Black Friday: Amazon Shoppers Warned About Deals

Black Friday is synonymous with incredible savings. We all look forward to snagging those coveted items at a fraction of their usual price. But as an avid Amazon shopper, I’ve learned a crucial lesson: not all Black Friday deals are created equal. In fact, some Amazon sellers employ sneaky tactics to make their discounts look more impressive than they actually are, leaving you feeling like you got a great deal when, in reality, the price was inflated beforehand. This year, let’s arm ourselves with knowledge and ensure we’re shopping smart.

The “Pre-Black Friday Price Hike” Phenomenon

Have you ever seen a product advertised with a massive Black Friday discount, only to feel a pang of doubt? You’re not alone. Numerous studies and personal observations confirm what many of us suspect: some Amazon sellers strategically increase their prices just before major sales events like Black Friday. This “pre-Black Friday price hike” is a common practice designed to create the illusion of a larger, more compelling discount.

My Own Experience: Just last year, I had my eye on a popular tech gadget. Leading up to Black Friday, the listed price steadily crept up. Then, on the big day, it was advertised at a “huge” 40% off. However, when I checked the price history using a handy tool, I discovered the “sale” price was actually very close to what it had been a few weeks prior, before the so-called sale even began. The advertised discount was largely a fabrication.

Understanding Price Manipulation Tactics

This practice falls under the umbrella of price manipulation. Here’s how it often plays out on Amazon:

• Inflated “Original” Prices: Sellers will temporarily inflate the listed retail price of a product. This inflated price then becomes the benchmark for their “discount.” So, you might see a product listed at $100, then marked down to $60 with a “40% off” sticker. However, the original price of $100 might have only been the listed price for a short period, and the product was regularly selling for $70 just a few weeks before.
• The “Normal Price” Mirage: In essence, what appears to be a deep discount is often just the product returning to its actual, regular selling price from a few weeks earlier. This creates a false sense of urgency and a perceived bargain.
• Inaccurate Discount Percentages: The flashy percentage off can be misleading. A “50% off” deal simply means half the advertised price. If the advertised price was artificially inflated, then 50% off that inflated price still might not be a good deal compared to the product’s true market value.

How to Be a Savvy Shopper and Avoid Falling for These Tricks

The good news is that you can shield yourself from these deceptive practices. Here’s how:

1. Price Tracking is Your Secret Weapon

This is, hands down, the most effective strategy. Before you click “add to cart” on that “amazing” Black Friday deal, use a price tracker. These invaluable tools are readily available as browser extensions or standalone websites. Simply search for “Amazon price tracker” to find a reputable one.

How they work: Price trackers record the historical pricing data for products on Amazon. You can easily see the price fluctuations over weeks, months, or even years. This allows you to:

• Verify the “Original” Price: See if the advertised “original” price is genuinely what the product has been selling for.
• Identify Pre-Sale Hikes: Spot if the price suddenly increased just before the Black Friday sale kicked off.
• Determine the True Deal: Understand if the current “sale” price is actually a good deal or just the product’s regular going rate.

I personally rely on price trackers for almost every significant purchase I consider during sales events. It takes a few extra seconds but has saved me a considerable amount of money by preventing impulse buys on “deals” that weren’t really deals at all.

2. Comparison Shopping is Crucial

Don’t limit yourself to Amazon. While it’s a powerhouse for online shopping, it’s not the only place to find deals.

• Check Other Retailers: Use search engines and navigate to the websites of other major retailers (e.g., Walmart, Best Buy). See if they are offering the same product at a competitive price.
• Consider Local Stores: Sometimes, brick-and-mortar stores can have surprisingly good deals, especially on Black Friday. Don’t underestimate the power of a quick local store check.
• Look for Price Matching: Some retailers offer price matching guarantees, which can be a great way to ensure you’re getting the best possible price.

3. Look Beyond the Percentage

While a high percentage off sounds enticing, it’s essential to look at the actual selling price. A 20% discount from a genuine $100 price is a better deal than a 50% discount from an artificially inflated $200 price. Focus on the final price you’ll be paying and compare that to the product’s historical pricing and competitor offers.

My Personal Takeaway: Be Patient and Informed

Black Friday is still a fantastic time to save money, but it requires a more discerning eye than ever before. The allure of a huge discount can be powerful, but the underlying reality of inflated prices can be disappointing.

By embracing price tracking tools, actively comparing prices across different platforms, and focusing on the actual selling price rather than just the percentage off, you can navigate the Black Friday landscape with confidence. This year, let’s make sure our Black Friday purchases are genuinely great deals, not just the illusion of one. Happy (and smart) shopping!