How can you tell if Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are good? The problem is that you don’t always know. That’s why you need these 6 truths about Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to help you figure out what to buy and what to skip.
Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals really that good?
Yes, and no.
It’s not fair to say that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are all hype.
You can definitely find great deals during Black Friday, as long as you do a little sleuthing. Remember, retailers are still intent on making money and they build their marketing and advertising in ways that get you to spend as much as possible.
These special holiday sales have been so successful that Black Friday now starts on Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday has turned into Cyber Week, as retailers tout amazing discounts. Even now, stores start advertising Black Friday deals right after Halloween.
In fact, you can actually go ahead and shop some of the early Black Friday deals here:
- Amazon Early Black Friday Deals
- Walmart Black Friday Deals
- Target Black Friday Deals
- Best Buy Black Friday Deals
With most retailers hopping on the Cyber Monday/Cyber Week bandwagon, a lot of the in-store deals during Black Friday carry over to Cyber Monday. So while it’s easy to get swept up in the hype, you still need to be a cautious shopper.
6 Truths That Every Shopper Should Know About Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals
1. Not always the latest and greatest
Many Black Friday deals on electronics are actually on older models. Do your research ahead of time and price compare what current pricing is on older models of electronics (think tablets, TVs, smartwatches and phones) and then compare when the Black Friday ads come out. Determine how much you’re really saving before you get excited and purchase something that isn’t really that deeply discounted. Also consider that those items are probably going to go on sale shortly after Black Friday anyway, since new product lines generally come out a few weeks after Black Friday.
2. Marked up, then marked down
A lot of stores will mark up prices leading into Black Friday, so they can mark it down, thus making it appear a lot cheaper on Black Friday. Again, if there’s something you really want, track the price of it starting before Black Friday all the way to Black Friday. That toy or tool you want may just end up being the same price it was say around Halloween and you haven’t really saved any money at all.
3. Special manufacturing
According to CNN and Forbes, major retailers sell computers and TVs that are mass produced specifically for Black Friday and are of cheaper quality. You may be getting a fantastic deal, but that electronic could be a lemon.
4. No room for buyer’s remorse
A lot of retailers will be stricter about their return policies during the holidays. So if you get excited, blow a ton of money during Black Friday and end up with regrets, you might be stuck when you try to return the items. You may just end up with store credit instead of a refund.
5. Limited quantities may leave you empty handed
Many doorbusters, which are the most deeply discounted items on Black Friday, are limited quantity. So that great electronic you’re willing to line up outside of a store for may be sold out by the time you actually get in the door.
Black Friday hack: Look for stores with doorbuster guarantees. They may be only offered in a limited time window, but if you can get in the store, you will walk out with that product.
The best places to shop on Black Friday to get the best deals:
Macy’s- This major retailer does a pretty good job slashing its prices during Black Friday, as well as offering Black Friday coupons.
JCPenney- According to WalletHub’s Best Store for Black Friday in 2018, JCPenney tied Koh’s thank to an average discount of 65.1 percent on its inventory.
Kohl’s- Expect to see savings on jewelry, toys, kitchenware and accessories, including a coupon for 15 percent off your entire purchase – excluding some higher end brands.
Target- Target’s average discount on items is 30.8 percent, but look for 50 percent off many of the toys in stock, as well as $10 sweaters.
The best places to shop on Cyber Monday/Cyber Week
Amazon- Of course this amazing E-commerce retailer always has great deals and even more so on Cyber Monday. You just need to be willing to take the time to look and it can be overwhelming since you’re combing through an enormous inventory. And the Lightning Deals are fantastic, but you’ve got to make time to watch them because the products get snapped up… well, lightning fast.
Walmart- If you’re in the market for toys, Walmart has a fantastic selection and the discounts are pretty legitimate.
Target- Last Cyber Week, Target had the best discounts on bedding and bath products, as well as clothes, shoes and accessories.
Get The Top Black Friday Deals All in One Place
Are you jonesing for the deals even after reading the truths about Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Head here for a comprehensive list of all the top Black Friday deals of 2019.
Want more tips to save money during the holidays?
Check out these posts:
- How to get the best deals on Christmas cards
- Best things to buy in November
- How to save money traveling during the holidays
- 7 hacks to save money on Thanksgiving dinner
- How to encourage kids to declutter toys before Christmas
- 7 Christmas gifts the whole family can enjoy
- 125 easy DIY Christmas ornaments
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I’ve experienced what you are saying first hand. Black Friday is the new thing in my country (I bealive it less than five years ) and two years ago I remember we went to do some shopping half of the items mostly food were not good at all, the ice cream looked and tasted bad and this year we skipped it for the precisely the points you mentioned.