9 things not to buy on Black Friday
You might see some holiday deals on these items, but you'll likely get much better prices if you wait a bit.
This post comes from Emily Dovi at Dealnews.
With all the Black Friday ad leaks and sneak peeks unearthed in the past few weeks, this season's shopping extravaganza is looking ripe with deals and discounts for all. But even though many product categories will see new all-time low prices, not everything will be a good purchase on Black Friday.
In some cases, you would be better off skipping certain deals and waiting for a better offer later on. Here are 10 items that are not worth buying this Black Friday.
Toys
We've said it many times already, and we'll say it once more: Black Friday is not the best time to buy toys for the holidays. Many will likely still be discounted for Black Friday, and it may feel pretty good to get your shopping done early, but you won't love that sinking feeling you'll get when you see bigger discounts on those toys about two weeks before Christmas.
Game consoles without a bundled item
Speaking of toys, if you're looking to buy any of the major video game consoles this holiday, you're likely to get more bang for your buck by opting for one that comes with a few extras. While we've already seen a few choice Xbox deals in the leaked Black Friday ads, in years past the vast majority of Editors' Choice console deals went to holiday bundles that included premium accessories and two or three game titles. These were frequently discounted 30% to 40% off their retail prices.
Brand-name HDTVs
Black Friday is an excellent time to invest in a new HDTV, as we predict a variety of size categories will hit their lowest price points. But don't expect the best deals to be tagged with name brands. Typically, the rock-bottom prices will mostly apply to third-tier manufacturers. Instead, brand-name TVs tend to see their best price of the year in January and February as manufacturers look to clear stock in preparation for new models in the spring.
The latest digital cameras
There's no shortage of digital camera deals around Black Friday, but keep in mind that the premium current-generation models are just a few months away from being replaced by a new line of 2013 options. If you're eying a brand-new digital SLR, we recommend waiting until February or later when it becomes an "old model," resulting in more aggressive discounts from retailers.
Christmas decorations
While not typically on anyone's "To Buy on Black Friday" list, Christmas decor tends to end up in-cart as impulse buys. Sure, that string of lights or holiday wreath might be on sale, but deals on Christmas items get better the closer we get to the holiday itself -- and of course are the best after the holiday.
Office supplies
For some, it may seem silly to advise against office supply deals on Black Friday, as it's not typically a category associated with the shopping event. But for several years running, office supply stores like Office Depot and OfficeMax have released Black Friday ads in the hopes of encouraging an uptick in business. Unfortunately, these deals are generally no better than those we see throughout the rest of the year. In fact, during the entire Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday stretch in 2011, we only found a measly three Editors' Choice deals in this category.
Jewelry and watches
We're flagging this accessories category "do not buy" for the entire holiday season. Much like Christmas items, there will be lots of sales advertising shiny, metallic objects perfect for him or her. But the discounts on jewelry around the winter holidays are no better than those around Valentine's Day, when baubles are at peak demand. And instead of buying a watch now, consider holding off until the spring and summer when we see more Editors' Choice deals.
Winter apparel
During Black Friday, we'll likely see some of the best apparel coupons of the year from a variety of retailers. However, if winter apparel is on your list, it's smarter to hold off until January, when those items are added to clearance sales that take much deeper base discounts. We will inevitably find additional stacking coupons then too, to make those stronger sales even better for your wallet.
Apple iPad Mini
The long-awaited iPad Mini will set you back at least $329, and if it follows the price pattern of its distant predecessor, the first generation iPad, it won't see a discount until several months from now. While there's an off-chance that an attention-seeking retailer could offer an iPad Mini promotion -- the latest full-size iPad is included in the Target Black Friday ad, after all -- the bottom line is this: The iPad Mini features essentially the same innards as the iPad 2, and we're predicting that the latter will fall to $299 this Black Friday. Therefore, the iPad 2 will offer more screen real estate at a lower price.
While we advise against purchasing the above products around Black Friday, keep in mind that nothing is written in stone, and we may still see some stellar deals within these categories. However, it's more likely that we'll encounter so-so offers, so it's best to temper your expectations.
More on Dealnews and MSN Money
- Dealnews Black Friday predictions for 2012
- Analyzing the Black Friday ads
- Smart Spending on the go: Get our app for Android or iPhone
- The best and worst things to buy in November
- 8 ways Black Friday is changing
- Target's Black Friday ad is out
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If you want to honor Christ, made a donation to a homeless shelter, or donate your excess fool to a pantry that serves the poor.
If you want to honor the spirit of Christmas, invite someone in need to share your Christmas table.
Christmas cards and gifts have nothing to do with Christ: Just like the Christmas tree and mistletoe, or house lights, or Santa Claus. Christ knew these not.
You spend more than had you been patient and bought quality. And research longevity.
Everyone.
Save your money and spend after New Years.
Why? Retailers will have to liquidate / sell off fast
to make up for what didn't happen during the Holiday season.
You'll get things if not nearly everything at 40 to 60 percent off
including those expensive gifts.
Just wait and see. Wall Street will feel like it'll collapse and market shares
dwindle due to NO SALES over the holiday largest buying time.
Retailers will have no choice but to give large Discounts or go bust and close stores.
So Don't Buy a Single Gift. Wait till after New Years as Retailers will Panic and want
to sell everything at low prices.
Be a Scrooge now ... get things later at a steal.
I see_ I Sheep, It's a shame that in such a time as thi, some as seemingly intelligent as yourself can't the value of something like a boycott can be. Especially against such a greedy giant as Wal-Mart. Do you realize that this chain has taken all of it's manufacturing bussiness overseas...as have many of the large retail chains. AMERICANS ARE MAKING SLAVE WAGES, WHILE Wal-Mart CONTINUES TO GET RICHER AND RICHER. When the economy dries up next year for lack export activity, and after we've been completely raped by our new owners (The Chinese) their will be no viable way for you to support your family; and when over night you become financially equal to all the people whom you tend to look down on, then and only then will you realize what a major mistake falling for the Big Business, Marketting schemes {that do not include your best interest} really is or certainly stands to become.
P.S. We'd better begin to put our differences aside and fight back or there isn't going to be anything left to fight for.
Jeff
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