This is how to avoid bad purchases on Black Friday
At the beginning of the week, I boldly declared that I didn't want to buy anything today. Black Friday fuels buying while I found there was nothing to buy. And yet, with every discount email, it starts to gnaw a little more. Because: am I missing out on good deals?
It's a strange year, in which you might have less income than usual. I think this is a good reason to want to buy with a discount. Just like those sneakers you've wanted since August and didn't buy or that bag you've been saving money for for 48 months. That's why I wonder: what is the way to not fall prey to a day/week/weekend like today, but to buy consciously?
Experts say that smart shopping starts with a wish list. Create a wishlist of what you need or have wanted for a long time without looking at prices. I've been fantasizing about The Frame from Samsung for my new house since I first saw it, and I've been doing that for at least a year. It's a good gauge because I don't get easily excited or disappointed by gadgets. Look further at products that are running out, like a concealer, your fancy shampoo, or perfume. And consider that you might be able to shop smartly for a project that still needs to happen.
Mine is as follows:
- The Frame from Samsung
- Chelsea boots from Vanilia
- The WX452 sneakers from New Balance
- Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer from Clinique
- Tranquil Dawn paint from Flexa
- A white marble dining table
In the Black Friday frenzy, you quickly fall prey to impulse buys. In other words: cheaper junk that you don't need at all. So think a little less greedily. For example, what still needs to be done to your house, are there gifts you can buy advantageously in advance, or are there things broken? No? Then you might not even need to shop today. Saves a lot of time.
We become massively greedy from scarcity, which is exactly the reason why you start shopping frantically on Black Friday without thinking normally. According to Professor Bridget Nichols, a product gains more value due to scarcity, making you want to win. And suddenly, Black Friday turns into a competition instead of enjoyable shopping.
How do you survive the madness without making bad purchases? That list, which you must not deviate from. Furthermore, it's important that you do your own price comparisons and don't rely on comparison sites, as they sometimes list extremely high prices to make the rest seem like a bargain. Make sure you know what something normally costs. And finally: the sale starts next month, maybe those shoes or pants will be much cheaper then. Of course, there's also a last resort: don't read newsletters, leave your computer off, stay away from stores, and hide your debit and credit cards.
Source: ELLE, Bedrock
