friday
Why You Should Skip Black Friday

As the holidays approach, a lot of shoppers look to Black Friday for the best, hardest-to-find discounts, but in reality, the deals being offered aren't as good as you think. Here are a few deceptive Black Friday sales tactics that you and your budget should avoid.

First, don't be quick to fall for overhyped "doorbuster" sales. Oftentimes, retailers will dangle a popular item at a big discount to lure customers in, but what they don't tell you is how limited their quantities are. These stores know that once they get you inside, you're likely to stay and spend on the lesser deals, so always call and check their inventory first.

Next, watch out for derivative products. Some Black Friday ads will only include the bare minimum when it comes to technical specs for devices like TV's, laptops and tablets. Usually, this is because the item on sale is a derivative product, specifically manufactured for Black Friday and the holiday season with lower overall quality and less features. These items may look like their pricier counterparts, but they probably won't last as long, costing you more in the long run.

Lastly, don't be swayed by phony markdowns. This is when a sale price is posted alongside an inflated "original price," creating the illusion of a great deal. This is a classic retail trick, so don't be misled. Focus on the sale prices and use those as a comparison.

So, while Black Friday does have some good deals, they're not always the best you'll find all year. Keep these seasonal tips in mind while shopping, and you'll see the savings for yourself.

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