The hype around Black Friday creates the impression that every offer is worth trampling over fellow shoppers to get to, with retailers slashing prices to historically low levels for one day only.
Every year, consumers are bombarded with flashy advertisements and seemingly unbeatable deals, but are these offers genuine or just clever marketing strategies designed to make you spend?
In this article, we delve into the world of Black Friday shopping and discuss whether it’s a bonanza of real deals or a breeding ground for big scams.
Do genuine deals exist on Black Friday?
Research by consumer advocacy group Which? found that a whopping 98% of products on offer during Black Friday were cheaper or available for the same price at other times of the year.
This suggests that genuinely good deals are very rare, and many discounts are not as significant as they appear.
- Some retailers may artificially inflate prices before the sale to create the illusion of a bigger discount.
- A product could be offered at a lower price in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, then marked back up just in time for the sale.
- Older, less popular models may be discounted while newer versions remain full-priced.
For example, during Prime Day this year, a popular shopping event organized by Amazon, some customers reported finding better deals on products in the days leading up to and following the event.
However, despite these potentially deceptive practices, some genuine doorbusters do exist on Black Friday.
Discerning shoppers can bag great bargains if they do their research, compare prices, and act quickly when they spot a valuable deal.
Beware of scams and fake websites
One of the dangers of shopping during Black Friday sales is the potential for scams and fraudulent websites.
Scammers know that many consumers are on the lookout for unbeatable deals and use this to their advantage.
A report by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns shoppers about imposter scams, false websites, and phishing attacks during shopping events such as Black Friday.
- Fake businesses may send emails and texts offering lower prices on products or announce limited-time offers to pressure consumers into making hasty decisions.
- Social media ads could be used to lure customers to fraudulent websites where they unknowingly give out their credit card information.
- Phishing campaigns may increase around Black Friday, with scammers sending out emails posing as legitimate retailers or shipping companies asking for personal information or payment details.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, it’s essential to exercise caution when shopping online, especially during high-profile sale events.
Some precautions you can take include:
- Shopping only at reputable websites you trust and verifying the web address before entering any personal information.
- Avoiding clicking on links in unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media ads. Instead, type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser.
- Checking customer reviews on unfamiliar websites or using tools like the BBB’s Scam Tracker to help identify potential scams.
How to make the most of Black Friday deals
If you approach Black Friday with a bit of skepticism and some preparation, you can still find great bargains and avoid scams.
Here are some tips to help navigate the sales:
- Create a shopping list and set a budget: Know what you want to buy ahead of time and prioritize items based on importance and potential savings. Setting a budget also helps you avoid overspending.
- Do your research and compare prices: Research the products you’re interested in, read customer reviews, and compare prices across multiple retailers. Use price-tracking tools and browser extensions to monitor changes in prices over time.
- Be wary of too-good-to-be-true offers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Approach flashy advertisements with caution, especially from unfamiliar websites or sources.
- Check return policies and warranty information: Ensure that any items purchased have a clear return policy and warranty in case issues arise post-purchase.
In conclusion, while there are undoubtedly some genuine deals to be found on Black Friday, shoppers must exercise caution to avoid falling victim to scams or spending money on items they don’t need.
With proper research, planning, and vigilance, you can make the most of Black Friday sales and snag some great bargains for yourself.
