10 Rules to Buying 'Black Friday' HDTVs

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10 Rules to Buying 'Black Friday' HDTVs
The prices look great, but be sure to do your homework.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (November 12, 2007) -- Meijer, the Mideast-based retailer, said today that it will sell 37-inch LCD HDTVs for $499. Best Buy and Circuit City are planning to offer 42-inch flat-screens for less than $1,000.

And Sears is expected to sell a 56-inch Panasonic 1080p HDTV for $1,199.

These are just some of the incredible deals that retailers will offer on High-Definition TVs on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 23).

However, the discount prices will likely be available for one day only -- and may include restrictions on time and supply. So, how can you make sure that you don't get shut out.

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. The 10 rules were compiled from advice given by top consumer publications and organizations such as Consumer World.

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.

Please click for Part Two.

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Swanni (Phillip Swann) is president and publisher of TVPredictions.com. He has been quoted in dozens of publications and broadcast outlets, including CNN, Fox News, Inside Edition, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Financial Times, The Associated Press and The Hollywood Reporter. He can be reached at swann@tvpredictions.com or at 703-505-3064.

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