Black Friday often touts itself as the ultimate day for bargains, but are those discounts truly as deep as they seem? Let’s break down some common pricing tricks and marketing tactics that can make deals appear better than they actually are.

Inflated “Original” Prices

Retailers sometimes raise the “original” price of a product shortly before Black Friday to make the discount look steeper. For example, an item marked as 50% off might only be 20% cheaper than its usual price. Always compare prices over time using price trackers like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon or tools like Honey.

“Buy More, Save More” Schemes

Bundle deals like “Spend $100, get $25 off” encourage you to buy more than you initially planned. While it feels like you’re saving, you’re often spending more than you intended.

The Limited-Time Offer Pressure

Retailers often create a sense of urgency by emphasizing limited-time offers and low stock levels. This psychological tactic encourages impulsive buying decisions without careful consideration of the actual value of the product.  

Old Stock and Lesser Models

Some products on sale are older models or specially made for Black Friday at a lower quality to cut costs. For instance, a TV model may have a different serial number from its regular counterpart and fewer features.

How to Navigate Black Friday Sales Wisely

Do Your Research: Before the sale, research the products you’re interested in and compare prices from different retailers. Use price-tracking websites to identify historical price trends.  

Be Wary of Inflated MSRPs: Don’t be fooled by seemingly large discounts based on inflated MSRP. Look for real discounts compared to recent regular prices.

Read the Fine Print: Pay close attention to terms and conditions, including shipping costs, return policies, and any hidden fees.

Stick to Your List: Before you start shopping, create a list of items you need and stick to it. Avoid impulse purchases.

Don’t Be Pressured: Take your time and don’t rush into decisions. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.