Black Friday is perhaps the best time of the year to snag steep deals, offers, and discounts on one’s shopping list. While the idea sounds enticing, making a choice between deals poses a significant challenge for many. After all, the wrong decisions could result in dealing with buyer’s regret. To steer clear of this issue, one needs to avoid certain common mistakes during the Black Friday sale season in 2024.

1. Shopping without a plan
One of the biggest mistakes people make is shopping for deals on Black Friday without a plan or a budget. With so many offers to choose from, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, end up with confusion, or spend on things one doesn’t need. 

To avoid running into these issues, create a game plan for the D-Day. Start by making a list of things one really needs – be it clothes, shoes, gadgets, appliances, or more. Put this list in an easily accessible location, such as a piece of paper that one could carry into the store, or the notes app on the phone. Use this list to figure out which stores to prioritize on Black Friday. 

It is also a good idea to do one’s research beforehand. This homework can help buyers find deals on specific models or makes that are sure to fit their needs, as opposed to ending up with a random item. 

Next, set a budget for shopping. Black Friday deals can be a slippery slope when it comes to impulsive purchases. Working with a budget can help people focus on their priorities and avoid excessive spending. If possible, create a little more room in the shopping budget for miscellaneous items for standout deals.

2. Considering price over quality
There may be times when one finds a deal that looks too good to skip. While the initial appeal may be strong, one needs to analyze if the product is truly worth it, because spending one’s hard-earned money on something that’s going to wear out or break quickly can lead to major regrets. Look for good-quality home essentials, furniture, and other items to ensure that they stand the test of time.

3. Waiting to shop on Black Friday only
While brands only used to offer deals on Black Friday earlier, that is no longer the case today. Most companies have begun to offer these deals right from the start of November, with many running up to the festive season. 

So, instead of waiting until Black Friday to shop these deals, beat the rush by shopping early. This is also a good time to research the deals brands are going to offer and make better shopping decisions.

4. Missing out on online deals
Another thing to keep in mind is that many brands offer the same in-store deals online as well. Taking the digital route for Black Friday shopping can help people skip the queues and crowds in traditional brick-and-mortar stores, while still snagging the best possible deals.

5. Falling for fake deals or dupes
During Black Friday, brands offer some of the biggest deals, especially on big-ticket items. Since this is an enticing period for shoppers, many scammers use this as a convenient time to strike. As a result, one is likely to run into many fake deals as well as dupes online and in-store.

One common strategy many sellers use is marking up prices on items in order to run “bigger” sales on them, often put forward for a “limited time only.” This is done to create a sense of urgency among shoppers and to push them towards making faster purchases with limited room for correction. 

To avoid falling for them, one needs to ensure they do their due diligence well before the shopping season. Find out the true cost/value of the items, steer clear of impulsive purchases as far as possible, and shop from established businesses only. One can also rely on third-party price trackers and comparison apps to ensure they are getting a good discount.

6. Failing to read the fine print on Black Friday deals
While that “sale” sign has an incredible pull, there’s more to these purchases than meets the eye. Companies have a legal obligation to be transparent to their customers, but many rely on the fine print in the form of long advisories and terms and conditions hoping that no one would read them. 

This fine print includes information about returns, exchanges, warranties, and other aspects of the purchase. Make it a habit to read through the terms and conditions before making any big splurges on Black Friday to keep all bases covered in case of any mishaps.