As a website who has been covering holiday deals for the past 8 years, we'd like to think we know a thing or two about Black Friday sales. As you start to plan your shopping strategy, there's a few Black Friday truths you should be aware of that could help you in your quest for the best deal. Here's five things to consider.
1. The hottest items are often not on sale. I know this sounds a bit counter-intuitive, but the goal of most Black Friday sales is to get you into the store. But stores know you're already looking to buy that hot new computer, game, or ipad. Sure, there'll be some discounts on these items ranging from 5 to 15 percent, but the biggest deals often come from items which stores want to get rid of. Take televisions for example. It may seem like a store is doing you a favor, but in reality, new TV's are about to be announced in January. So one of the major goals is to get rid of the old models and bring in the new.
2. The cheapest computers are Often Very Slooow. That $199 laptop in the ad may seem intriguing, but often these machines are stripped to the core when it comes to functionality and features. Of course there will be exceptions, but it's often worth looking at the mid-priced laptops and desktops when it comes to finding deals. Remember, if you run a screen reader on your computer, especially in Windows, you'll need a bit more memory. These days, anything less than 4GB of built-in memory should give off red flags. The upside? The mid-priced laptops and desktops probably won't sell out as quickly.
3. Just About Everything is Online. It used to be that stores would reserve their best deals for those willing to bring a sleeping bag and tough it out. But more recently, just about every major deal that appears in an in-store ad is also available online. Granted, the very hottest deals may only last for a few minutes or less, but it still beats waiting in line now when you could be at home eating turkey.
4. Black Friday is now More than Tech. You're probably used to looking at the Best Buy ad for Black Friday deals, but the phenomenon has spread way beyond technology and clothing stores. This year, expect deals from airlines, hotels, concert halls, web hosts, and just about anyone else who has a product or service to sell.
5. The Deals aren't Usually Better after This. This is traditionally the best time to do your holiday shopping. If you wait until the week before Christmas, there'll be some great deals, but they likely won't compare to what's available now. Some stores will offer expedited shipping while others will simply be out of the items you want most. A little planning now can save you a lot of money this holiday season.
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J.J. Meddaugh is an experienced technology writer and computer enthusiast. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a major in telecommunications management and a minor in business. When not writing for Blind Bargains, he enjoys travel, playing the keyboard, and meeting new people.
