Black Friday has become a major event, with stores opening early on Thanksgiving night to welcome eager shoppers looking for deep discounts. While some deals are great, others are just designed to grab your attention and get you to spend more. So, how can you tell the difference between a real bargain and a misleading offer?
Before you dive into Black Friday shopping, here are eight items you should steer clear of:
1. **Travel and Flight Deals**
Booking trips or flights around the holidays can be expensive, and Black Friday isn’t the best time to score those deals. Travel fares usually go up in September for holiday travelers and don’t drop until January. It’s better to wait until after the holiday rush to book your spring vacations.
2. **Furniture**
If you’re thinking about getting new furniture like a couch, dining table, or patio items, think again. The best discounts on furniture usually happen in July and August, when retailers clear out last season’s stock. By November, the good deals are usually gone. Instead, focus on other household items during Black Friday.
3. **Winter Gear**
Black Friday has plenty of clothing sales, but it’s not the right time for winter coats, sweaters, hats, and scarves. With winter coming up, retailers aren’t ready to cut prices on these items. Wait until after January or March when winter gear typically goes on sale.
4. **Holiday Decorations**
Holiday decorations might not be at the top of your Black Friday list, but stores will still try to lure you in with them. While there might be discounts, the best prices for these items are usually available after the holiday season. For better savings, plan to buy next year’s decorations at the start of the new year.
5. **Flowers and Chocolates**
Although companies like Godiva and 1-800-Flowers offer Black Friday sales, good deals on flowers and chocolates are hard to find. Plus, they won’t last through the holiday season. For better deals, wait until Christmas is closer.
6. **Premium Brand and Advanced TVs**
Black Friday is known for its electronics deals, especially on TVs. However, if you’re looking for high-end smart TVs, like LED or OLED models, Black Friday might not be the best time. Instead, wait until the new year or spring to find the best prices online.
7. **Fitness Equipment**
While there may be some discounts on workout gear in November, you’re unlikely to find anything higher than 15%. December usually offers better prices and a wider selection of quality equipment. It’s best to wait until December or around New Year’s for fitness equipment sales.
8. **Gift Cards**
Gift cards might be on your shopping list, but Black Friday isn’t the best time to buy them. Stores are already slashing prices and are less likely to offer deals on gift cards. The best deals tend to show up in December during the last-minute holiday shopping rush.
**How to Save More by Waiting**
While Black Friday offers many opportunities for bargains, not everything hits its lowest price in November. Each item has its own sale cycle throughout the year. Retailers might place items strategically to entice you into buying or offer small discounts on many products. Stay alert to these tactics: while you’re in the shopping spirit, it’s easy to buy things you don’t need. Plan ahead and buy only what you really need to save money on your holiday shopping.
What other items do you usually avoid during Black Friday?