News
Black Friday: 10 Tips to Snagging
a Great Deal!
By Swanni
Washington, D.C. (Nov. 20,
2011) --
Best Buy says it will
sell a Sharp 42-inch, 1080p LCD
HDTV for $199. Hhgregg says it will sell an Internet-enabled
Samsung Blu-ray player for $39. And Target plans to sell a
Westinghouse 46-inch 1080p LCD HDTV for $298.
These are just some of the incredible deals that retailers will
offer on High-Definition TVs and related high-def products on
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 25).
However, this could be the most competitive Black Friday ever --
thanks to the economy and smaller inventories at retail stores.
It's quite possible that some of the discount prices will be
available for one day only -- and may include restrictions on
time and supply.
And with the economy in trouble, surveys indicate that bargain
hunters will likely turn out in even greater numbers on the big
day.
So, how can you make sure that you don't get shut out?
Based on information from
Consumer World and
other sources, TVPredictions.com has compiled a list of 10 rules
for landing that great deal on Black Friday, the traditional
start of the holiday shopping season.
And here they are:
1.
Read the Ads -- In Print & Online
Consumer World suggests that you carefully review your
local newspapers on Thanksgiving Day. Usually, they will be
stuffed with Black Friday ads and coupons. Bring them with you
on the big day. Plus, many retailers are offering special Black
Friday deals at their web sites. Don't forget to check them out
24-48 hours prior to the big day. (Also see Rule #6)
2. Evaluate the Deals
Don't assume every "deal" is a deal. Compare the "Black Friday"
special price with the HDTV's normal price before buying. You
can do that at various e-commerce web sites such as Amazon.com
and BestBuy.com. You may even find a lower price online.
3. Buy a Good Product A
low price doesn't guarantee a high-quality television. Do some
research and read product reviews at sites such as CNET.com. If
you're not familiar with the product's brand name, check out its
customer service record with organizations such as the Better
Business Bureau.
4. Look For More Discounts
Some stores issue coupons or rebates on high-def sets and other
products such as High-Definition DVD players. Find out if the
discounts apply to the Black Friday specials.
5. Come Early
Some stores will offer special prices if you come in at a
specific time, such as between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. Check out
those Thanksgiving ads for "time restricted" specials. Also,
this year, some stores are holding pre-Black Friday sales.
6. Beat the Early Birds
Some Black Friday deals at retail may be available at the
store's web site. Check out the site in the wee hours of Friday
morning and you might save yourself a trip to the store.
7. Check the Return Policy
Before buying, find out the store's return policy. Consumer
World says some stores discourage returns by imposing restocking
fees or placing frequent "returners" on blacklists.
8. Get a Gift Receipt
You can make a return easier for gift recipients by asking the
store to place a receipt in a gift box. Without it, the store
may not accept it.
9. Use the Right Credit Card
Some credit cards offer free benefits such as a return
protection guarantee or purchase points that can be redeemed for
other products. When you're buying a big-ticket item like a
HDTV, that could pay off.
10. Save More With Price Guarantees After
buying the high-def set, keep your eye on the TV's price at
other stores in the next month. Some stores will give you the
difference between your price and a competitor's price during
the holiday season.
