BBB Tip: How to shop Black Friday sales

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Black Friday words on flyer

November 26, Black Friday

Black Friday, traditionally the single busiest shopping day of the year, is set to begin on Friday, Nov. 26 of this year. Experts are expecting the rise in online shopping to make an impact on in-store purchases. Instead of setting the alarm to brave crowds for deeply discounted items, dedicated shoppers may look for deals online, similar to last year.

 

According to the National Retail Federation, holiday shopping this year has the potential to shatter previous records, with holiday sales during November and December forecasted between $843 – $859 billion, an 8.5 – 10.5 percent increase from 2020 levels. Numerous economic factors may influence how consumers will shop for the upcoming holiday season, such as the impact of the continued pandemic, hiring challenges for retailers, and the effects of the global supply chain.

 

With increased holiday purchases both in-person and online, Better Business Bureau expects con artists to attempt to take advantage of those seeking to purchase discounted items disguised as Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals. In 2020, one Texas resident reported a fraudulent website to BBB Scam Tracker that was “certainly a pre-Black Friday web-store created to scam deal shoppers. The store allows a purchase to go through to steal credit card information and ships a fraudulent product that does not reflect the actual items ordered.”

 

If you decide to shop on Black Friday, Better Business Bureau offers these tips to make your shopping experience productive, scam-free and successful.

Black Friday Shopping Tips

 

  • Make the most of Black Friday deals. Start with a list of items and use sale flyers and promotions to determine which store has the best price. Set a budget and stick with it before heading out.

 

  • Read the fine print. Some retailers may offer an additional percentage off the purchase but exclude specific deals or items such as “doorbusters.” Watch for companies boasting a high percentage off; the item may be “75% off,” but the retailer could inflate the original price. Carefully check the price tags, terms and conditions. Research online using a secure Wi-Fi connection to see if competitors have the item at a better price.

 

  • Plan out the excursion. Sometimes it’s unnecessary to wait to see what retailers will offer deals on Black Friday; often, they will release Black Friday flyers weeks ahead of time so that consumers can plan out their shopping spree. Make a map of the stores to visit and what items are at which store. Some retailers only honor sale ads during a specific time frame or on certain days, and may limit the amount of deeply discounted items available for purchase.

 

  • Sign-up for email alerts. Many stores release their best Black Friday deals and exclusive coupons to people who have subscribed to their emails. Sign up ahead of the holiday season, and then unsubscribe afterward, if needed.

 

  • Do your research. Read product reviews on highly discounted items. It could be a cheaper model or brand advertised and not what the buyer expects. Check BBB.org for Business Profiles of the stores and read what other customers have experienced.

 

  • Know the return policy and warranty information. Pass along any information about returns, exchanges, repairs, and warranties to the person who will use the item. Gift receipts are an easy way for recipients to return or exchange a gift if it’s not just right, but make sure the gift recipient can return the item before purchasing.

 

Visit BBB.org to look up a business, file a complaint, write a customer review, report a scam, read tips, follow us on social media, and more!

 

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ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2020, people turned to BBB more than 220 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 6.2 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at BBB.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Kristin Barclay
Kristin Barclay graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in Journalism and Advertising. Throughout her career, Kristin has demonstrated a passion for storytelling and a commitment to providing accurate, timely, and informative news coverage. She has a deep understanding of the issues and concerns facing local communities and has earned a reputation as a trusted source for reliable news and information. In addition to her work as an editor and journalist, Kristin is also a skilled writer and has written articles on a wide range of topics, including politics, business, education, and culture. She has a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling stories that engage and inform readers. Kristin is also an active member of the community and has volunteered her time and resources to numerous organizations and causes. She believes in the importance of giving back and making a positive impact on the world around us. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kristin Barclay is also a passionate advocate for local journalism and the role it plays in keeping communities informed and engaged. She believes strongly in the importance of supporting local news outlets and is dedicated to ensuring that quality journalism remains a vital part of our society. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys traveling both for business and pleasure. She loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures. Whether she's on a business trip or a vacation, Kristin is always eager to discover what makes each place unique and special. Kristin's passions include boots, bourbon, dogs and college football. She is a self-proclaimed boot aficionado and has an impressive collection of cowboy boots that she wears with pride. She also enjoys sipping on a good bourbon and spending time with her husband and beloved border collies. Last but certainly not least, Kristin is the proud mother of two children who bring joy and meaning to her life. She is deeply committed to being a loving and supportive parent, and her children are her greatest source of inspiration and motivation