Black Friday/Cyber Monday Question

[Mr.Muffins]

(I apologize if this is in the wrong topic)

 

It's my first time planning going to a Black Friday event. I won't be staying overnight outside the store, though I do want to know if I'll be able to find something good.

 

Any tips, tricks, and suggestions? Should I be looking at something else if I don't find what I wanted in the first place? What are the best times when it's not really crowded? Are Cyber Mondays better than Black Fridays? Should I not go and wait for Cyber Monday instead?

 

What's your experience with this?

[Anomnomnomaly]

They're mostly a con, if you do your research you'll find out that the 'sale' price isn't really a sale price... it will have been priced at that or lower before. Prices get increased in the weeks before hand, so that they can be marketed as a reduction.

 

Then there's the overstock, stuff that hasn't been selling and they're desperate to get rid of... there's usually a reason it's not been selling. Lower quality, missing features and so forth. You might actually save a little bit but you often end up regretting the purchase.

 

If you are checking prices for a site like Amazon, take a look at camelcamelcamel.com and see exactly how the prices fluctuate. I'd put money on the price being lower at some point before the so called 'sale' price.  It's always a good idea to set up some alerts on items you are considering, and grabbing it when the price 'actually' drops rather than the fake sales.

[dalekphalm]

14 minutes ago, Anomnomnomaly said:

They're mostly a con, if you do your research you'll find out that the 'sale' price isn't really a sale price... it will have been priced at that or lower before. Prices get increased in the weeks before hand, so that they can be marketed as a reduction.

That's far from the case across the board - only some stores do that.

 

Most stores will have legit Black Friday/Cyber Monday discounts.

14 minutes ago, Anomnomnomaly said:

Then there's the overstock, stuff that hasn't been selling and they're desperate to get rid of... there's usually a reason it's not been selling. Lower quality, missing features and so forth. You might actually save a little bit but you often end up regretting the purchase.

Highly depends - could be true, but not necessarily so.

14 minutes ago, Anomnomnomaly said:

If you are checking prices for a site like Amazon, take a look at camelcamelcamel.com and see exactly how the prices fluctuate. I'd put money on the price being lower at some point before the so called 'sale' price.  It's always a good idea to set up some alerts on items you are considering, and grabbing it when the price 'actually' drops rather than the fake sales.

Amazon's pricing does fluctuate like crazy, so that's good advice.

[dalekphalm]

27 minutes ago, Mr.Muffins said:

(I apologize if this is in the wrong topic)

 

It's my first time planning going to a Black Friday event. I won't be staying overnight outside the store, though I do want to know if I'll be able to find something good.

 

Any tips, tricks, and suggestions? Should I be looking at something else if I don't find what I wanted in the first place? What are the best times when it's not really crowded? Are Cyber Mondays better than Black Fridays? Should I not go and wait for Cyber Monday instead?

 

What's your experience with this?

My advice is look in advance for the flyers of the stores you are interested in (Eg: Best Buy, Walmart, Target, etc, will have their flyers out at least a week in advance). Find out if there's anything of interest in the flyer. Find out if the item of interest is a regular sale, or a "door crasher" (door crashers are frequently limited qty, but in theory heavily discounted). Find out if the items are also one or two day only sales (Some "hot" items will only be on sale on the Friday or the Saturday, for example, instead of all week).

 

Then, just plan ahead. If you want a door crasher, you'll need to be there lined up as they open. If it's something you want with a particularly good discount, arrive early, don't wait.

 

The other strategy is to avoid retail stores completely. Use Amazon, Newegg, etc, instead - use Best Buy e-store instead of physical store, etc.

 

Either way - be smart. Don't buy something just because it's cheap. Buy it because:

1. You want/need it,

2. You feel like it's a good value.

 

Some people get too caught up in "finding deals" that they forget about value completely, and simply attribute something being on sale as "good value". Some things are good value at regular price. Some things are still bad value even while discounted. Use your brain and use common sense and you'll be alright.

[rcmaehl]

Wait at the service desk/returns desk for Go Backs. Too often people will have too much stuff and not be able to pay for it all. There has not been a single year that one of every single Black Friday item ended up at Service Desk/Returns Desk.

 

Source: 2 years experience as a Walmart Employee + Several years of abusing this.

[Mr.Muffins]

Thanks for the feedback! Didn't know about those returns. I guess people just buy things because it's cheap, not because they need it.

[bimmerman]

Is there something specific you're looking to buy on BF/CM? Go in with a plan.

[Mr.Muffins]

Yeah, any slim laptop with an RTX 2060. If not, then a 1660 Ti should work fine for my needs. $1100 after taxes will be my limit.

[dizmo]

Don't go into Black Friday sales with a set item in mind.

For example, if you're after a 1660Ti, don't have a specific model you want...as it might not go on sale, but several other models of 1660Ti might, or perhaps even 2060 Supers being as cheap as a 1660Ti.

 

Chances are you'll save money. Every build I've put together on Black Friday has saved that person at least $400 off of their original build amount, and gotten them substantially better hardware.

