Black Friday is not the same as it used to be several years ago. No more crazy fights over a new gadget or crowds to a supermarket. According to a PissedConsumer Black Friday survey, 67.4% of shoppers will skip this Black Friday season. Others are willing to spend less than in previous years. However, Black Friday stays popular, and most of all it attracts those who are hunting for electronics, toys, home appliances, and jewelry. Below you’ll find 9 stories from consumers that reveal the reality of why Black Friday deals are not always the right decision.
TVs are top-notch purchases on Black Friday. Buying a new TV on this day sounds like a tradition, however, lots of reviews report that this can be a bad decision.
Consumer reports “70-inch Onn TV has black picture going in and out?”
Source: PissedConsumer.com
Toys are also popular Black Friday targets. This Reddit user is disappointed that “Tony soprano came with a black mark across his head”
Source: Reddit
And here we see that this customer received a used GAP hoodie: “Honestly I'm disappointed in myself for thinking these were gonna be "New" 
Source: Reddit
Home appliances are also at the top of Black Friday wishes. Customers are looking for the best home-related deals, from mixers to big products like washing machines and refrigerators.
This customer bought a Kitchenaid refrigerator and shared feedback: “...There were many other deals I could have gone with on Black Friday.”
Source: PissedConsumer.com
Jewelry can disappoint as well. This customer reports: “...the nightmare ring looks a bit bent, right?”
Source: Reddit
Here’s one more story about jewelry. This time it’s about Pandora accessories: “...on Black Friday it was 1/2 the price I paid. Quality is not worth full price!..” 
Source: PissedConsumer.com
Together with clothing, people often hunt for good deals on footwear. Check out the story on Reddit where the purchase looks good but actually not as pictured on the website: “HMF these black, very high platform boots that I found on an Internet shop that was a scam. It's okay if they are not exactly the same as the ones on the photo”
Source: Reddit
Black Friday shoppers are often affected by misleading advertising. This customer bought a drone and writes: “...When I opened it, to my surprise it was all plastic including the camera & remote. I basically got a plastic toy…” 
Source: PissedConsumer.com
Small household appliances are top sales too. However, sometimes customers face issues not with the products but with shipping and delivery. Check out the consumer’s story about Instant Pot and Amazon: “...I just bought a 6Qt pot from Amazon at the Black Friday special price. When I receive the pot, it has a big dent at the side.”
Source: PissedConsumer.com
If you decide to shop on this Black Friday, get prepared for it:
- Read consumer reviews
- Do your research
- Shop at the right time
- Compare prices at different stores
To get prepared better for your shopping, find the Black Friday survey 2023 to learn more about the trends.