Not every Black Friday deal is as sweet as it seems. With electronics in particular, that fresh price tag might mean getting tricked into buying a cheaper model of the thing you actually want. Or, you could be buying last year’s model that has actually been on sale since the summer—maybe even at a better price a few months ago.
Here’s how to avoid impulse buying a misleading Black Friday “deal” and make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Why you shouldn’t impulse buy electronics on Black Friday
When you see products like food, clothes, or home goods with a big ol’ Black Friday tag slapped on them, it’s probable safe to take advantage of that deal. Chances are it is the same exact product you’d find on other days of the year. The same can’t be said for a TV.
Many electronics sold during Black Friday are special “doorbusters” or retailer-exclusive models produced specifically for the holiday shopping season. These versions often feature cheaper components, fewer features, or lower specifications than their regular counterparts. A 55-inch TV from a reputable brand might look identical to the year-round model, but it could have a lower refresh rate, inferior panel technology, or fewer HDMI ports. So sure, you can go with the cheaper TV on Black Friday, but think about the value of what you’re buying.
In the same vein, that “amazing deal” on a laptop might be on last year’s processor or a smartphone that’s about to be replaced. Retailers clear out aging inventory during Black Friday, and while the discount looks impressive, you’re buying technology that’s already outdated. The issue isn’t that the tech is an older model, but that it has actually been at this low a price—or lower!—since the summer.
Alternatively, some deeply discounted electronics are refurbished units or open-box returns that have been repackaged. Again, while this isn’t necessarily bad, impulse buyers may not realize what they’re purchasing.
How to tell if a Black Friday sale is a good deal
The key phrasing here is impulse buying. Black Friday is psychologically engineered to trigger impulse purchases. Limited-time offers, countdown clocks, and “while supplies last” warnings create artificial urgency that short-circuits rational decision-making. When you’re caught up in the moment, it’s easy to convince yourself you need a new tablet, smartwatch, or gaming console, even if you hadn’t considered buying one before.
What do you think so far?
In order to avoid a low-key scam, you should do your research. The easiest way to tell that you’re getting the correct product is by checking the model or serial number. And with online shopping, finding and double-checking those numbers is quick and easy.
Seriously, don’t just compare prices—compare specs. Look at processor speeds, RAM, storage capacity, screen resolution, refresh rates, and connectivity options. A $300 laptop isn’t a deal if a slightly more expensive model offers significantly better performance that will last you years longer.
If you do see a deal that catches your eye, it could pay to wait. Cyber Monday, post-Christmas sales, and even January clearances often feature electronics deals that rival or beat Black Friday prices, all without the famous chaos and pressure. Then again, you risk more “out-of-stock” results if you wait, so the risk is up to you, depending on the popularity of the item you’re eyeing (and how badly you want it).
The bottom line: Don’t fall victim to a falsely-advertised lower-quality product, and make the most of holiday deals by doing a little research ahead of time.
