13 Ways Black Friday Retailers Trick You
Black Friday is the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season. Think: Doorbuster deals, overcrowded malls and staying glued to your laptop so you don't miss out on online-only flash sales. The average shopper is expected to spend $1,048 on holiday purchases this year, according to the National Retail Federation, a slight bump up from $1,007 in 2018.
Retailers will pull out all the stops to get their cut. Remember when Black Friday sales were actually limited to the day after Thanksgiving? No more. Pre-Black Friday sales have already started, and many Black Friday doorbuster deals will start in earnest online as early as November 22, and in stores on Thanksgiving Day (November 28). Moving up the start dates of Black Friday promotions is one tactic employed by retailers to get shoppers to spend more. There are many others. Some are overt, some are subtle, but they are all aimed at boosting sales.
Understanding these proven retailing tactics will help you stay on budget and get the best deals this holiday season. Here's a look at 13 common tricks stores use on and around Black Friday.
Price-Matching Policies May Be Suspended
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Many brick-and-mortar retailers -- and even some online sellers -- offer customers price-matching throughout the year. Find an item you've purchased selling for less at a competitor within a set time frame, and the original retailer will refund the cost difference to you. Typically, proof of purchase and proof of the competitor's lower price (such as a print ad) are required.
Even though price-matching is a smart way to entice repeat customers, some retailers will suspend price-matching during Black Friday weekend, says Lisa Lee. The reason is simple: Price-matching all of the drastic markdowns offered during Black Friday sales could severely impact retailers' holiday profits. , for one, will not honor price-matching for any items related to Black Friday (including Pre-Black Friday deals) or Cyber Week. will not honor price matching starting on Thanksgiving Day through December 7.
