What You Should Keep in Mind on Black Friday

Black Friday is widely regarded as the busiest shopping day of the year for customers and one of the most profitable days of the year for businesses. Many items are heavily discounted on this day to mark a strong start to the holiday buying season. It’s a common misconception that all items are heavily discounted on Black Friday. Likewise, it’s also a misconception that an item that is on sale on Black Friday is a savings over its normal price. By keeping just a few things in mind on Black Friday you can help to make sure that you’re actually getting that good deal you think you are.

Pay attention to an item’s normal price in the months and weeks leading up to Black Friday. Items in stores like Best Buy are rarely sold at their manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Because Black Friday is most commonly associated with excellent deals, a particular store may return the price to its suggested retail price and discount from that, as opposed to giving further discounts of an items normal price. This could result in a savings of only a few dollars off of what you could get a particular item at any other day of the year, which is certainly not worth standing in line for hours to get.

You don’t necessarily have to go to the store to score all the best deals. This goes for “door busters” as well. Stores like Best Buy allow customers of their Reward Zone Premiere Silver program to access all Black Friday deals, including door busters, online. Additionally, most of these same stores allow people to start buying discounted products the Monday before Black Friday even begins. If you’re a member of one of these services or know someone who is a member you could potentially get the same deals with none of the hassle commonly associated with Black Friday crowds.

Electronic equipment is typically heavily discounted. Part of the reason why items like computers and high definition television sets are marked down on Black Friday is because the new models are just around the corner. Stores are trying to clear out their stock of all old inventory items to make way for new models that will debut after the first of the year. Because of this, Black Friday is traditionally a great day to pick up these types of items. Just be aware that you’re picking up something that will become outdated and potentially obsolete in a short period of time.

Pay attention to the brands that are being discounted. Certain stores have their own “in house” brands of products that they sell. For example, the Insignia brand that is sold exclusively at Best Buy is also a brand manufactured by Best Buy. Because of these, Insignia brand televisions and electronic devices are likely to be discounted heavier than other brands on Black Friday. An in house brand may also not be reviewed as highly as devices from other brands.