Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States.
Traditionally, Black Friday marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season and the institution has reached our country as well.
Since Thanksgiving in the USA falls this year on November 28, Black Friday will “fall” on Friday 29.11.2024, while in recent years it has turned into Black Week in our country, since sales continue throughout the week.
Several department stores in the US offer discounts on a range of products, and often open early, sometimes as early as midnight or even on Thanksgiving.
Store sales also continue on the Monday following Thanksgiving, which has been called Cyber Monday, or Киверно – Монда, in Hellenistic, which refers exclusively to online purchases with discounts, which usually continue throughout the week (Cyber Week).
How did the name “Black Friday” come about?
In the early 1960s, police officers in Philadelphia began using the phrase “Black Friday” to describe the mayhem that ensued when large numbers of tourists came to the city to begin their holiday shopping on Thanksgiving Day (Thursday ), but also to watch the annual rugby match between the Army and Navy which took place on Saturday.
The huge crowds created a headache for the police, who were forced to work longer shifts as they dealt with traffic jams, accidents and shoplifting.
The merchants of the city tried to change the name to Big Friday, however, from 1980 onwards the name Black Friday finally prevailed, as a result of which the institution was extended to several countries in Europe.
What to watch out for on Black Friday
The General Secretariat of Trade and Consumer Protection of the Ministry of Development and Investment advises consumers on what to look out for in their purchases on Black Friday.
Be wary of would-be scammers and fraudulent practices
Black Friday is also an opportunity for scammers who take advantage of consumers’ desire for many good offers. So even if you come across terms like “cheap”, “offer” etc., don’t assume that this is really a good deal.
Experience has shown that where prices are particularly low or even significantly lower than usual, the goods may be counterfeit or defective. Do your research some time before you make your purchases so that you are able to spot the fake offers.
Read the terms of use in online stores and ask about guarantees in physical stores
While large chain stores often update their return policy for the benefit of the consumer, smaller businesses may show less flexibility. Carefully read the terms of use of the online store before making a purchase or ask about the store’s policy, when it is a physical store, in case of returning the goods.
Watch out for impulse buying before you make a transaction
Do you really need the product you saw in the window or in the e-shop? Does the final amount of your purchases divert your budget? Black Friday causes such excitement among consumers that many times they make purchases that are not really necessary for fear that they may not be able to take advantage of the offers!
Remember that despite the attractive offers that stores may promise in the run-up to Black Friday, as we move into the Christmas holiday season, the market will once again restock with new discounts and new goods!
Beware of unknown or new online businesses
The best deals are not always provided by the big online businesses. Even small online businesses can offer significant shopping opportunities, but in the case of a new or unknown business, you should be especially careful not to lose money.
If you find that critical information to identify the identity of the online business is missing such as the company name, postal address, contact numbers, email address and VAT number, it is better to avoid making a purchase until you cross the credibility of the business by first investigating its online reputation.
Beware of misleading offers
Even if you buy from a website you trust, it is important to check all the details regarding your transaction: the price, warranty, transport costs, availability or delivery time, may be some of the important information that you will determine your final choice.
Many times, however, pop-up banners may appear with offers unrelated to those provided by the supplier company, from websites that ask you to enter the details of your bank accounts or your codes to complete the transaction. In these cases, contact both the company and your bank and confirm the authenticity of the content of these messages. We should avoid offers that appear in pop-up windows if they come from unknown websites.
Be very careful when providing sensitive personal information
In cases where you intend to use a credit or debit card, carefully review the terms and conditions and emails related to your transaction. You should also not proceed with a transaction if you are asked to install software to obtain an offer.
Don’t be swayed by unusually low prices or offers
Check brochures, social media promotions and store newsletters for the prices of the products you are interested in. Gather several days before Black Friday so that you have a yardstick for the final price offered and to be able to ascertain that you got a really good buying opportunity.
