Black Friday is the biggest shopping day of the year. It’s also a time for retailers to sell at rock-bottom prices, especially on doorbusters like TVs and smart devices. Some of these deals are so tempting that people go crazy over them. The result is a chaotic brew of traffic, long lines, sleep-deprived shoppers and limited inventory, which can lead to a toxic mix of rage and greed. It’s a perfect recipe for mishaps, with many of them ending in injury and even death.
Retailers spend the year planning their Black Friday Elementor sales, luring customers into stores by hyping up special deals and offering a selection of high-margin items they know shoppers will buy. Stores will often feature these items on the front page of their websites or as hero images on their social media accounts, with prominently displayed price tags to draw customers’ attention. The best online Black Friday sales usually include free shipping.
When a product is marked as “Black Friday,” it means it is a one-time deal that will not be repeated. That’s why it’s important to shop with a list of what you want. This will prevent you from being tempted by flashy sales and bargains that may not really be what you’re looking for.
Avoid jostling to be first in line. This is a recipe for disaster and, at its worst, results in stampedes that can cause injuries and even deaths. If you want to score that top-shelf TV or appliance, be sure to show up early — but only after you’ve had some rest and eaten your Thanksgiving meal.
Shop with a friend to split the work and the expense. Dividing up your lists and alternating between stores will make the process more fun, and hold you accountable to sticking to your budget. It’s also a good way to keep each other company while you brave the crowds.
Always Check Return Policies. It’s easy to lose track of your receipts in the rush of buying so much stuff, but it will save you a lot of headaches later if you (or your giftee) need to return something.
Use an Online Inventory Tracker. With so many sales happening so quickly, it’s common for items to run out of stock. An online inventory tracking app can help you avoid missing out on a deal if an item you’re interested in goes out of stock at a particular retailer.
Stay Safe in the Parking Lot. Harried shoppers aren’t the best stewards of pedestrian safety, so be careful in the parking lot and be sure to watch out for reckless drivers who are eager to get into the holiday spirit by speeding around the parking lot.
Make a habit of using a secure payment method whenever you shop, but it’s especially important during Black Friday. This is a prime time for scammers to prey on unsuspecting consumers, so take extra precautions to ensure you’re using a verified payment source.