Shoppers eagerly await Black Friday when stores slash prices on a range of products. It brings discounts on smartphones, televisions, headphones, house essentials, and many other items. A lot of excitement surrounds the holiday shopping event, but it is best to be cautious. Sometimes, shoppers make mistakes and spend more than they should. So, here are five Black Friday shopping mistakes you should avoid to ensure you spend each dollar appropriately.
Being carried away
A lot of hype encompasses the days leading up to the sale. Retailers create ads to attract customers to their online and offline stores and increase demand. Some companies roll out offers a few days before the main sale. Buying during this time might seem like a great idea. But as good as these offers may look, you should avoid getting carried away and spend wisely. Make a list of the things you want to buy at the sale. Then narrow it down to the ones you absolutely need this holiday season. This way, you will avoid spending on items you can do without and use that money for a better deal in the future.
Falling prey to scams
Hundreds of sellers offer irresistible Black Friday deals on their websites. Some reduce prices to the extent that they are unmatched even by the most massive brands. As attractive as these sites look, they might be created by scammers. So, check the website’s credibility before feeding in your credit card information. Also, compare the deal price with other websites. If a deal is too good to be true, chances are it is fake, and you might lose money. You must also avoid responding to spurious emails or pop-ups with phrases like “check out these deals,” as clicking them may give the person on the other side access to your personal information.
Not accounting for new launches
Retailers often provide heavy discounts on their older products only because they want to make room for newer stock. As a result, you might find an older flagship smartphone at a heavily discounted price during the Black Friday sale. Buying an older device is not a bad move, especially if you can pick it up at a bargain price. But people often buy an older model only to find they could have held off and purchased the latest one instead. So, while it might be a good idea to buy an older version, you should check to see if there is a newer upcoming device on the market. Compare the speculated price with the older model and see if waiting for an upgraded version is worth it. You will ultimately be more confident about any purchase.
Using the wrong credit cards
Most people instantly purchase a product in a store or online without considering which credit card to use. When they do this, they are susceptible to higher interest rates. As a result, one may end up paying much more for a product in the long haul. So, check to see which card will give you a lower interest rate before purchasing. Sometimes, you may even get additional discounts for using a specific card to buy a product. Such information is usually displayed on the store’s check-out page along with other discount options.
Focussing only on the price
Gadgets and other products are available at heavily discounted prices during the Black Friday sale. But buying a product at a low price does not mean it will give you the best value for money. When comparing the cost, you must check for other factors, too, like a discount on shipping charges, a feasible returns policy, and an extended warranty. A deal that includes these factors and other benefits is worth spending on. Furthermore, to ensure you get a good deal, compare the original selling price with the new price. The discount percentage will help you choose the best place to buy the product.
