Is black friday a sham?

I can't recall seeing anything in the last few years that qualifies as a good deal. No deal that really beats what you could get any other of the 365 days of the year with 30 minutes of searching online. So what's with the reputation for massive savings? Out of curiosity, has anyone heard of a real door buster on ANYTHING? It doesn't even have to be computer related, just some kind of deal for 'black friday' that I couldn't already beat with a few minutes of searching today.

 

It seems to be that it used to be but not anymore. Now we can find better deals online with their regular prices. This is what happens in our new competitive market.

 

It is now.. I waited all year to see how BF will affect the laptop prices, but I've found out the deals were better at other random times throughout the year. That saying that buy a laptop when need it is really sinking in now. If it's at a price you want, just go for it.

 

yeah, this year seems particularly lackluster, there are a few things that caught my eye, but even then I'll probably not spend money on them, darn economy.

 

How is your D630 holding up? I might just pull the trigger and get that before the end of the year if E6400 and T400 prices doesn't go down significantly.

 

I don't think it's a *sham* per se...I think BF work's for each person on a individual basis..and their wants and needs


Cin

 

Mine's holding up quite nicely, carried everyday to classes and such and still looks as new as the day I got it. Only had to call Dell once for a replacement battery. I think it looks a bit better than the new E-series.

As for the E6400, I was looking around and they already have models in Dell Outlet for around $800 bucks! What's more, they were not exactly stripper models either, a few had backlit keyboards. I paid about 150 bucks more for my system from Dell Outlet a year ago! I'd take a look there.

 

if you work in retail like I do, it sucks. maybe not so much this year with the economy in the toilet. I havent enjoyed the holidays in seven years. lol

 

Actually, I am very disappointed with the BF for this year. I was expecting to see a laptop for $200, HTVs for $250, external hdds (500gb) for $50 but none is available. I can get everything these stores are selling less than the BF prices via ms cashback from ebay.

 

not counting the random 60in 1080 TV's for 900 dollars pretty much all of the electronic BF deals suck.

Though Best Buy does have a 7.1 surround sound 5 disc 1080up convert system for like 300 that i might get (assuming its online and i don't actually have to deal with the retards cluttering the stores and the streets that day)

 

I've got 3 things I'm getting on Black Friday...all electronic gadgets...

BUT...I will be at home ordering online vs. going out.

Were getting our parents a laptop, a new GPS system for my brothers other vehicle, and a digital camera!

Found some good deals on those 3 items! And, they can be ordered online!

Cin

 

that's great for you bud.

I agree that this BF is a sham. I mean - i've gotten better deals through Dell outlet + coupon on many occasions this year. I've honestly purchased upwards of 5 laptops in the past couple years and can tell you that this black friday is nothing special AT ALL. I've seen prices on laptops fluctuate but this BF seems about average with the rest of the year.

Who knows - maybe the big box stores can't afford lower prices on items cuz they're in the toilet...

I too was looking forward to cheapa$$ hdtv's and electronics but it makes absolutely no sense. True that - deals are MUCH cheaper on ebay combined with the cashback option.

I'm about to pick up an Nokia E71 off of ebay + cashback because they're cr@p deals everywhere. Also gonna pick up the PC 900HA (Asus) netbook off of ebay. It's like big box stores don't exist for me anymore...anybody else getting that impression?

 

the one thing I'm looking forward to on BF is the PS3 bundle on amazon for $199 but that is more of a contest, since you have to receive an email to even get it at that price.


I've never been a fan of BF too many people. sane humans turning into crazed maniacs just to get a discount on a Christmas gift, why?

 

Hi Cin,

You mean you ain't gonna get your lawn chair and camp out in 40+ degrees temp out in the front of the store at 4:00AM in the morning!

And miss out on all the fun!

G!

 

Well the one thing you gotta look at is that BF is the start of the holiday push in which retailers will try to unload inventory. Retailers are trying to sell as much inventory as they possibly can before new products come out after the new year.

BF is just the start for the push however, the best deals will be around christmas when retailers are desperate to sell their remaining inventory. However, I don't know if retailers are willing to jump the gun. Retailers also realize that customers are only looking for "deals" (especially from the last couple of years) and might not want to shop for anything else other than the said deal.

 

It all depends on what the consumer wants. Electronics used to be the big deal, but with the current economy, the stores realize that not many will want to spend all that cash (Even though it's discounted!) on frivolous electronics.

Then again, at like clothing stores and stuff.. The deals are insanely good and you can fund a new wardrobe for half the price.

 

This year's BF sucks to say the least. There are some good TV deals floating around however but they are not really BF. Nothing worth waiting in line for.