Coupons and giftcards
When you have discount coupons or giftcards, confirm if the products you want are available on Black Friday or if the companies you are interested in accept these coupons and are not excluded from the offers.
Check the security policy in online transactions
If you plan to go shopping online, prefer to use your personal devices that have an antivirus and firewall installed. When entering your transaction details, make sure encryption is in place. You can recognize this if you notice the closed lock icon in the top left of the website address and if the address starts with “
Agree on the delivery date of the product
In the event that the business does not deliver the product on time, remember that debit or credit card transactions offer substantial safeguards for consumers in case of cancellation of the transaction. Conversely, payment by deposit into the supplier’s bank account should be avoided.
#fall #year
**Interview with Consumer Protection Expert, Emma Carter, on Black Friday Shopping**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Emma. Black Friday is just around the corner, and it has become a significant shopping event, not only in the United States but increasingly in our country as well. Could you give us a brief overview of the origins of Black Friday?
**Emma Carter:** Absolutely. The term “Black Friday” originated in the early 1960s in Philadelphia, where police officers used it to describe the chaos that ensued when large crowds came into the city for holiday shopping. The influx of shoppers created traffic congestion and forced police to work longer shifts, ultimately leading to the term’s popularity. Merchants tried to rebrand it as “Big Friday,” but by the 1980s, “Black Friday” had stuck and expanded into Europe and beyond.
**Editor:** That’s fascinating! With Black Friday being the start of the holiday shopping season, how has it evolved in recent years, especially in our country?
**Emma Carter:** Over the past few years, Black Friday has transformed into what many are calling “Black Week.” Retailers are extending their sales throughout the week, offering consumers more opportunities to snag deals. This shift is particularly beneficial for both consumers and businesses as it alleviates the rush and potential chaos associated with one single day of shopping.
**Editor:** Amid such excitement, what should consumers keep in mind to avoid falling victim to scams and misleading offers during Black Friday?
**Emma Carter:** Great question! It’s vital to remain vigilant. First, shoppers should do their research ahead of time to understand what constitutes a genuine deal versus a scam. Many fraudulent offers use enticing terms like “cheap” or “limited time” to lure consumers. Always read the terms of service on online stores and query the return policy in physical stores before making a purchase.
**Editor:** And what advice do you have regarding impulse buying, which is often heightened during these shopping frenzies?
**Emma Carter:** Impulse buying is a common issue. Consumers get caught up in the excitement and may purchase items they don’t genuinely need. Before proceeding with a transaction, ask yourself if the item is essential and whether it fits within your budget. Keep in mind that more discounts are likely to follow as we approach Christmas.
**Editor:** That’s sage advice. Lastly, can you elaborate on how to safely navigate online shopping, particularly with new or unknown businesses?
**Emma Carter:** Of course! While small online businesses can offer great deals, shoppers should be cautious. If a website lacks critical information like clear contact details or does not have established customer reviews, it’s wise to steer clear. Always confirm the legitimacy of online offers and be wary of pop-ups requesting sensitive information. Protecting your personal and financial data should always be a priority.
**Editor:** Thank you, Emma. Your insights are incredibly valuable, especially as we approach Black Friday. Happy shopping, everyone, but remember: stay safe and smart!
Consumers should be vigilant during Black Friday shopping to avoid scams. First and foremost, it’s important to do your research before making any purchases. Look for authentic reviews of products and sellers. Watch out for deals that seem too good to be true; they often are. Check terms of use, especially for online stores, and inquire about return policies in physical stores. It’s also crucial to be cautious about impulse buying—take a moment to consider whether you really need the item and how it fits into your budget.
Furthermore, as you mentioned earlier, be wary of unfamiliar sites that might ask for sensitive information. Ensure the website has clear contact details, and avoid making purchases from sites that seem suspicious or lack essential information like a VAT number or physical address. Always use secure payment methods and confirm delivery dates after making a purchase to avoid complications later on. Following these tips can help ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping experience during Black Friday!
