- Write a short list: 3–5 items you truly need. Add a max price next to each.
- Check a baseline price: Note current everyday prices at two stores (or yesterday’s price). This is your “anchor.”
- Record model numbers: Fake deals often use look-alike models with weaker specs.
- Note return rules: Restocking fees, return windows, and if opened items are accepted.
- Decide payment method: A credit card with purchase protection beats debit for disputes.
Fake deals - How to avoid them this Black Friday
Advertorial
The 10-Minute Pre-Sale Setup
Fast Price Truth Test
When you see a “-60%” banner, run this three-step check:
- Compare to baseline: Is today’s price at least 10–20% lower than your noted everyday price? If not, skip.
- Unit price: For bundles or bulk, divide by usable units (ml, oz, count). The lowest unit price wins.
- Spec parity: Same model number (or equal specs)? Minor downgrades can erase savings.
Example A “$299” blender marked down to “$199.” If the regular price was $219 all month, the real discount is $20 (≈9%), not $100.
Red Flags vs. Green Lights
| Signal | What You’ll See | How to Respond |
|---|---|---|
| Red Flag Strikethrough MSRP games | Huge “WAS $499” with no recent proof it sold at that price. | Ignore crossed-out numbers. Compare to last week’s real price instead. |
| Red Flag “Today Only” pressure | Countdown timers that reset; aggressive pop-ups. | Pause 5 minutes. If stock and price persist, it’s manufactured urgency. |
| Red Flag Hidden model variants | Retailer-exclusive model (e.g., X123-BF) with lower refresh rate, smaller battery. | Match critical specs: panel type, RAM/storage, chipset, ports, warranty terms. |
| Red Flag Bundles with filler | “$300 value” kit padded with cheap accessories. | Price core item alone. Only count add-ons you’d buy anyway. |
| Red Flag Review manipulation | Recent flood of short, generic 5-star reviews; off-site photos; vague language. | Sort by “Most recent” and “Critical.” Scan 3–6 months of reviews for patterns. |
| Green Light Transparent price history | Consistent everyday price with a clear, limited markdown. | Note the date range; buy if it meets your target price. |
| Green Light Solid return & warranty | 30–60 day returns, no restocking on unopened items, clear manufacturer warranty. | Screenshot terms at checkout for records. |
Spec Check: What Actually Matters
- TVs: Panel type (OLED/QLED/IPS), refresh rate (true 120Hz vs “effective”), HDMI 2.1 for consoles.
- Laptops: CPU generation, RAM (≥16GB for longevity), storage (NVMe SSD), display resolution.
- Appliances: Energy rating, capacity, motor type (inverter/brushless), noise levels, filter costs.
- Beauty & Grooming: Ingredients list, device replacement head costs, voltage compatibility.
- Toys & Gadgets: Battery type, app support, replaceable parts, parental safety certifications.
Shrinkflation & Unit Pricing
Boxes get smaller while prices stay “discounted.” Always reduce to unit price:
- Food/household: price ÷ weight/volume.
- Batteries/blades: price ÷ count of usable units.
- Refills: compare per-ml or per-sheet even across brands.
Quick math If 900 ml at $13 vs 1,000 ml at $14, the per-ml is ≈$0.0144 vs $0.014— the larger bottle is better despite a higher sticker price.
Checkout Protections
- Secure site: Address bar shows the correct brand and a lock icon. Be wary of look-alike domains.
- No surprise fees: Review shipping, handling, activation, and restocking before paying.
- Payment method: Prefer credit card or a trusted wallet with dispute rights and purchase protection.
- Order records: Save the product page as a PDF (specs, price, returns) along with the receipt.
- Delivery window: Holiday delays happen; confirm arrival dates and RMA instructions.
Marketplace & Third-Party Sellers
- Seller rating depth: Look for many transactions over time, not just a handful of recent reviews.
- Fulfillment: Items shipped by the platform usually have simpler returns.
- Box condition matters: “Open-box” should disclose missing accessories and warranty status.
After-Purchase Audit (2 minutes)
- Compare the charge to the advertised price and tax; fix mismatches immediately.
- Unbox and test core functions within the return window.
- Register warranties and note support contacts in your calendar.
Real-World Scenarios
“Doorbuster TV”
Model X123-BF is $399 “from $699.” Specs reveal 60Hz panel, fewer HDMI ports, and no local dimming. The everyday mid-tier model with better specs was $449 last week. The “deal” isn’t a true upgrade—skip or spend a little more for long-term value.
Bundle with “Free” Accessories
A laptop bundle adds a sleeve, basic mouse, and trial software to claim a $150 “value.” If you wouldn’t buy those items separately, they do not count toward savings. Price the laptop alone against competitors.
Beauty Device Discount
Facial device drops from $179 to $129 but requires $35 heads every two months. Over a year that’s ~$210 in consumables, outweighing the initial discount. Consider lifetime cost, not just the headline price.
Printable Black Friday Checklist
- Item + target price written down
- Baseline everyday price from two stores
- Exact model number/specs noted
- Return window & restocking fee checked
- Unit-price math for bundles/refills
- Recent reviews skimmed (critical + newest)
- Warranty terms and accessories included
- Secure checkout + saved receipt and screenshots
If a deal fails any single check, it’s okay to walk away—another sale is always coming.
Updated 2025-11-02
