This archive report was first published on 28 November 2019.
Black Friday Strategies for a Stress-Free Shopping Experience ¶
Published on November 28, 2019, by The New York Times, this article provides valuable insights for Black Friday shoppers. To make the most of the shopping event, follow the Wirecutter Deals page, where staff members constantly update their list of researched deals worth your time.
Black Friday can be overwhelming, but thanks to Wirecutter's obsessive price-tracking and deal-finding, you can take your time to verify details and think about your needs. The Wirecutter Deals team recommends avoiding five common pitfalls this year.
1. Gadget Fads ¶
Don't fall for trendy items like electric scooters, which are often unreliable, faulty, and even dangerous. According to Wirecutter's testing, these gadgets are not worth the investment. Resist the temptation until you've done your research and are sure you'll want the gadget a few months from now.
2. Exercise Equipment ¶
January offers some of the best deals on treadmills and ellipticals. Avoid buying expensive exercise equipment on Black Friday, as you're likely to put off your workouts until you have a New Year's resolution to work on. Instead, wait for January's discounts.
3. Doorbuster Deals ¶
Don't rush to Walmart or be glued to your phone for website deals before dawn. The 'doorbusters' are often on items that aren't worth busting doors for. Keep in mind that most times, you're better off passing on the meh deals that are thrown your way.
4. Buying in Bulk ¶
Buying in bulk is almost always better in theory than in practice. Last year, Wirecutter's Nathan Burrow purchased six 75-ounce jugs of laundry detergent, but he didn't have the space to store them. The same goes for buying perishable items, which often expire before you can use them.
5. Anything You Already Have ¶
Don't invent a reason to own something just because the price is great. Wirecutter's Nathan Burrow has a weakness for Bluetooth speakers, but he suggests avoiding buying more of the same thing, no matter how good the discount may be. Instead, look for discounts on items that will bring new joy to your life.
See Wirecutter's latest deals here.
