Why Black Friday ‘Deals’ Aren’t Always as Good as They Seem: Avoiding Impulse Buys.

The chaos of Black Friday has come and gone—or maybe not, depending on how long your favorite stores are dragging out their “deals.” If you’re anything like me (well, the old me), you probably spent those weekends scrolling through sales, wondering if this is the year you finally buy that air fryer. The marketing is relentless, I must say, and the FOMO? Real. But let’s pause for a second and ask ourselves: Are these Black Friday deals really as good as they seem? If we’re being honest, not always, and if we’re being frank, not even half the time.

I’ve learned this lesson the hard way (hello, unused smoothie blender from three years back). So, let’s talk about why these “amazing” deals can be more illusion than reality and how you can shop smarter without falling into the impulse-buy trap.

That “Best Deal Ever” Feeling Is a Lie

Listen, the secret to Black Friday sales is the sense of urgency it creates. The words “limited-time offer” and those ticking countdown clocks trigger something primal and sometimes even animalistic in us. “Must buy 50% off smart TV! Must buy gorgeous platforms from Temu at a steal!” your inner voice growls.

(Disgusted silence……) 

But here’s the thing: those deals aren’t always as exclusive as they claim.

Two Black Friday’s ago, I had gotten a “75% off” designer coat. I felt like a bargain queen… until I saw the same coat marked down even further during an end-of-season sale a month later. Best deal ever? Yeah, right! And what happened to it being a “limited edition.”? All salesmen do is lie!

Just so you don’t make the same mistakes I made (cause I’m just that generous), use tools like CamelCamelCamel to check the price history of items, especially on sites like Amazon. It’s saved me from so many not-so-great deals since then.

Inflated Prices, Inflated Discounts

If there’s anyone who knows how to play the game, it’s retailers. They’ll quietly raise prices weeks before Black Friday, then slap on a huge discount to make you think you’re saving big. Last year, my sister-in-law almost bought a 4K TV because it was “$200 off.” A quick Google search revealed that the original price wasn’t even real. It was inflated just for the sale. Someone say strategy!

Apps like Honey can help you track prices across multiple stores to make sure you’re actually getting the best deal. And if you’re looking for electronics, wait for January; that’s when the real tech discounts hit.

The Impulse Buy Vortex

Have you ever started with one “necessary” item and ended up with five more things you didn’t plan to buy? That’s the magic of upselling. Retailers (remember pro players in this game) bundle related items with tempting “buy more, save more” offers, knowing you’ll justify the splurge because it feels like a better deal.

My friend Priya and I still spoke about this last week over some Oreo McFlurry (wink wink). She had gone in for a discounted laptop but somehow left with a “bundle deal” that included a wireless mouse, keyboard, and headphones. Did she need all that? Nope. Now they’re just cluttering her already tiny desk in her already tiny home office. Avoiding this trap starts with a strict shopping list—apps like YNAB (You Need a Budget) are fantastic for setting financial boundaries before the sale madness begins.

Not Every Sale is Meant for You

Black Friday is filled with deals on items you don’t need but are made to want. Case in point: the smoothie blender I bought three years ago. It was a “must-have” kitchen gadget… except I haven’t drank a homemade smoothie since I bought it. If I’m honest, it’s now more of a countertop decoration.

In the following years, I’ve avoided the temptation by sticking to essentials. When I saw a deal for quality winter boots I’d been eyeing for months this year, I double-checked the price history (thanks, Slickdeals) and pulled the trigger confidently. The boots? Amazing. The regret? Zero.

Beware of “Free Shipping” FOMO

Here’s another sneaky tactic: minimum purchase thresholds for free shipping. Retailers know you’ll add unnecessary items to your cart just to hit that $50 mark. Imagine buying a $15 scarf you didn’t need to avoid a $6.99 shipping fee.
Do the math: is it really worth it? No dear, it’s not.

Instead, try using Amazon Prime or other subscription services that offer free shipping year-round. Or, consolidate your purchases to hit free shipping thresholds without adding random extras.

How to Shop Smarter During Sales

The key to Black Friday shopping isn’t just avoiding the traps; it’s knowing how to spot the genuine steals. Before the sales hit, I now do a few things:

• Research what I actually need (and want) weeks in advance.
• Set up price alerts using apps like PriceBlink to track discounts.
• Stick to my list, no matter how tempting those side deals look.

One great tip? Check out small businesses. They often have sales that aren’t tied to artificial price inflation. Last year, I bought handmade candles from a local seller on Etsy that were both unique and reasonably priced. Supporting small businesses often feels more rewarding than scoring mass-produced items on “mega sale.”

When to Walk Away

Sometimes, the best deal is… not buying anything at all. Seriously. If you’re unsure about a purchase, try the 24-hour rule: wait a day before hitting “Buy Now.” If you’re still thinking about it, then maybe it’s worth the splurge. If not, you’ve saved yourself some money—and maybe some regret.

I used this rule with a big-ticket kitchen gadget (yes, another one) that was 40% off this year. I waited, slept on it, and realized I didn’t actually need it. Instead, I put the money toward a much-needed car repair. Practical? Yes. Glamorous? No. Worth it? Absolutely.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday deals can be legit, but only if you approach them with a plan. By understanding the psychology behind those flashy discounts and doing your homework, you can avoid falling for the hype and focus on purchases that truly add value to your life.

And if you’re still debating that Instant Pot or air fryer? Just remember: not every deal is as good as it seems. Sometimes, the best savings come from walking away.

Bonus: Your Free Smart Shopper Budget Template

Ready to take control of your spending and avoid those sneaky impulse buys? We’ve created a Smart Shopper Budget Template just for you! This simple, customizable tool will help you plan your budget, allocate funds to your priorities, and track your purchases. It’s the perfect companion for staying on top of your finances during sales like Black Friday or any time of year.

Click here to download your free template and start making smarter financial decisions today.

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