Black Friday is the biggest shopping festival of the year. People flock to stores during this time and get their favorite products at unbelievable prices. While the sale may be far away, one should start planning. Some brands offer early deals, and customers may miss out if under-prepared. Furthermore, buyers can make mistakes in haste and spend much more than they should. Here are a few such Black Friday mistakes to avoid in 2023.

Not researching enough
Shoppers should start researching instead of sitting back and waiting for Black Friday to arrive. One can read about the deals brands had last year and what’s expected this time around. Customers can also see whether new product launches are anticipated around the holiday season and if any outlet has announced early bird deals. Researching can be tedious as many brands and retail stores sell the same product and offer different prices. Nevertheless, it is a crucial step to identify the best offers and save money during Black Friday.

Not having a shopping plan
Whether one buys online or in-store, having a plan is necessary for Black Friday. Some shoppers list the products they are eyeing and shop in order of priority. This ensures they get their hands on the most essential items before stocks run out. Those shopping offline should keep in mind that stores have definite operating hours. It is best to visit as soon as they open to avoid standing in serpentine lines. A shopping plan can save time and avoid unnecessary hassle. One may also consider developing a backup plan in case the first one does not work out well.

Assuming all Black Friday deals are good
Customers may come across deals on various products and services during Black Friday. In many cases, stores offer a percentage discount. For example, a pair of shoes may sell 50% off or higher in one place and 40% in another. However, percentage discounts can be deceptive. The discount could be calculated off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) when the product usually sells for less than the MSRP, even on regular days. Therefore, customers must steer clear of impulse buying. Just because a product is advertised as “on sale” does not mean its price has significantly reduced.

Falling for scams
As Black Friday draws many people to online shopping websites, scammers use the opportunity to target innocent customers. The scams can appear as fake coupons, duplicate products, and brand impersonation. The shopping season also sees an uptick in illegitimate retail websites. These websites offer irresistible deals and appear harmless at first glance. However, purchasing items on them can provide scammers access to a person’s credit card numbers, phone numbers, and account information. Online shoppers are suggested to avoid unfamiliar websites and stick to reputable retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe’s, and Target. It will ensure one makes the best of the Black Friday deals without worrying about scams.

Ignoring store credits, rebates, and gift cards
Good offers do not only come in the form of reduced prices. Some stores provide store credits, rebates, and points to potential buyers. These may not appear as impressive as a “90% off” deal. However, store credits and points can accumulate over time and be applied to future purchases. Retailers like Lowe’s also give out gift cards amounting to $200 or higher!

Forgetting to check return policies
People sometimes come across issues with a few products bought on Black Friday. They head to the store to return them, only to learn that the items are not returnable or refundable. So, shoppers should check a store’s return policies before purchasing, especially for expensive products and electronics. Not all stores have the same return policy; some can be stricter than others. A few retailers may have a Black Friday special return policy, allowing customers to return products bought on the day of the sale.

Besides these, one must avoid several other mistakes on Black Friday 2023, such as buying outdated technology, looking only at the lowest prices, not comparing prices, and not asking for help when needed. While the holiday season can unleash irresistible offers and deals, one should be cautious, plan, and think twice before purchasing to avoid disappointment.