On 10/11/2019 at 8:06 AM, Anomnomnomaly said:

They're mostly a con, if you do your research you'll find out that the 'sale' price isn't really a sale price... it will have been priced at that or lower before. Prices get increased in the weeks before hand, so that they can be marketed as a reduction.

 

Then there's the overstock, stuff that hasn't been selling and they're desperate to get rid of... there's usually a reason it's not been selling. Lower quality, missing features and so forth. You might actually save a little bit but you often end up regretting the purchase.

 

If you are checking prices for a site like Amazon, take a look at camelcamelcamel.com and see exactly how the prices fluctuate. I'd put money on the price being lower at some point before the so called 'sale' price.  It's always a good idea to set up some alerts on items you are considering, and grabbing it when the price 'actually' drops rather than the fake sales.

They're not a con at all, and prices don't get increased. At least not at any of the stores I was a manager in.

 

Most of the Black Friday stuff was bulk ordered. It wasn't overstock.

[Anomnomnomaly]

27 minutes ago, dizmo said:

Don't go into Black Friday sales with a set item in mind.

For example, if you're after a 1660Ti, don't have a specific model you want...as it might not go on sale, but several other models of 1660Ti might, or perhaps even 2060 Supers being as cheap as a 1660Ti.

 

Chances are you'll save money. Every build I've put together on Black Friday has saved that person at least $400 off of their original build amount, and gotten them substantially better hardware.

They're not a con at all, and prices don't get increased. At least not at any of the stores I was a manager in.

 

Most of the Black Friday stuff was bulk ordered. It wasn't overstock.

 

I've worked in retail, I have friends who still do and here in the UK... most sales are pretty fake. Prices can be found cheaper at other times during the year... Sale items are predominantly items that haven't sold very well and/or are coming to end of line to make way for newer models. There are very few exceptions to that... but the better quality stores will price match other stores even during sales.

 

Then there are the dodgy advertisements... were you get a ridiculous price on some high end piece of kit... usually a TV... but they never have any of them in stock or if they do... it's just the one and it's sold before the doors even open.

 

The last few years, stores have tried to cash in on the black friday madness over here... and it's just highlighted how fake these sales really are... But technically, they're not breaking any laws. The laws state that prices must not have been offered cheaper in the previous 6-8 weeks... So those prices get raised 6-8 weeks before the sale starts so they can.. normally back up to RRP when they've been selling it all year for 10% less... and then the sale price of 10% off gets advertised.

 

The same thing happens with supermarkets here... they have loyalty cards and you earn points which equals money of vouchers... In the weeks leading up to those vouchers being sent out to customers... the prices of goods in store rises... by just enough to make those vouchers worthless. It's all a con and only serves as a data collection mechanism for the store.

 

Then there are places that 'always' have some kind of a sale going on... usually furniture/carpet/bed stores.... the sale runs for 6 weeks, then ends for a couple of weeks... and then a new sale starts with the exact same reductions... and all the time they're pressuring customers into buying now because the sale ends next week.

 

The only genuine sales I see anymore are going out of business sales... and we've seen a lot of those in recent years as retailers struggle to remain competitive against online shopping.

 

I think you can tell that I have a very low opinion of sales in general and those kinds of insidious pressure selling tactics... which have actually been made illegal here in the UK... But still go on.

 

It never used to be like that... sales used to be genuine things, with proper bargains to be had. They never used to start until Jan 2nd though... the day after new years day. The Xmas week was a time for people to relax... even retail staff who had several days off and didn't have to be forced back to work on boxing day because of some fake sale starting.

 

I'd love to see that kind of thing come back... it's time we legislated that stores/sales shouldn't start on or around public holidays... give people 2-3 days off FFS... let them enjoy time with their families.

 

I've had jobs where I was forced to work on xmas day... I swore that it would never happen again. So in Jan I booked the following xmas off, until my shitty boss removed those dates from my form and resubmitted it. When I found out I was fuming... was one of the reasons I quit that job... shitty managers make people quit.. not the job... But I did shag his mistress before I left. 

[redbread123]

1 hour ago, Anomnomnomaly said:

But I did shag his mistress before I left. 

Nice. 

[dizmo]

1 hour ago, Anomnomnomaly said:

I've worked in retail, I have friends who still do and here in the UK... most sales are pretty fake. Prices can be found cheaper at other times during the year... Sale items are predominantly items that haven't sold very well and/or are coming to end of line to make way for newer models. There are very few exceptions to that... but the better quality stores will price match other stores even during sales.

-snip-

• Might be where you are, but that doesn't mean that's how it is everywhere.
• I think most people know they're clearing out older models. That doesn't negate the fact that you're saving quite a bit of money.
• 10% off is hardly a Black Friday level sale...
• Carpet/furniture stores have nothing to do with the topic.
• I think it makes way more sense to have the sales before the new year. That's when people have much more disposable income.
• I'm surprised stores are even open Christmas Day there.
• Regardless of all that, you're still getting the most sales during Black Friday (at least over here), and the prices are still very good.

