PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — As the turkey and trimmings are digested, many people will turn their attention to Black Friday deals. We’ve got some tips on what to buy and what not to buy this weekend.
Black Friday isn’t the contact sport it used to be, but shoppers will still be looking for the best deals of the year.
Shopping experts advise against doing all your shopping on Black Friday weekend. They say to focus on categories that are historically the most discounted this time of year. These are technologies, autumn fashion, beauty and small household appliances.
Also, to see if something is really a good deal, compare prices online. There are browser extensions that will do the work for you, such as PayPal Honey.
“When you’re browsing the web, you can do it on your phone, tablet, computer, you’ll see the honey logo. You hover over it and you can immediately tell if it’s a low price or if it’s a high price based on historical prices,” said trade expert Trey Bodge.
SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2022: From Target and Walmart to Best Buy and Apple, the holiday shopping deals
Despite high inflation, the National Retail Federation estimates that nearly 8 million more people will shop between Black Friday and Cyber Monday this year than last year and spend up to 8 percent more than last year.
Already last month, retail sales beat expectations, rising 1.3 percent in October.
And while online sales are expected to increase this year, a return to in-store shopping will make up the majority of all holiday sales.
When it comes to toys, winter clothes and all things festive, experts say don’t buy them this weekend. You’ll likely find better prices next month, but be aware of items that may sell out.
And when you shop, be aware of the store’s return policy. Some retailers still allow you to return anything, even without a receipt. But others have become much tougher. Consumer Reports has a summary of the return policies of some of the most popular stores.
Nordstrom has one of the most lenient return policies, usually with no time limit and no receipt required for most items. But this year it is not the norm.
“Some retailers have made their return policies a bit more restrictive this year, whether they’ve ended extended COVID policies or are offsetting increased costs due to inflation. For you as a buyer, this means that if you’re thinking about buying anything you might need for a return, make sure you read this policy carefully first,” said Samantha Gordon of Consumer Reports.
Bed bath and so on used to give buyers a full year to make a return. But now the return period for most items is 90 days. Less on electronics and smart home products.
LLBean previously, unlimited returns were allowed without a receipt, but now customers have one year, and only if you can show proof of purchase.
Kolya gives buyers up to 180 days to return most purchases. And there is no receipt? No problem. You can view previous purchases in the store.
You will have 90 days to return the items Walmart, Target and Macy’sbut not all items are eligible, so check online for exclusions.
U Costcoelectronics and appliances must be returned within 90 days, but most others have no return time limit and you don’t even need a receipt.
Amazon extends the normal 30-day return window, but during the holiday season most items can be returned by the end of January. Just be aware that items purchased from third-party sellers may have different return policies.
“The best way to get a refund or store credit is to make sure you don’t open the package and keep the gift receipt if you have it,” Gordon said.
Plus, online purchases can usually be returned in person, and you’ll usually get your refund faster. Plus, you can save on return shipping. Just don’t forget to bring your ID. Some merchants will ask for it.
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