Why You Should Say No to Black Friday

                                                           

Approximately 84 million Americans shopped online from the middle of November to the middle of December last year for gifts.  According to Businessinsider.com, last year, Americans spent over $1.9 billion online shopping on the Monday after Thanksgiving, $12.3 billion on Black Friday and Thanksgiving Day combined.  

Many of the best bargains are for electronics and large items such as tv's and computers purchased online.  Some companies are offering pre-black Friday sales and in some cases prices are better than black Friday sales. Amazon, Target, Wal-Mart and Best Buy are offering online discounts on electronics that match or beat black Friday sales.  Apple.com will have a one day sale on black Friday.  Several websites, like Amazon, DealNews, RetailMeNot and DealDump, create online shopping bargains all in one place so shoppers can find them easily. Also look for black Friday sales on Twitter and Facebook.  Here are 12 reasons to shop online on black Friday instead of going to the stores.

1. Store gimmicks. If the store says "Limited Supply" it usually means there are 4-6 items in stock. If an item is out of stock be sure to get a rain check and go after the New Year to buy the item at the discounted price.
2. Save gas.  You can shop in your pajamas instead of waiting in line at 6:00am or in the cold trying.
3. Free shipping.  Many companies offer free shopping starting on Black Friday through the holiday season.
4. Stock.  There are more items in stock online that in the actual stores.
5. Easier.  You can take your time and in some cases chat with online representatives to answer questions.
6. Stress.  Shopping online is less stressful than running through the stores, fighting for parking spaces, fighting over items on sale and waiting in long lines.
7. Safer.  Shopping online is much safer and you don't have to worry about getting elbowed or trampled over while shopping.
8. Prices.  Some black Friday prices are not really bargains.  Just because a store advertises an item for 50-60% doesn't mean you are getting a deal.  Comparison shop to ensure you are getting the best deal. 
9. Security.  Don’t shop with companies you never heard of or with sites that don't have a https or shttp on the payment page, a mailing address and contact phone number. 
10. Payment. Shop with a credit card.  If you are a victim of identity theft you will not be held liable for charges reported within a few days.
11. List.  Stick to a list.  Don't get enticed with advertisements for something not on your list.  Don't buy items on impulse.  If you get emotional about an item you see on sale wait 30 minutes and ask yourself if it is a need or want.
12. Set a budget.  The holidays should be more focused on spending time with family and friends and not about buying a gift.  If you have to buy a gift for a parent and child consider just buying a gift for the child.  Let the parent know you are cutting back this year and really can't afford a gift right now. 

  

Black Friday shopping has resulted in violence such as: fist fights, trampling, smashed glass doors, shootings, pushing of employees, calling the police, and even death.  If you insist on going to a store, ask yourself, if buying an item that may or may not really be a bargain worth getting injured for.