Well, another year, and another Black Friday is upon us. This is a day that has become a critical one for many businesses, and a day that is marked on the calendar for many shoppers in the U.S.
Let’s be real, shopping in general is almost like a sport to a large number of people. There are plenty of people that simply love to shop. For such people (not me), Black Friday is pretty much like the big game, the championship day where they play to win. Or so they think.
How can someone win on Black Friday? Well, I don’t think it’s a matter of looking at it in terms of how many great things a person can buy at good discounts. You just know that in the mental scoreboard of a lot of people, it’s kind of like going hunting and coming back with the best (and most) pelts. Again, like a sport.
I think that true success on Black Friday can be had by adhering to this one tip:
Buy things you need, but don’t buy things that are great deals but aren’t needs.
For example, we could use a new skillet here. I could also use a new winter coat. Those are things that are actually needed, as replacement for items that are way past their useful lives. Black Friday might be a good time to get deals on those things.
A new computer is something I don’t need. But what if see this amazing deal on one that looks awesome? What if it’s at a simply unbelievable discount? I don’t need another computer, so therefore this is something I shouldn’t buy. Period.
The same goes for a new TV, shoes, or whatever your shopping vice might be. Buying something that you don’t need, but seems so cool and it’s at an incredible price is a great way to lose the Black Friday game. For those inclined to look at it as a sport, that is 🙂
In past years, I’ve talked about how the best way to save money on Black Friday is to not do any shopping whatsoever. While that’s still probably true, I suppose there’s little harm in getting something you already truly need if it’s at a great price. It could be a smart move, and a way to win the Black Friday game.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and weekend.
My Questions for You
How are you planning to handle Black Friday this year?
If you read this after Thanksgiving, how did you handle Black Friday this year?
Are you good at discerning wants and need during this time, or do you let loose and shop for fun?
My plans are always as before – nothing! I don’t need anything that desperately and no deal is worth the stress!
I’ll be sleeping in on Black Friday and enjoying my day off!
Ugh…I loathe black friday shopping. We aren’t going out at all, but my oldest and I may brave the cold and traffic to go to a movie.
I think what I like least about going out on a day like black friday is that the frenzy of shoppers can increase your fear of missing out. It makes you feel like you have to snag something before someone else gets it first.
Good reminder not to go crazy with the sales. It’s sometimes enticing to shop for sport, especially when the are screaming at you!