[jellyjoo100]

Why don't you guys just try shopping online, I mean it depends on what you wanna get, but black frisay deals are often online to and all you need to really do it be quick.

[Donut417]

On 10/11/2019 at 9:54 AM, Mr.Muffins said:

(I apologize if this is in the wrong topic)

 

It's my first time planning going to a Black Friday event. I won't be staying overnight outside the store, though I do want to know if I'll be able to find something good.

 

Any tips, tricks, and suggestions? Should I be looking at something else if I don't find what I wanted in the first place? What are the best times when it's not really crowded? Are Cyber Mondays better than Black Fridays? Should I not go and wait for Cyber Monday instead?

 

What's your experience with this?

The fun starts on Thanksgiving, because Fuck those people that want to be home with their familes. Merica. 

 

Look at it like this. The big ticket shit, its probably going to be gone by the time you get there. Unless you go to somewhere like Sams Club, as they open at 7AM Thursday generally. But you can still find stuff that a good deal. It just comes down to looking. 

 

Like stated above, stores may increase the price of the goods before this day. OR when I worked at Sams Club, they would have SPECIAL products brought in for Black Friday. I remember a customer nutting up on me because the Black Friday Vizio was gone but the one who had nomrally had the same specs, but it was a diffrent model number and they wanted it for the price of the one on sale. Mangment told them to pound sand. 

 

The last time I went black friday shopping I almost wanted to murder someone. Cyber Monday might be better on the blood pressure. 

[cafe]

just screenshot your prices right now on partpicker, then keep an eye out.

lest you can get to a microcenter idk

[Gix7Fifty]

Lot's of places will have Black Friday deals all through the month of November (and even after). Sounds like you have an idea of what you want so know the fair market price and if it's a good deal you will know to pull the trigger on it. Also consider open box items, I have gotten smoking deals that would beat Black Friday prices/crowds/chaos!

Good Luck and Have Fun!

[Mr.Muffins]

On 10/16/2019 at 10:14 PM, Anomnomnomaly said:

But I did shag his mistress before I left. 

Nice. 

 

On 10/17/2019 at 8:12 PM, Gix7Fifty said:

Also consider open box items, I have gotten smoking deals that would beat Black Friday prices/crowds/chaos!

This my friend, is gold. Yes, I've been looking actually.

 

I'm trying to have patience here as I'm tempted to pull the trigger on a used MSI GS65 2060 right now. I feel like I'll get a better deal on BF/CM, but it's a risk. 

[bondoao1]

If you are in the USA, this advice is for you.

I have found over the years that the best deals are not black Friday/cyber Monday...

 

I have always found the best deals during Labor Day sales. 

I do all my Christmas shopping during Labor Day weekend with the sales and I always get a better price than when Black Friday/Cyber Monday roll around, those days are more gimmick than anything now days. 

 

Unfortunately, its too late to take advantage of the Labor Day sales, but there is always next year. 

 

[Mr.Muffins]

Aww man, thanks for the tip though  @bondoao1

 

Went to my local Best Buy yesterday and asked when they start releasing their ads. He said the first week of November, but could be early as next week. (November starts next Friday)

 

Also, does anyone know if Micro Center drop prices on laptops? Or do they just focus mostly on pc parts?

[Mr.Muffins]

As for Cyber Monday, which sites should I be looking for?

[Tarzan]

Get Keepa for Amazon. It shows the history of the prices for every item on the page itself. 

https://keepa.com/#!

Even allows you to put alert when a chosen item is a whatever price!

Best extension ever.

[Paul Rudd]

On 10/11/2019 at 9:54 AM, Mr.Muffins said:

Should I be looking at something else if I don't find what I wanted in the first place?

Of course.

On 10/11/2019 at 9:54 AM, Mr.Muffins said:

What are the best times when it's not really crowded?

Shop online. No crowd, just fast mouse clicks.

On 10/11/2019 at 9:54 AM, Mr.Muffins said:

Are Cyber Mondays better than Black Fridays?

Always random.

On 10/11/2019 at 9:54 AM, Mr.Muffins said:

Should I not go and wait for Cyber Monday instead?

You don't even have to leave the house when shopping online.

On 10/11/2019 at 9:54 AM, Mr.Muffins said:

What's your experience with this?

That online deals have become more and more involved and in existence.

On 10/11/2019 at 9:54 AM, Mr.Muffins said:

Any tips, tricks, and suggestions?

From now until mid January, check all your favorite places as well as places you might not have discovered yet on a daily basis. This makes finding deals much greater. Always, always, always do your research on price history before buying. Not all sales are great.

[Mr.Muffins]

This is sooo sad, I was looking up the Lenovo y740 this last weekend. I found out that Lenovo's website had a Black Friday sneak peak and guess what, they jacked up the prices on some of them. (Which is a very stupid move.)

 

Hopefully Best Buy offers better deals...