Black Friday many people have the day after thanksgiving off. What to do? Free newspapers full of glossy pamphlets and coupons. Throw the entire newspaper away (recycle). Do you really want to save $2 on an item which ends up being no benefit at all. You spent $1 on gas for the car and another $1 on fast food breakfast.
On TV, you will be bombarded by commercials promising the best prices.
Throw the paper ads out; or give to a friend. Turn off the TV and watch DVDs most of the time instead of being a captive audience.
It's a truth that everyone knows; if you go somewhere to save 20 cents on something; you most likely squandered the money on unplanned purchases and certainly burned at least $1 probably more on the gas for your car.
Consider buying online, they generally have discounts and free shipping. pick out the product(s); and then buy the next day once you have had enough time to buy that gift, without the pressure of a noisy crowded mall.
By Bella Swan from Forks, WA
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WOW! Sounds like you've had lots of bad experiences. But it's a big assumption on your part to think that we've all had the same, and that we're too naive to know when we see a good sale or not. I don't know anyone who would run all the way to the store to save 20 cents on one object when gas would cost them at least $1.00, nor who would spend hard earned money on something they don't need just because it went on sale.
I believe most people are far more consumer suavy than that--at least my friends are. I'm not a shopper by nature, but I love black Friday sales and go most years. When else can an individual buy towels, kitchen ware, or small appliances for shower gifts to be used throughout the year at these prices, buy small appliances for a young person getting ready to graduate in spring and start college in the summer or fall, buy birthday gifts that you can use for nieces and nephews in the following months or simply replace worn out appliances?
Yes, I've waited months before purchasing some simply because of the cost savings one gets this time of the year. In our area, a lot of stores are only about a mile from our home, making gas negligible, returns are easier (gift receipts), and it can be especially helpful to see the item before buying. As for getting caught-up in the excitement of the crowd--this is where experience and maturity come into play. Personally, I've saved BIG on black Fridays. But then, I go to after holiday sales too--guess it's just the thrill of the hunt. And by the way, everything we own is paid off and we watch our money carefully. I've ordered things from the net, but have found our best bargains far closer to home. Maybe that will change in the future, but for now, I'll continue to scan those ads.
Black Friday might be great for some people who don't mind the maddening crowds and have everything pre-planned of what to purchase and stick to that plan but the majority of people go with one or two items in mind and end up over spending because of the lure of the sales.
I want to point out that more often than not certain advertised bargains that would indeed save a lot of money are not even on the shelves or there is a bait and switch and the item isn't really what was advertised. Also, look at the fine print on those ads because many will state that there will only be three to six of that item in the store and no rain check allowed.
And, no, I have never, ever shopped on a Black Friday and never will because of horror stories I've heard and also having worked at major store chains a couple of times during the holiday season as an extra job for extra Christmas cash. I've seen the stunts they pull first hand.
I have to agree with Deeli and Susan - Black Friday around here certainly has savings of more than 20 cents. I rarely go because I don't always seem to have the money. I wish I could go more often. My step-son and I went one year and we had a blast! It was definitely worth the small breakfast at McDonalds that morning to have the experience with him.
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