Many of you are still going through the Black Friday ads to find your favorite notebook or LCD TV at a “never before imagined price.” Well, be cautious, because many of the doorbusters are not actually doorbusters but cheap promotions. Here are some major Black Friday shopping traps you should be aware of:
- While writing about Black Friday deals, several times, I found out that retailer does not mention the price of a product unless you add it to your cart. Another ploy is showing an item’s real price after mail-in rebate. Another variant is while buying netbooks at a cheaper price you would have to subscribe to a contract. The Washington Post reports:
Even if you're aware that mail-in rebates are involved, Jim Willcox, Consumer Reports' senior editor for electronics, says that you should be honest with yourself about how diligent you will be in following up with the paperwork involved. It's well known in marketing circles that rebate offers are going to cost manufacturers less than actual discounts or price cuts, because a certain percentage of buyers simply won't send in for them. If you're likely to be in that group, then you're not getting the advertised deal.
- One most important thing about items with mail-in rebates is that you should never gift such items because the gift receiver would have to provide a copy of the receipt and the UPC code from the product’s package to get the rebate.
- Many of you are enticed by deals like $10 kitchen appliance or 32 inch TV for $300 but according to DealNews.com’s CEO, Dan de Grandpre, these products are of poor quality products and many of these door busters are offered just to lure shoppers. For example, if you see any product with an unknown brand name or third-tier brand, beware of it. You might get into some nasty surprise.
- Another thing about door buster is that they are very much limited in number so your chance to get your hands on one of them is one in a million and even if you get one, the sales person might come up and say that you should get a good quality television. In reality these door buster deals are just another way to lure customers.
- Shoppers should also beware of store policy changes. Before buying any product, you should ask the sales staff regarding the return policy.
- So, what can you do protect yourself? Do a lot of research before you decide to buy any product with doorbuster deals on it. Make sure that the product is worth all the hardships you would have to go through. Do not go on an impulsive buying spree. Make a list and stick with it. It would be better if you refrain yourself from buying any big ticket item on Black Friday because retailers will keep on offering deals throughout the holiday season. Even if you buy any expensive item make sure you buy from a top reliable brand.
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