Black Friday Basics
It’s Thanksgiving. Families around Ohio sit down together, eat, drink and reminisce about the better days when grandma didn’t poo herself and the grandkids were too young to speak. The dog begs for scraps. The mashed potatoes are cold. The turkey is too dry, just like it was last year and the year before that. Somebody says (usually a half-crazy, alcoholic aunt), “who wants to go shopping with me tomorrow?” The whole family groans. Nobody really wants to shop on the biggest shopping day of the year. Do they?
Black Friday is synonymous with massive crowds, low prices, idiot drivers and the occasional trampling or two. This year will be no different. But it’s getting harder for retailers to motivate customers into showing up and shopping. We can’t ignore the fact that many Ohioans are jobless. An estimated 1 in 8 Americans is now on food stamps. America’s unemployment rate is 9.2%. So how are retailers motivating costumers to shop? It’s simple; massive price cuts, free shipping and buyer incentives like gift cards. It’s a buyer’s market out there folks, take advantage!
Many retailers are very tight-lipped about potential Black Friday deals. Thankfully dealnews.com has released its Black Friday 2010 predictions. Last year dealnews.com’s predictions were over 84% accurate. That’s nothing to scoff at.
Dealnews.com says do not buy a 3D television (yet). There is very little content for 3D televisions, they’re super expensive and the glasses are cumbersome and overpriced. Instead, their experts advise, buy the largest HDTV that is affordable and upgrade to 3D in two or three years, when the technology is less costly. Prices on HDTVs are down nearly 25% from last year. Go out and buy one (if it doesn’t kill your budget). 42” 1080p HDTVs will sell for around $400, according to dealnews.com.
As for computers, prices on iPads and netbooks are expected to stay roughly steady. Apple doesn’t have to lower iPad prices and there is very little profit in netbooks. Netbook prices will remain between $150-$200, just like last year. Laptops, however, will fly off shelves. A mid range laptop will sell for $400, which isn’t a huge difference from last year, but technology is always advancing. $400 this year will get you more than $400 did last year.
According to dealnews.com, Blu-Ray players may sell for as little as $45. Netflix enabled players will sell for $69. Blu-Ray prices have plummeted the last two years because of lower technology costs and the popularity of online streaming video. We recommend buying a model that features Netflix steaming. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. Netflix’s online library has exploded the last several months and many movies now steam in high definition. Who needs DVDs anymore? That’s right, grandma does!
If you’re not looking for electronics this season, don’t worry. Many retailers offer 20% off deals on many different kinds of merchandise. 20% off still remains the retail industry’s most popular deal on Black Friday.
Lastly, don’t fall into some common gimmicks and traps. For example, some stores will offer only ten of a particular item at a super low price. You’re not Spiderman, you’re not Wonder Woman, you’re probably not lucky enough to be one of the ten costumers who buys a high end desktop computer for $400. Don’t waste your time or energy on offers like that.
Have fun and be careful this shopping season. Prices may not always be lowest on Black Friday; retailers usually have last minute deals as well, so don’t panic. Change grandma’s diaper, load the car with snacks, brew a pot of coffee and get ready to spend your way into buyer’s remorse. Let the holidays begin!
Quick Tips:
Bring Snacks
Make a Budget
Don’t Panic
Don’t Bring Children
Brush up on Self Defense
Shop Smart- Compare Prices
Research Online
Take Advantage of Free Samples
Buy Buzzbin Staff Members Playstation 3s and HDTVs
