Well-established and loved by almost all customers “Black Friday» usually falls on the fourth Friday in November, but always follows Thanksgiving Day in the United States, which falls on November 28 this year.
So this year”“Black Friday” “will fall out” for Friday 29 November. And this year… there will also be “Black Week”. Starting from the third year of the event in Greece, and specifically from 2018, “Black Friday” took on the form “Black Week” Stores are expected to do something similar in 2024, so big deals will begin on Monday, November 25, rather than on the traditional Black Friday, which falls on November 29th. It is also worth noting that this year (for the third time in recent years) November mid-term sales are not being held. This will reportedly allow small and large businesses to make more “bold” proposals.
How did Black Friday come about?
This habit originated in the United States, and due to its success, it became an institution that other countries adopted. In the early 1960s, spreadsheets and receipts were, of course, handwritten, and two colors of ink were used to record items in stores. Days with a negative sales balance were written in red, and days with a positive sales balance were written in black. Thus, the last Friday of November became the first day of sales during the Christmas season, with sales increasing significantly, hence the name “Black Friday.”
Black Friday, as always, falls on the last Friday of November, and this year on November 29, 2024. In recent years, the event has spread to many European countries, including England, Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Spain, Austria, Finland, and Poland. And every year an increasing number of retailers participate in it.
After Black Friday, Cyber Monday has become the most popular event in Europe
Of course, don't forget that three days after Black Friday comes Cyber Monday, another cheap shopping opportunity that revolves around purchases made exclusively online. This year, Cyber Monday falls on Monday, December 2nd.
Ten Tips for Safe Shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
1. Beware of Potential Scammers and Scams
Black Friday is also an opportunity for scammers to take advantage of shoppers' desire for great deals. So, even if you come across terms like “cheap”, “offer”, etc., don’t think that it’s really a good deal. Experience shows that if prices are particularly low or even significantly lower than usual, the product may be counterfeit or defective. Do your research some time before making a purchase so you can recognize fake offers.
2. Read the terms of use in online stores and ask about guarantees in physical stores.
While large chain stores often update their return policies to benefit customers, smaller companies may be less flexible. Carefully read the terms of use of an online store before making a purchase, or ask about the store's return policy if it is a physical store.
3. Beware of impulsive buying behavior before making a transaction
Do you really need the product you saw on the window or in the online store? Is the final purchase price beyond your budget? Black Friday causes such a rush among shoppers that many of them make unnecessary purchases for fear that they won't be able to take advantage of the deals! Remember that despite the attractive deals that stores may promise in the lead up to Black Friday, as the Christmas holidays approach, the market will once again restock its inventory with new discounts and new products!
4. Beware of unknown or new online businesses
The best deals are not always provided by large online companies. Smaller online businesses can also offer significant shopping opportunities, but with new or unknown companies you should be especially careful not to lose money. If you find that the site does not include important information necessary to identify an online company, such as company name, postal address, contact numbers, email address and VAT number, it is better to refrain from purchasing until you have checked the reliability of the company first. by researching her online reputation.
5. Beware of misleading offers
Even if you make a purchase from a site you trust, it is important to check all the details of the transaction: price, warranty, shipping costs, product availability or delivery time may be some of the important information that will determine your final choice. Sometimes, however, you may see pop-up banners with offers unrelated to those of the supplier company from sites that ask you to enter your bank account details or even passwords to complete the transaction. In such cases, contact both the company and your bank and confirm the authenticity of the content of these messages. Avoid pop-up offers if they come from unknown sites.
6. Be very careful when providing sensitive personal information
Whenever you intend to use a credit or debit card, please carefully review the terms and conditions and emails associated with your transaction. Also, do not proceed with the transaction if you are asked to install software to receive an offer.
7. Don't be tempted by unusually low prices or offers.
Check brochures, social media promotions and store newsletters for prices on items you're interested in. Collect them a few days before Black Friday so you have an idea of the final price and make sure you get a really good buying opportunity.
8. Promotional coupons and gift cards
If you have promotional coupons or gift cards, check to see if the items you want are available on Black Friday or if the companies you're interested in accept those coupons or exclude them from offers.
9. Check the security policy for online transactions
If you plan to shop online, it is best to use personal devices that have anti-malware programs (antivirus) and firewalls installed. When entering transaction data, ensure that encryption is used. You can tell by noticing a closed padlock icon in the top left corner of a website's address, and if the address begins with “https://.”
10. Agree on the date of delivery of the goods
If a business does not deliver on time, remember that debit or credit card transactions provide consumers with significant protection in the event of a cancellation. On the contrary, payment by depositing money into the supplier's bank account should be avoided.
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