Do NOT Buy These Items on Black Friday
Black Friday is a big day for retailers and shoppers alike. For retailers, this is the long-anticipated moment when an abundance of purchases traditionally moves companies from the red (not profitable) to the black (profitable). For shoppers, it’s a chance to grab special deals on Christmas gifts—mostly for others, though let’s be honest, a few gifts for ourselves tend to make their way into the cart too.
Now, I’m going to assume you’ve already set your Christmas budget. You’ve mapped out what you’ll spend, who you’ll buy for, and how you’ll avoid something no holiday should bring: Christmas debt. If so, well done. You’re already ahead of many. But even with a budget in place, Black Friday can still be tricky terrain. Marketers know exactly how to tug at our desires, stir up urgency, and convince us that this time is the very best time to buy.
Sometimes that’s true. But quite often, especially for personal purchases and big-ticket items, Black Friday is not the deal day it appears to be. In fact, here are ten things you should probably avoid purchasing on Black Friday. Holding off could save you quite a bit of money in the long run.
1. Automobiles
If you’re in the market for a new car, don’t be lured in by Black Friday banners. The best car deals typically show up in December as dealerships try to clear out inventory before the year ends. Waiting just a few more weeks could save you hundreds, sometimes thousands.
2. Furniture
Furniture stores do run Black Friday promotions, but they are rarely the steepest discounts of the year. Memorial Day and Presidents’ Day tend to bring far deeper price cuts. Unless you urgently need a new couch, patience pays off here.
3. Holiday Decorations
It’s tempting to refresh your Christmas décor while you’re in the middle of the holiday spirit. But you know the best time to buy decorations: after the holidays. Once January hits, prices on trees, lights, ornaments, and inflatable yard displays plummet. Hold off just a little longer.
4. Off-Brand Tech
Black Friday is notorious for off-brand tech deals on tablets, earbuds, TVs, charging accessories, robotic vacuums, and more. Sometimes the quality is fine, but other times you get exactly what you pay for. If you buy something today only to replace it next year, it’s not a deal. Avoid the gamble unless you’ve researched the brand thoroughly.
5. Gimmick Tech
Every Black Friday brings a parade of odd little gadgets: mini projectors, quirky smart-home devices, novelty speakers, and more. Most of these are unnecessary, unhelpful, or low in quality. Save your money for things that genuinely improve your life or someone else’s.
6. Winter Clothes
Thinking about grabbing a new coat or sweater? Black Friday discounts may look impressive, but the real savings come at the end of winter. January and February are when retailers mark down clothing to clear out seasonal inventory. If you can wait, your wallet will thank you.
7. Appliances
Major appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ovens tend to see better markdowns during other parts of the year. New Year’s Day and Presidents’ Day often provide deeper cuts. Unless your appliance just died, Black Friday is rarely your best option.
8. Mattresses
March through May is prime mattress season. New models roll out, retailers clear out old inventory, and prices drop. Black Friday mattress deals may look enticing, but the true bargains arrive in the spring.
9. Jewelry
You might expect jewelry to be discounted during the holiday shopping rush, but the opposite is often true. Peak demand means higher prices. The summer months are historically the best time to purchase fine jewelry.
10. Power Tools
Power tool deals shine brightest around Father’s Day. Retailers know when demand spikes, and that’s when they push out their biggest promotions. If you can wait until June, you’ll find better savings.
Black Friday can be a great opportunity to accomplish your Christmas shopping goals, as long as you approach it with wisdom. Set a budget, stick to your list, and determine beforehand what you will and will not purchase. Enjoy the deals, enjoy the season, and don’t let Christmas shopping turn into Christmas debt.
