Post 10. Black Friday the bargain apocalypse?

Tis the season to start preparing for that day that all Americans take more serious than their mothers birthday...that day is Black Friday. I am pretty sure that everyone including immigrants in this country (please excuse my reference I am not trying to offend anyone just want to make a point) know what Black Friday is. Or at least they think they know. It is known as the day after Thanksgiving, always a Friday that stores open at ungodly hours to start the sales. People expect the prices of most things within the store to be extremely low and believe they are getting an amazing bargain. Think about it how many people do you know if not yourself who waited in line for a coveted item to get it at a price next to nothing because you ordinarily thought it was expensive. We all have done it, waited in line, some camping out in front of the store and if you haven't done it like me, then I congratulate you. Black Friday is really a scar event to go to...let me give you a brief history where it came from, why it can be dangerous and is it really a bargain apocalypse?

The history of Black Friday according to the Huffing Post originates from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania circa 1966. The term was created by the Police Department of Philadelphia due to the traffic congestion, the amount of shoppers that swamped the stores and all around just behaving badly in order to get their deals. The police departments had to add extra cops on the scene which meant long hours for everyone. Not only was there the massive crowds for shopping but, the weekend after Thanksgiving in Philadelphia is where the Annual Army-Navy Football Game was held. With this two events going on you can imagine what this city was up against. The police officers thought they were being smart by naming it something scary like "Black Friday" in the hopes it would deter shoppers and it would offer some relief. This did not work, instead people took the name with honor and created something that would still be going strong almost 50 years later. What is ironic is that the name itself originated from the retailers from the amounts they made. See in the retail accounting industry in the 1950's-1960's using red ink meant loses while black ink meant profits. Retailers would move from the red into the black, meaning money was being made. This usually happened after Thanksgiving Day. The term was there for a few people who really knew what it meant but, it was the police officers who made it stick. The sad part is those officers never got any credit for the name as the retailers then turned the name into an iconic advertisement that starts the minute October ends.

 

Americans will say that Black Friday is not insane that this a tradition. That we should all be partaking of this amazing deal. Most people will take the day off to go shopping not realizing that the real deals do not happen on this day. It happens just before depending on what you are buying. An article written by the Wall Street Journal tracks the deals for a few major retailers for two years to see if consumers are truly getting a deal. What you will find may come to you as a surprise. Electronics, jewelry, toys and household items prices dropped, but not by much. The real deals that were up to 50% off occurred from September to October and even as early on in March. Jewelry actually increased as we got closer to Thanksgiving and much higher by Christmas. Most electronics had the same pattern including clothes that were on demand like the famous Uggs. There are a few real bargains for example the Xbox does lower there prices only on Black Friday as well as a few other game consoles. The sales to really look for actually come around spring time, summer time and just as fall hits. Another thing to be aware of is that as the most wanted items are bought and a fewer are left the prices will go up even on the day of Black Friday. If you don't believe me click on WJS to read the full article and get the numbers. I wasn't surprised to see this article as I pride myself in being a bargain queen, but what I did find surprising was how one year the Elmo doll price went up by 31% the closer we got to Black Friday because it was in high demand. I love a good bargain as much as anyone , but Black Friday is not the end all bargain day. I for one will not be camping out anywhere just to get a a few dollars off on what would've been cheaper a few months back. 

My fellow readers I do not want to deter you from this tradition if you are accustomed to going or want to try this. I haven't gone Black Friday shopping because I don't want to wake up early to fight with a bunch of people over items that aren't really on sale. I will probably still be overly stuffed and extremely grateful for all that I have. However, if you find yourself preparing with elbow pads and knee pads I have posted below some rules to follow to keep safe because although Black Friday is great there will be a lot of crooks out there looking to rob or steal. Courtesy of the National Crime Prevention Council they have compiled a safety list of the ten things to do this Black Friday shopping season. 

1.Do not buy more than you can carry. Plan ahead by taking a friend with you or ask a store employee to help you carry your packages to the car.
2.Shop online with companies you know and trust. Check a company’s background if you are not familiar with it. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
3.Save all receipts. Print and save all confirmations from your online purchases.   Start a file folder to keep all receipts together and to help you verify credit  card or bank statements as they come in. 
4.Consider alternate options to pay for your merchandise, such as onetime or multiuse disposable credit cards or money orders, at online stores and auction sites.
5.Wait until asked before taking out your credit card or checkbook. An enterprising thief would love to shoulder surf to get your account information.
6.Deter pickpockets. Carry your purse close to your body or your wallet inside a coat or front trouser pocket.
7.Have your keys in hand when approaching your vehicle. Check the back seat and around the car before getting in.
8.Do not leave packages visible in your car windows. Lock them in the trunk or, if possible, take them directly home.
9.Tell a security guard or store employee if you see an unattended bag or package. The same applies if you are using mass transit.
10.If you are shopping with children, make a plan in case you get separated. Select a central meeting place and make sure they know they can ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help. 

I hope that this blog is helpful for you this shopping season whether it's Black Friday or Christmas shopping. Be safe at all times, but most importantly have fun! And if you do not wish to venture out into the stores for Black Friday then just remember that now we have Cyber Monday where all the online stores have there shopping apocalypse. All you need is a catheter installed so you don't have to get up and go to the bathroom along with a coffee drip in case you get tired, it's funny come on admit! The holiday season is supposed to be of cheer and good times and just remember this....You will not be the only one shopping on Black Friday, be patient and be kind although that is almost like asking a bull in a china shop to not break anything...May the force be with you my fellow readers and your wallets this season!!