Black Friday has become a popular event in many households, with stores opening early on Thanksgiving night to welcome crowds of eager shoppers looking for big discounts. While some deals are great, others are designed to catch your eye and get you to spend more. So, how do you tell the good deals from the bad ones?
Before you start your Black Friday shopping spree, here are eight things you should avoid buying:
1. TRAVEL DEALS
Booking flights or holiday packages around the festive season can be expensive, and Black Friday is no exception. Even if you’re planning a trip for spring, it’s better to wait. Travel fares usually go up from September to cover holiday travel and don’t drop until January. So, it’s smarter to book your trips after the holidays when prices are lower.
2. FURNITURE
If you’re thinking of buying new furniture like a couch or dining table on Black Friday, think again. The best furniture deals usually come in July and August as stores clear out last season’s stock. By November, most of the good deals are gone. The same goes for outdoor furniture. It’s better to look for other home appliances on Black Friday instead.
3. WINTER GEAR
Even though there are lots of clothing sales on Black Friday, it’s not the best time to buy winter coats, sweaters, hats, and scarves. Since winter is just around the corner, stores aren’t likely to offer big discounts yet. Wait until January or March when winter clothing and gear are at their lowest prices.
4. HOLIDAY DECORATIONS
Holiday decorations might not be at the top of your Black Friday shopping list, but stores will still try to tempt you. Although places like Target offer discounts on large purchases, that’s not the best time to buy decorations. Christmas is still a few weeks away, and decorations are cheapest after the holiday season. If you want to save, buy your holiday decorations early next year.
5. FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATES
Brands like Godiva and 1-800-Flowers do have sales on Black Friday, but finding good deals on flowers and chocolates can be tough. Plus, these items won’t last through the holiday season. If you’re looking to give them as gifts, wait a bit – you’ll find better deals closer to Christmas.
6. HIGH-END TVS
Black Friday is known for electronics deals, especially TVs, but it depends on what you’re looking for. There are big discounts on lower-tier brands and older models, but if you want a premium smart TV, particularly LED or OLED, it’s better to wait until after Black Friday. The best deals for these TVs usually come in the new year or spring.
7. FITNESS EQUIPMENT
You might see some discounts on exercise gear in November, but it’s hard to find anything more than 15% off. December has the best variety of quality fitness equipment at better prices, even better than Black Friday. It’s wise to wait until December or the New Year, when people are more motivated to get fit.
8. GIFT CARDS
If you’re planning to buy gift cards, hold off on Black Friday. Retailers are already offering big discounts, so they’re less likely to have gift card deals. The best deals on gift cards usually come in December during the last-minute holiday shopping rush. Wait until closer to Christmas to get the best prices.
HOW TO SAVE MORE BY WAITING
While Black Friday offers many opportunities for good deals, not everything is at its lowest price in November. Every product category has its own sale cycle throughout the year. Stores might also place items where they’re easy to see to tempt you into buying more or offer mediocre discounts. Stay ahead by planning your purchases and only buying what you really need. By doing this, you’ll save a lot on your holiday shopping.
Are there other items you avoid buying on Black Friday?