Shopping before the sun comes up is for some an annual tradition no matter what the economy looks like but for many, this holiday shopping season will have to be a frugal one. Those heading out to hit the Black Friday sales need to be cautious of just what they are getting themselves into. The blockbuster sales that people are eating up may not be all that great.

How To Know What’s Up (and Down)

The stores will release their Black Friday circulars highlighting the advertised deals in advance of the day following Thanksgiving. Consumers are encouraged to really look at the ‘deals’ being offered in this advertisement. Notice on the fine print of some items, there is a notice that outlines limitations on the sale. For instance, the circular will say “Limit 2 per store”, “No Rain Checks”, or “While Supplies Last”.

Additionally, this year’s advertisements have also small-print warnings that let consumers know that some products are only being sold in small quantities in the store. Topping the list on the ‘limited quantities in store’ products are big-screen plasma televisions and washer-dryer combos.

Deals Not That Cool

Consumers who are not aware of these common practices need to wise up about the battles ahead, Many complain that advertised deals should be backed up with sufficient quantities of merchandise or at least the option for a rain check. It seems many shoppers feel that retailers are not working much at all to bring in customers or make them happy once they are in the store. Consumers and experts alike have a hard time believing that many of the major retailers only supply 4 or 5 televisions to each store during the most-hyped shopping day of the year but spare no expense when advertising full-page specials of the same product.

Sadly, it is the excitement of getting one of that limited supply that keep consumers coming out each year. It is the same situation that caused the death of a shopper during last year’s Black Friday rush when a crowd essentially stampeded them to death, trying to get their hands on a ‘limited supply’ item.

Be Skeptical of Promises

If you are planning to brave the holiday shopping madness in-store or online on Black Friday, remember to be skeptical about deals before you get excited. Double check the small print and look for the ‘limited quantities’ disclaimer. Do not rely on rain checks to be honored if they are even offered. Even online orders can be canceled weeks after the purchase was made if the company cites the product is out of stock.

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