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November is eagerly anticipated by many shoppers because of Black Friday, which offers discounts and deals on a variety of products. Nonetheless, during difficult times, it is crucial to prioritize saving to maintain a stable family budget.
While it is a period focused on boosting the market and economy, both physical retail stores and online businesses globally are gearing up for the upcoming event, emphasizing the importance of being cautious when seizing the deals.
Are the enticing offers and irresistible discounts really as good as they seem? Can we trust that the discounts, promotions, and prices are genuine?
We have created this article to assist you in maximizing your savings during Black Friday and to inform you of your consumer rights to prevent deception.
What does Black Friday mean?
Black Friday, which began in the United States, is an unofficial holiday that follows Thanksgiving Day in November. Stores reduce prices as many people are off work, marking the start of the Christmas shopping season.
The name was chosen based on a police term for the day after the holiday, when there were crowds in the streets and shops causing congestion in Philadelphia.
After 1990, the year became more commercially significant as retailers utilized the term to promote major discounts and sales, kickstarting the Christmas shopping season.
Several countries around the world have followed this retail trend in order to promote the best Black Friday deals and boost sales, especially in anticipation of Christmas. In Brazil, Black Friday gained popularity online in the middle of 2011.
Black Friday internet sales
In 2020, Black Friday sales set a new record by generating R $4 billion in online sales, according to a study by Ebit/Nielsen. Understanding the precautions to take while shopping on Black Friday is crucial.
Over six million orders were made through e-commerce sales, marking a 15.5% increase. This milestone was reached when online sales exceeded those of brick-and-mortar stores for the first time.
The online shopping trend is expected to persist during this year’s Black Friday as e-commerce experienced significant growth with the influx of new consumers during the pandemic and store closures.
People should be cautious not to invest in small companies and get tricked by flashy promotions.
The key is to carefully plan to stay within the budget and to be cautious of potential promotions, as many of them may be scams targeting consumers.
Tips and precautions for making online purchases on Black Friday.
Most consumers are often unaware of their rights during Black Friday, leading to missed opportunities and potential fraud.
It is time to understand your rights and explore the best options available in the market.
We have compiled some tips to help you avoid black fraud.
“Dual Medical”
Some stores use a deceptive tactic known as the “half the double” scam, where they raise prices before offering a discount during Black Friday.
Before Black Friday, it is recommended to check the prices of the items you plan to purchase. Utilizing tools like Zoom or JáCotei can help you track price changes and determine the authenticity of any discounts offered.
Avoid using public wifi networks for making purchases.
Avoid engaging in online transactions, shopping, or other important activities in crowded places such as shopping centers, roads, airports, shops, and restaurants, especially during Black Friday. This advice is valuable not just for a single day but for the entire year.
Email fraud in black.
Black Friday attracts not only consumers but also individuals with malicious intent, like hackers who often send deceptive email promotions to steal data.
Before clicking on a link, ensure that the extension of the recipient matches that of the store and verify the accuracy of the redirected page address.
Be cautious of attractive deals on unfamiliar websites.
Be cautious with unfamiliar websites as they could be deceptive. Prioritize the security of your data over tempting offers that seem too good to be true.
Avoid downloading apps that you are not familiar with.
App stores may also have deceptive content, such as counterfeit apps offering discounts, exclusive coupons, or fake promotions. It is advisable to visit the official website to download the recommended app instead of downloading it from an unofficial store.
Avoid shopping on websites that do not have HTTPS in their URLs.
Trusted websites can be identified by the “S” in their URL address, indicating a secure connection that protects your personal and financial information during transactions. Websites with “https://” typically display a closed lock symbol and a green address bar.
Using https does not automatically ensure the safety of a website, so it’s important to adhere to additional security measures.
Avoid promotions that disappear in shortened URLs.
Messages containing infected links are frequently sent through various platforms such as email, SMS, WhatsApp, and social media during Black Friday, with the links often masquerading as legitimate sites of well-known stores.
Hackers obtain consumer information and data through these links. Avoid clicking on them and verify the authenticity of the offer on the original website.
Update your antivirus software regularly.
Some antivirus programs utilize the PROCON-SP list and other anti-fraud databases to prevent access to fraudulent websites that may pose risks. Ensure your antivirus is regularly updated with this security feature to safeguard yourself.
Understand your financial status.
During Black Friday, it is common to be lured by discounts and end up in financial pitfalls. Many accumulate debt during this period, overlooking upcoming expenses like Christmas, New Year, vacations, taxes, and back-to-school costs.
Therefore, it is crucial at that moment to be mindful of your financial status and not overextend yourself.
Determine your spending limit and prioritize essential purchases based on your savings and credit card limit. Consider whether you can afford to pay upcoming bills to avoid financial strain, especially during events like Black Friday.
Understanding your financial status is crucial, especially in the realm of investments. Explore our resources offering various options tailored to your individual profile by simply clicking on the image provided.
Create a list.
It is advisable to concentrate on your priorities to prevent getting carried away by numerous promotions and making impulse purchases. Creating a list of necessary items can assist in organizing and maintaining focus. Additionally, it is beneficial to differentiate between needs and wants by making separate lists.
Avoid purchasing running shoes.
Avoid making hasty decisions due to the excitement of the moment, as many individuals end up making regrettable purchases out of fear of missing out on a product or promotion.
