The Ultimate Guide to Scoring the Best Deals This Holiday Season
Black Friday Sales: Separating Fact from Fiction
As the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are gearing up for what’s expected to be a record-breaking year. However, a recent report by WalletHub reveals that 35% of items at major retailers offered no savings compared to their pre-Black Friday prices. So, how can you make the most of the Black Friday sales?
Debunking the Myths
Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch warns that some Black Friday deals may be misleading, with retailers inflating original prices to make a deal look more appealing. This year, some deals may already be as good as they’re going to get, making it essential to shop early.
The Importance of Shopping Early
With a shorter selling season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, retailers are under pressure to maximize sales. This means that shopping early can ensure you snag the best deals before they’re gone. Additionally, consumers are increasingly concerned about online orders not arriving on time, making early shopping a must.
What to Expect from Black Friday Deals
While some markdowns could reach up to 50%, premium brands like Nike and Lululemon are unlikely to discount more than 20% or 30%. To lure shoppers, retailers will offer incentives like free gift cards with minimum purchases and bonus rewards.
The Best Items to Buy on Black Friday
Typically, fall clothing, televisions, and consumer electronics are great buys on Black Friday. However, hold off on beauty and footwear, which are better buys on Cyber Monday. Travelers can snag discounts on airfares, cruises, and tour packages on “Travel Tuesday.”
Strategies for Savvy Shoppers
To make the most of your holiday shopping, use price-tracking browser extensions like Honey or Camelizer to keep an eye on price changes. Stack discounts by combining credit card rewards with coupon codes and cash-back sites like CouponCabin.com. Take pictures of your receipts using the Fetch app to earn points redeemable for gift cards.
Price Adjustment Policies
Finally, pay attention to price adjustment policies. If an item you buy over Black Friday goes on sale for less shortly after, you may be able to request a price adjustment. Some retailers have season-long policies that may apply to purchases made up until Dec. 25.
By being aware of these tips and strategies, you can make the most of the Black Friday sales and score the best deals this holiday season.
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