Black Friday is one of the year’s biggest shopping events, but not everything is worth buying just because it’s on sale.
Some items offer better value at different times of the year, while others might not deliver the quality or saving you’re looking for.
In this guide, we’ll go over what to avoid on Black Friday and where to focus your budget for the best deals.
Skip the latest releases of electronics
New electronic gadgets are often heavily marketed during Black Friday, but they don’t always have the best discounts.
High-demand items like the latest smartphone or gaming consoles tend to hold their prices for longer, especially if they were recently released.
When to buy new electronics?
If you’re looking for a deal on the latest tech, consider waiting until closer to January or during end-of-season sales, when prices on recently released electronics may be likely to drop.
Look for off-season deals on winter clothing
Winter apparel, like jackets and boots, may not be the best buy during Black Friday.
Retailers know that winter is just starting, and they are inclined to keep prices high on these items.
Best time for winter clothing offers
Winter clothing is often cheaper towards the end of the season.
Look for significant discounts on these items in February or March, when retailers are cleaning stock for spring collections.
Beware of short-lived styles
Fashion trends can change quickly, making it risky to invest in items that might go out of style by next season.
If you’re shopping for trendy pieces, be cautious and consider how much wear you’ll actually get out of them.
Focus on timeless fashion instead
Black Friday is a better time to buy classic clothing pieces that can be used across seasons, such as basic jeans, neutral sweaters, or everyday shoes.
Be wary of store-branded products with discounts
Many store-branded or “house brand” items have enticing discounts, but it’s essential to research quality before buying.
Some deeply discounted store brands might not offer the durability or performance you’re hoping for.
Compare quality with established brands
When in doubt, compare product reviews and quality ratings with those of established brands.
It may be better to invest in a trusted product if durability is indispensable.
Pricey home appliances: should you buy them during Black Friday?
While Black Friday can be good for some home appliances, larger and more expensive items like refrigerators or washing machines don’t always offer the best savings.
Retailers sometimes save the biggest discounts for the other times of the year.
When to find the best deals on large appliances?
Look for larger appliance sales around holiday weekends, such as Labor Day or Memorial Day, when many stores focus on moving these high-ticket items.
Consider waiting on new furniture and home decor
Furniture and home decor can sometimes appear on Black Friday sales, but the discounts aren’t usually the best.
Black Friday deals on furniture are often limited, and the most significant offers happen during other sale periods.
When to shop for home furniture?
For better savings on home furnishings, think about shopping during January sales or summer clearances, when retailers provide discounts to make room for new inventory.
Conclusion
Black Friday can be an exciting time to score discounts, but knowing what not to buy can help you make smarter purchasing decisions.
By focusing on items that offer value, you can avoid the pitfalls of buying products that might not be the best investment.
Plan your shopping list carefully, keep an eye on quality, and don’t be swayed by every sale tag. Happy shopping!