Black Friday is a prime opportunity to snag some of the year’s best deals. However, retailers also know how to use clever tactics to boost sales—sometimes at the expense of unsuspecting shoppers. From inflated original prices to timed discounts that create urgency, Black Friday comes with its fair share of marketing tricks. In this article, we’ll dive into common sales tactics and give you the insights to distinguish real bargains from retail gimmicks, so you can make the most of your shopping.
Inflated Original Prices
One of the most common Black Friday sales tactics is inflating the “original” or “regular” price of an item to make the discount look more substantial than it actually is. This tactic, known as “price anchoring,” is used to give shoppers the impression they’re saving big.
How to Spot It:
Compare Prices in Advance: Research prices of desired items weeks before Black Friday to get a sense of the actual retail price. Many price comparison websites and apps can help you track price history.
Use Price Tracking Tools: Tools like Honey or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) can show how prices fluctuate over time, helping you verify if the Black Friday discount is real.
Doorbuster Deals with Limited Stock
Doorbuster deals are heavily discounted items advertised to draw crowds, but they’re often only available in limited quantities. Stores use these “too-good-to-be-true” deals to get customers in the door, knowing that only a few will actually score the advertised item.
How to Spot It:
Read the Fine Print: The ad may state “limited stock” or “while supplies last.” These terms indicate scarcity, meaning the retailer likely has very few units available.
Have a Backup Plan: Since these deals are rare, be prepared with alternatives. Make a list of similar items you’d consider in case your top pick sells out.
Bundling Tactics
Retailers often bundle products during Black Friday, selling multiple items as a package deal. While bundles can be valuable, they can also include items you don’t need, making you spend more than planned.
How to Spot It:
Evaluate Each Item Individually: Check the price of each item in the bundle separately to see if you’re actually saving money. If the bundle includes unnecessary extras, it may not be the best deal.
Ask Yourself if You Need Everything in the Bundle: If the bundle includes items you wouldn’t buy on their own, it may be better to purchase just the items you need.
Only for Today” Urgency Tactics
Black Friday ads often create urgency with phrases like “one-day-only” or “sale ends soon.” This “fear of missing out” (FOMO) can push shoppers to make quick decisions without considering whether the purchase is truly necessary.
How to Spot It:
Think Twice Before You Buy: Pause and ask yourself if the urgency is real or just a marketing ploy. Take time to review other options before making a purchase.
Compare Similar Deals: Many retailers extend their Black Friday sales over the weekend or even the week, so rushing to buy isn’t always necessary.
“Buy More, Save More” Promotions
Retailers frequently offer discounts based on spending tiers, such as “Buy R0100, Save R200.” While this can offer some savings, it can also encourage overspending on items you don’t need to reach a discount threshold.
How to Spot It:
Set a Budget in Advance: Before Black Friday, decide how much you’re willing to spend and resist the temptation to overspend just for a discount.
Focus on Needs, Not Wants: Make sure the items you’re buying to reach the discount threshold are things you genuinely need or planned to purchase.
“Free Shipping” with Minimum Spend
Online retailers frequently advertise “free shipping” for orders above a certain amount, encouraging shoppers to add extra items to their cart to avoid shipping costs.
How to Spot It:
Check Shipping Fees Before You Shop: Some stores offer free shipping codes during Black Friday without a minimum, so do a quick search or sign up for newsletters to access these deals.
Weigh Shipping Costs Against Item Value: If the shipping fee is less than the cost of adding an unnecessary item, it may be more economical to pay for shipping.
Pre-Black Friday and Extended Black Friday Sales
To build hype, some retailers start their sales weeks before Black Friday or extend them to Cyber Monday and beyond. While this provides more opportunities to shop, it can also create confusion about when the best deals are available.
How to Spot It:
Shop Strategically: Research when stores historically offer the lowest prices. For example, tech deals may peak on Cyber Monday, while fashion deals could be stronger on Black Friday itself.
Focus on the Best Day for Your Needs: If you know certain categories tend to drop more on Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday, plan accordingly. Electronics are often discounted on Cyber Monday, while Black Friday may have stronger deals on large appliances and home goods.
Tips for Avoiding Black Friday Sales Tricks
Do Your Homework: Start researching prices for items you want weeks before Black Friday. Look up the typical retail price and set alerts for sales.
Use Reliable Retailers: Stick to well-reviewed and trusted retailers, as they’re less likely to use inflated pricing and other misleading tactics.
Stick to a Budget and a List: A predetermined shopping list and budget will help you avoid the lure of “extra deals” and impulse buys. Only buy what’s on your list!
Read Reviews and Ratings: Some discounts apply to older models or less popular products, so make sure you’re getting a quality item for the price.
Spotting Real Deals on Black Friday
Black Friday is a great time to save money, but not all deals are as good as they seem. By understanding these common retail tactics, you can avoid the hype and make informed shopping decisions. Remember, the best deals are the ones that meet your needs and fit your budget without the influence of sales gimmicks. Happy shopping!
About Author
tshepisosishuba 
