Black Friday Shopping Tips
When Black Friday shopping first started in the early 2000s, it was thought of as the start of the Christmas shopping season. Black Friday shoppers can get a little crazy, so we have some Black Friday shopping tips for older adults.
Customer Financing Options to Help With Your Black Friday Shopping
1. Klarna
Klarna is one of the leading companies in customer financing. It allows shoppers to buy now and pay later, either through interest-free installment payments or deferred payments. Businesses using Klarna can attract more customers who might be hesitant to make a large purchase upfront. Klarna’s simple, user-friendly process makes it popular for both businesses and shoppers.
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2. Affirm
Affirm is another popular customer financing company that offers flexible payment plans. With Affirm, customers can break up their purchases into monthly payments, with clear terms and no hidden fees. Affirm often offers 0% APR deals, making it an attractive option for customers who want to avoid interest charges. Many online retailers partner with Affirm to boost their sales by offering easy payment options.
3. Afterpay
Afterpay is a well-known buy-now-pay-later service, especially in the fashion and beauty industries. Customers can split their purchase into four equal payments, with no interest if paid on time. Afterpay helps businesses by encouraging customers to shop more frequently, without the fear of high upfront costs. It’s simple, easy to use and doesn’t require a credit check, making it accessible to a wide range of customers.
4. Bread
Bread is a financing service that offers customizable payment plans for businesses. Customers can apply for loans directly at the checkout, choosing from several payment options. Bread’s key selling point is its flexibility, allowing businesses to set their own terms for financing and giving customers more choices. This is ideal for businesses that sell high-ticket items like furniture, electronics, or appliances.
Advertising is Everything
Ad agencies for retailers are a crafty bunch. They figured there are millions of shoppers who are going to be glued to the television watching football, so why not appeal to them? They knew they could woo shoppers to their stores when they loaded four color glossy inserts into the papers and television ads with early bird sale specials.
Today, advertising for the Christmas season no longer waits until Thanksgiving is over, it is in full gear before the Halloween candy has been devoured or given away.
For retailers, the holiday season has become “show me the money.” Who can blame them? Their bottom lines have been pretty glum over the past several years, with consumers holding on to every available penny. There is holiday music that now runs year-round on some of the satellite stations.
Pack Mentality
Sometimes it feels like you have to have a PhD in Black Friday shopping. One friend’s husband told me he had to eat his dinner in under 25 minutes so the plates could be cleaned and his wife could be ready to head out the door. So much for a happy family Thanksgiving!
These people started as a merry band of shoppers when Black Friday first came on the scene. They would leave their houses with lists in one hand, empty shopping bags in the other and a schedule of what stores they want to hit and when.
They would have their Christmas shopping done before I have even made my list. And they certainly love showing off and talking about the bargains they scored! Personally, I think its pack mentality.
Pair limited quantities of items with limited prices and you have the perfect storm of things affecting your psychology. The pack mentality paired with the excitement of a limited-time bargain can lead to a thrill similar to gambling for some.
Is It Worth It?
I have already seen some of the deals the big box stores are offering on Black Friday and yes, they are super tempting, but I am not ready to fight the crowds and possibly get trampled.
I still retain vivid images I saw on television showing people punching, kicking, using mace and trampling over each other just to get to a deal.
For me, it is not worth it.
Over the last several years, I’ve done the majority of my shopping online year round. My inbox fills with incredible deals every single day, so I buy when I see something I want to give to someone, when it is at what I think is a good price.
I do not think there is anything you cannot buy online, so in the spirit of saving gas, trying to find a parking place, waiting in lines to pay and schlepping bags back to the car, I take a pass on going anywhere near stores on Black Friday.
Instead, I am either at home enjoying leftovers, peace and quiet or I am out on the golf course if the weather is nice.
Tips for Black Friday Shopping
If you are a person who wants to shop on Black Friday, there is nothing wrong with that. Here are some tips to make it easy and painless.
Shop Online
If you do not want to get trampled by crowds, then shop online. You can look up all the stores in your search engine from the comfort of your couch and add things to your cart with one click. If you do not have a laptop or are not tech savvy, have your child or friend come over to help you.
With this being said, make sure the websites and store you are on have a secure checkout option or a PayPal option. You do not want your information getting stolen.
Go With Friends
This may defeat the purpose of crowds, but if you go with a friend you are more likely to not get frustrated. They can help you find things, picki things out for you and find you a seat when you need to take a break.
Bring Water
Some stores limit the amount of people who can be in their area at once, so the wait can be quite long. If you stay hydrated with water, this will make you less irritable. You can even put some snacks in your purse too.
Make a List
If you make a list before you hit the mall this will help you get in and out quicker. By making a list, you already know what you need and know where you want to go.
Happy Thanksgiving! To everyone who chooses to shop on Black Friday: enjoy it and good luck!