Black Friday deals: Battling for the few
SEATTLE -- Retailers are promoting some pretty outrageous sales for Black Friday -- like a 50-inch HDTV for $600, or a laptop computer for $97.
But if you're determined to snag one of those super blockbuster deals Friday, you might be disappointed.
The Black Friday phenomenon gets bigger every year. More leaked ads -- leaked by the retailers themselves -- more websites and newspaper circulars promising hot deals on everything from toys to electronics.
And every year, early bird shoppers storm the malls, looking to cash in big.
If you're one of them this year, you'll find plenty of things to spend your money on and you'll find plenty of items marked down. But don't set your heart on a super door-buster deal, because you may not find it.
Every year I get the same complaints: The hot items promoted in the circulars are in limited supply when you get to the store -- sometimes extremely limited, like only two. For example, I found a lot of stores offering a Sony 40 inch HDTV -- Best Buy has it for just under $663. But notice, there may only be 3 in each store, and no rain checks.
Consumer advocate Edgar Dworsky says it's all part of the plan to get you in the door.
"If you look at the Sears ad, right on the cover they have this front loading washer and dryer pair for $579," Dworsky said. "That's 55% off. Great price. But is says limit of 4 per store. Can you imagine, front page, only 4 families are gonna want this? Only 4 families that Sears serves for that one particular store? It's crazy!"
If you're not at the front of the line hours before the store opens you're out of luck.
And supplies this year may be more limited than ever. After last year dismal holiday season, the National Retail Federation says this year retailers reduced inventory -- they under-ordered across the board.
That's not to say you won't find great deals. Looking for socks? Fred Meyer will have them at 50 percent off. Most department stores will have fantastic markdowns on many clothing items and household goods.
Bottom line, if you simply love the excitement of Black Friday, go for it. Enjoy the experience and you will find some good sales.
Or, maybe you'd prefer to stay at home and snag some of those door busters online. That could be a problem.
"The ads say 'some of the items will be available on our Website.' Well how about telling the consumer which ones so you can really plan?" Dworsky said. "But they don't tell you so it just becomes a matter of guesswork. Do you want to take your chances staying home and seeing if you can get some of the few that are online or do you want to take your chances going to the store? It really is a crap shoot."
Remember, in most cases, no rain checks on these door-busters, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
More of Edgar's bargain shopping tips at consumerworld.org
But if you're determined to snag one of those super blockbuster deals Friday, you might be disappointed.
The Black Friday phenomenon gets bigger every year. More leaked ads -- leaked by the retailers themselves -- more websites and newspaper circulars promising hot deals on everything from toys to electronics.
And every year, early bird shoppers storm the malls, looking to cash in big.
If you're one of them this year, you'll find plenty of things to spend your money on and you'll find plenty of items marked down. But don't set your heart on a super door-buster deal, because you may not find it.
Every year I get the same complaints: The hot items promoted in the circulars are in limited supply when you get to the store -- sometimes extremely limited, like only two. For example, I found a lot of stores offering a Sony 40 inch HDTV -- Best Buy has it for just under $663. But notice, there may only be 3 in each store, and no rain checks.
Consumer advocate Edgar Dworsky says it's all part of the plan to get you in the door.
"If you look at the Sears ad, right on the cover they have this front loading washer and dryer pair for $579," Dworsky said. "That's 55% off. Great price. But is says limit of 4 per store. Can you imagine, front page, only 4 families are gonna want this? Only 4 families that Sears serves for that one particular store? It's crazy!"
If you're not at the front of the line hours before the store opens you're out of luck.
And supplies this year may be more limited than ever. After last year dismal holiday season, the National Retail Federation says this year retailers reduced inventory -- they under-ordered across the board.
That's not to say you won't find great deals. Looking for socks? Fred Meyer will have them at 50 percent off. Most department stores will have fantastic markdowns on many clothing items and household goods.
Bottom line, if you simply love the excitement of Black Friday, go for it. Enjoy the experience and you will find some good sales.
Or, maybe you'd prefer to stay at home and snag some of those door busters online. That could be a problem.
"The ads say 'some of the items will be available on our Website.' Well how about telling the consumer which ones so you can really plan?" Dworsky said. "But they don't tell you so it just becomes a matter of guesswork. Do you want to take your chances staying home and seeing if you can get some of the few that are online or do you want to take your chances going to the store? It really is a crap shoot."
Remember, in most cases, no rain checks on these door-busters, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
More of Edgar's bargain shopping tips at consumerworld.org