Don’t Buy These on Black Friday 2020!

Black Friday always seems like the time to buy everything. There are sale signs everywhere, the doorbusters are popping, and you want to go out and get it all done in one go. But not so fast! Some of the deals offered on Black Friday are actually pretty terrible. Here are some things to definitely leave on the shelf November 27.

Televisions

Did you know that the televisions that are specifically manufactured for Black Friday are often not as good as those sold at other times of the year? Black Friday shoppers are so price sensitive that companies will often skimp, perhaps on resolution or HDMI ports.

If you can, wait until post-Christmas clearance. If you want to miss the crowds, wait a couple more weeks when the pre-Super Bowl deals appear. If you are shopping for a smaller set, back to school sales often include those in July and August. 

Toys

With the exception of deals made specifically for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, buying toys this weekend is a bad idea. The prices will drop two weeks before Christmas. 

Wal-Mart has a large toy clearance in late July and August. I have bought toys for up to 75% off. Of course, my daughter is three and it’s much easier to buy for small kids.

Cashmere Sweaters

Specifically, the doorbuster deals. They are single-ply, thin, low-quality cashmere wool. If someone on your list wants a cashmere sweater, either spend the money on a higher-quality product, or get them something else.

Mattresses

The deals are fine–they’re the same ones you passed up on Labor Day–but if you can wait until the stores get the 2021 models in February or March, do it. The clearance deals will actually be cheaper than Black Friday. And don’t forget to negotiate! I wish I knew that tip when I bought mine. 

Advent Calendars

Okay, so if you still don’t have one for your kids, go ahead. But I scored this for twelve bucks on Amazon in October. I recommend setting up your Amazon Wish List with items that you’re watching. Every so often, they will send you a notification telling you when something you’re watching has taken a deep dive. (Those are affiliate links, BTW.)

Pajama Sets and Boxed Robes

Boxed throws, too. Get these when they go 50% off the weekend before Christmas.

Christmas Decor

Actually, same as above. Except the deals start in-store the Sunday after Thanksgiving and get progressively cheaper as the season wears on. There is a caveat: If you spy something you love, get it when you see it! The decor selection gets more sparse as the season wears on. Online, start looking after the Cyber Monday deals end.

Fitness Equipment

Wait until after Christmas, when the New Year’s resolution ads come out. This includes everything from sports bras to weight benches–it will all be cheaper later.

Linens

At least, pay very close attention to thread count, weave, fabric, and other qualities. This is because many of these deals are manufactured specifically for Black Friday Doorbusters, and the feel and long-term reliability just isn’t there. 

Many retailers offer white sales in January and clearance in February. Back to school is also a great time, especially if you like bright colors that appeal to college students. These go on clearance in September and October.

Wait Until Cyber Monday

Laptops, desktops, vacuums, kitchen appliances, and fine jewelry will all be cheaper online. Unless you are concerned that your vacuum will give up the ghost soon, I would actually wait until the spring cleaning sales in February and March. 

I hope that you found this guide for shopping on Black Friday useful! Don’t forget to subscribe for more content like this.