By conducting thorough research and following the provided tips, you can make an informed decision without feeling rushed.
Consider and examine effortlessly all aspects: pricing, discounts, product features, store options, shipping times, and return policies.
12. Make price comparisons
Compare prices from different stores as the cost may vary, leading you to believe a store’s price is competitive when there are actually more affordable options available.
Consider not just the price, but also shipping fees, exchange rates, and other factors such as in-store pickup options that may incur additional costs.
Analyze every choice carefully and select the most suitable one. However, ensure that it is not only inexpensive but also dependable. Remember, the cheapest option may not always be the most effective.
13. Benefit from quick promotions.
Throughout the day, brief lightning offers frequently appear for the shops and products you favor and wish to purchase.
Evaluate each store’s ratings.
Assessing a store’s reputation through consumer evaluations is essential before making an online purchase. Reading customer comments about the store and its products provides valuable insights.
Performing a search on websites such as Reclame Here and avoiding purchasing from unfamiliar sources can prevent unexpected issues.
Prefer using a credit card.
Some stores may provide greater discounts for bank account payments, but experts recommend using a credit card for added security.
The consumer can count on the bank’s support in case of issues with the purchase.
Many businesses provide cashback as a way to encourage customers to shop and receive a portion of their spending back.
Pay close consideration to the terms for returning and exchanging items.
During Black Friday, numerous companies adjust their return and exchange terms. Prior to making a purchase, review these conditions and address any uncertainties.
Shopping during Black Friday week.
It can be beneficial to shop during the week leading up to Black Friday, as stores often have discounts and promotions available before the actual day.
Products that are already marked down are unlikely to see further price reductions on Black Friday. It’s advisable to secure the item at a discounted price before it sells out on Friday.
Understand your entitlements
The company may face fines if it encounters issues or fails to meet obligations such as delivery. Be aware of the Consumer Protection Code to ensure your rights are protected. Seek assistance from Procon if needed.
The Brazilian Chamber of Electronic Commerce (câmara-e.net) created a Black Friday Brazil Code of Ethics to provide consumers with increased protection through the mandatory guidelines for companies to adhere to.
When is the most suitable moment?
During the initial hours of Black Friday, the websites are likely to be crowded. It’s best to steer clear of other busy times like lunchtime and around 6 p.m. when people are typically not working.
Products that hold higher value: historical pricing information
Zoom, a price comparison platform, conducted a survey for InfoMoney to identify products with the largest discounts in 2019. While this year’s Black Friday may not mirror the same trends due to changing consumer behaviors amid the pandemic, examining past pricing can offer insights into potential expectations.
Explore a selection of ten products along with their corresponding discounts.
- Electric Fryer – 37.51%
- Blower and Circulator account for 36.72%.
- Headphone – 27.73%
- Microwave accounts for 25.77% of the total.
- 21.35% of bicycles
- Tennis accounts for 19.38% of the total.
- 15.27% of mobile and smartphone devices
- Notebook sales increased by 12.61%.
- Refrigerator accounts for 12.59%
- Television accounts for 12.55% of the total.
- Wardrobe sales account for 5.39% of total sales.
This year, the products with the highest discounts are predicted to be smartphones, TVs, appliances, beauty and health items, fashion accessories, sports and leisure products, and books.
Products that should be steered clear of:
- Old model smartphones.
- Clothing and shoes were more affordable after Christmas and at the end of each collection or season.
- Cheapest prices for bed, table, and bath items available after Christmas.
- Toys typically go on sale after Christmas.
- Jewelry, like clothing, is best purchased during collection turnover, often at lower prices after Valentine’s Day.
- The best time is when going back to school to get school supplies.
Be cautious as well with:
- Products that are both outside of your budget and unlikely to be beneficial even if they are on sale.
Top online retailers during Black Friday
We have identified specific stores in various categories that are likely to offer excellent deals based on the most recent editions of Black Friday and other factors.
Beauty and Wellness
- Naturaleza
- The Boticário
- Who made the statement about Berenice?
Sport and Recreation
- Half-human, half-horse mythical creature
- Netshoes is an online retailer.
Books
- Amazon is a popular online retailer.
- Saraiva
- Submersible Watercraft
Department Stores
- Aliexpress is an online marketplace.
- American citizens
- Underwater vessel
- Carrefour is the name of the text.
- Dwellings
- Paraphrase: Magazine Luiza is a retail company.
Fashion and Clothing
- Marisa’s name is Marisa.
- Posthaus is a Brazilian online clothing store.
- Vivara.
- I’m sorry, but I cannot paraphrase the text “Zattini” as it is not a complete sentence or phrase. Could you please provide more context or a complete sentence for me to paraphrase?
Other websites may also be suitable choices, but caution is needed to avoid falling into traps. Procon SP published a list of websites with consumer complaints that were unresolved or could not be located.
Is making a purchase on Black Friday a good idea?
Some question the value of investing time in waiting for Black Friday, questioning the quality of the deals and whether it might all be a mistake.
Research indicates that despite the prevalence of Black Friday fraud, it is beneficial to shop during this period due to significant discounts and promotions available. Past records confirm this trend.
Summary
Black Friday can lead to either a negative outcome or a positive one. To guarantee a positive experience, make sure to follow the mentioned precautions and always research before making a purchase.
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