This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
By LESLEY MITCHELL
The Salt Lake Tribune
Black Friday is a time for big sales, big temptations and big savings. But it's also a time to be wary and to think about whether too much of a good thing is really a good thing.
Some of the best deals on Black Friday — so named because it's the day retailers traditionally have counted on to move "into the black," or profitability, for the year — are on big ticket items. If you're in the market for a new television, laptop, digital camera or electronic device, you're likely to get your best deal of the year the day after Thanksgiving.
It isn't the biggest holiday shopping day of the year —that designation usually goes to the Saturday before Christmas. But retailers do use Black Friday to generate excitement about holiday shopping by offering some of the deepest discounts of the season. For the past several years, stores have focused on gadgets, and some expensive ones at that.
"You're going to see really good deals on electronics — TVs, laptops, smart phones, tablets, e-readers," said Dev Shapiro, spokesman for deals site Gottadeal.com and Blackfriday.gottadeal.com. "This year my parents need a new TV, and I'll be getting it on Black Friday."
In addition to electronics, retailers also offer up great deals on Black Friday on toys, apparel and household basics, such as kitchenware.
Although consumers will be courted by low prices, they shouldn't forget to read consumer reviews and do a bit of research on any product, said Regina Novickis, consumer savings expert with PromotionalCodes.com. "The television that's on sale may seem like a screaming deal but it's not a great deal if you have to replace it quickly," she said.
The Internet can be a good source of reviews on products; most sites allow shoppers to rate their purchases; reading these reviews before you buy can help you determine if a product has a history of repair problems or some other issue.
If you do your research, you'll also know whether the price is low enough to merit shopping in the wee hours of the morning or amid big crowds. "Have a sense of what the product sells for any other day," Novickis said. Not all advertised Black Friday deals are worth braving big crowds.
Also, resist buying all the accessories for an electronics item on Black Friday. Compare prices on the accessories you need because there can be a big difference in costs among stores. You may even do better buying cables and other accessories online.
And think twice if you're peddled an extended warranty. Consumer Reports has long considered extended warranty pitches one of the biggest shopping pitfalls. Go to bit.ly/rz29NN for more information.
This year, too, be aware that some stores are opening even earlier than, say, 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. as in years past. Many retailers, such as Target, Kohl's and Best Buy, will open at midnight on Thanksgiving.
Shapiro said many shoppers and store employees aren't happy about the new opening times.
"It's made a lot of people upset," he said. "Store employees are going to have to work more hours on Thanksgiving, and to get some of the best deals, shoppers are going to be in line on Thanksgiving or even earlier."
All the Black Friday store ads arrive in the newspaper on Thanksgiving Day. But shoppers also can go to sites such as Blackfriday.gottadeal.com and Bfads.com to see all the Black Friday ad circulars, as well. Some already are online, unofficially.
For added savings on Black Friday, sign up for emails and "like" retailers on the social networking site Facebook or follow them on Twitter. Old Navy, for example, frequently offers printable coupons on its Facebook page, Facebook.com/OldNavy, that can be used on regular, sale and clearance items.
Don't forget to visit a retailer's website, because many have printable coupons available for use on sale items. Target, for example, has printable coupons on its website, Target.com, for items in virtually every department of the store. Hasbro has begun offering a number of high-value, printable coupons for toys, some worth as much as $5 or more, at Playsaver.com, as well as on Coupons.com. (Click on toys and games. The selection of available coupons can vary from week to week.)
To help compare sale prices and keep track of all the offers that will be unveiled during the holiday season, you may want to consult sites such as Retailmenot.com, CouponCabin.com and FatWallet.com. These sites update lists of the best discounts and other offers frequently throughout the day during the holiday season. These sites can be a help if you're buying online or in-store.
On a budget? Consider bringing cash or prepaid credit cards, and leave your normal credit cards at home.
Most importantly, don't forget that if you can't afford it, don't buy it. "This can help you avoid the temptation of buying something that isn't in your budget," Novickis said. "It's not a deal if you end up paying interest for months or years afterward."
Lesley Mitchell writes One Cheap Chick in daily blog form at blogs.sltrib.com/cheap.
Facebook: Facebook.com/One Cheap Chick
Twitter: @cheapchick —
Finding the best deals
Websites such as Retailmenot.com, CouponCabin.com and FatWallet.com can be useful tools.
But another way to avoid missing a great sale is to sign up for email alerts on the websites of retailers such as Target and Best Buy and manufacturers such as Hasbro or to "like" these companies on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.
That way, you'll get advance notice of the many sales that will take place between now and Christmas as well as printable coupons and other offers.