Ah, Black Friday—the annual consumer Olympics where people line up at ungodly hours, fight for parking spots, and battle it out over discounted flat-screens. But here’s the burning question: Are the deals actually worth it? Sometimes, yes. Other times, not so much. Let’s break it down with examples to help you avoid getting suckered by shiny “deals.”
When Black Friday Deals Are Truly Worth It
Black Friday is famous for its steep discounts on certain categories, but here’s where it really delivers the goods:
1. Electronics
This is where Black Friday shines.
- Example: Last year, Samsung’s 65-inch QLED 4K TV dropped from $1,299 to $899 at Best Buy. That’s a whopping $400 off for a high-quality TV with all the bells and whistles.
- Apple Products: While Apple rarely discounts directly, retailers like Target and Walmart often offer gift cards with purchases. For example, in 2022, Walmart offered the iPad 9th Gen at $269 (down from $329) plus a $50 gift card.
- Gaming Consoles: A popular deal in 2022 bundled the Xbox Series S with an extra controller and a game for $249, a solid savings compared to buying everything separately.
2. Small Kitchen Appliances
Black Friday is the perfect time to upgrade your kitchen without breaking the bank.
- Example: The Instant Pot Duo Nova (8-quart), a fan-favorite multicooker, dropped from $159 to $89 on Amazon.
- Air Fryers: Ninja’s Foodi DualZone Air Fryer, which allows you to cook two dishes at different temperatures, was marked down from $229 to $169 at Target.
- Blenders: High-end options like the Vitamix E310 saw price cuts of $100 or more at retailers like Costco.
3. Laptops and Tablets
Whether for work, school, or gaming, laptops often see significant discounts.
- Example: The MacBook Air M1 was slashed from $999 to $799 at multiple retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
- Gaming Laptops: A deal on the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, a powerful gaming laptop, saw a $400 discount, bringing the price down to $1,299.
4. Home Appliances
If you’re in the market for a washer, dryer, or refrigerator, Black Friday is a prime time to snag these essentials.
- Example: Lowe’s and Home Depot offered Samsung’s front-load washer/dryer combo for $999 (regularly $1,499).
- Robot Vacuums: Roomba models like the iRobot Roomba i7+ dropped from $799 to $499 on Amazon.
5. Toys and Games
Parents, take note: Black Friday is a great time to stock up on holiday gifts.
- Example: The ever-popular LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon set was discounted by 30% on Amazon, dropping from $159 to $111.
- Board Games: Classic games like Catan and Ticket to Ride saw prices slashed by 40%.
When Black Friday Isn’t Worth It
Not all that glitters is gold. Some deals are more hype than substance. Here’s where you need to tread carefully:
1. Limited Stock Doorbusters
Those jaw-dropping $99 50-inch TVs? They’re often low-quality or older models.
- Example: A 50-inch TV for $99 at Walmart sounds incredible, but it’s often a no-name brand with mediocre specs. Plus, stores might only have 10 units in stock, leading to long lines and disappointment.
2. Inflated Discounts
Retailers sometimes play dirty by inflating the original price to make discounts look bigger.
- Example: A “50% off” tag on a mattress that’s “marked down” from $1,000 to $499 might sound great, but the mattress could’ve been selling at $499 all year.
3. Low-Quality Products
Be cautious of items made specifically for Black Friday, as these can have lower specs or cheaper materials.
- Example: A laptop “special” might have a slower processor and less RAM compared to regular models. Always check the specs and compare.
4. Holiday Decor
Think you’re scoring a deal on Christmas lights or inflatable yard Santas? Wait until December 26th. That’s when these items really go on clearance.
Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday
Missed out on Black Friday? Don’t sweat it—Cyber Monday often matches or beats Black Friday discounts, especially for online shopping.
Example Comparisons:
- Laptops: On Black Friday 2022, an HP Spectre x360 was $1,099. The same model dropped to $999 on Cyber Monday.
- Tech Accessories: Apple’s AirPods Pro were $199 on Black Friday but fell to $179 on Cyber Monday at Amazon.
How to Maximize Your Savings
Black Friday isn’t just about snagging deals—it’s about snagging the right deals. Here’s how to shop like a pro:
1. Start Early
Black Friday isn’t just one day anymore. Many retailers launch sales in early November.
- Example: Target’s “Black Friday Deals” started November 1st in 2022, offering the same discounts you’d find on the actual day.
2. Use Price-Tracking Tools
Apps like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon), Honey, and Google Shopping let you see price histories, so you can tell if a deal is real.
3. Stack Discounts
Look for opportunities to stack savings:
- Example: Kohl’s offered 15% off plus $15 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent on Black Friday 2022. Combine that with a sale price, and you’re doubling your savings.
4. Check Return Policies
Retailers sometimes tighten their return policies during Black Friday. Make sure you can return or exchange items if needed.
5. Use Credit Card Rewards
Some credit cards offer extra cashback or points for shopping during Black Friday weekend.
- Example: The Chase Freedom Flex offered 5% cashback on PayPal purchases during Q4 2022, making online Black Friday shopping even sweeter.
The Bottom Line
Black Friday can be worth it—if you play it smart. Stick to big-ticket items like electronics and appliances, and avoid getting suckered by fake discounts or low-quality products. Do your homework, compare prices, and shop with a plan. Whether you’re looking for a TV, an Instant Pot, or just some cheap holiday gifts, Black Friday has something for everyone—if you know where to look.
Happy deal hunting!