It’s a mad rush for some, but others avoid it like the plague.
Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, but experts told NBC 6 South Florida it's not the best day for deals.
“Black Friday is OK if you want to do it, but I don’t think you should get into fights or lose your life and limb over trying to get a discounted waffle maker,” savings expert Natalie McNeal said.
McNeal, also known as ‘The Frugalista,' said everything else can actually be found cheaper before and after Black Friday.
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David Henderson's purchase of a Toys ”R” Us Disney Princess Toddler Rapunzel Doll is an example. A 2012 Black Friday ad said the doll would be sold at 30 percent off at $16.99. But on Sunday, Henderson bought her for $4 dollars cheaper at $12.99.
Decide.com is a website that tells shoppers when to get the best deal on products, and its CEO said its years of research shows the same thing.
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“The biggest myth about Black Friday is that the best deals can be found on Black Friday. It’s simply not true,” Mike Fridgen said. “We’ve looked at millions of prices for the most popular holiday gift items and found they would be cheaper other times of the holiday season.”
Experts said the best time to buy clothes, toys, jewelry, and TVs is in Oct., but that waiting until Dec. is the better bet for kitchen gadgets.
“Thirty percent of the time those door busters deals that are being advertised have actually been a lower price just weeks or months ago,” Fridgen told NBC 6 South Florida.
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But the CEO also said Black Friday isn’t entirely negative because it brings great deals on video game and consoles, and home fitness equipment. If shoppers don't plan on making these purchases, check online for cheaper prices, he said.
McNeal agreed.
“It’s online shopping, and you can shop from home, and you can get away from that rush, adrenaline sport of Black Friday,” she said.
She suggested checking out this website for coupons and also using apps that scan barcodes.
