Black Friday Exposed: The Truth, Myths, and Hidden Downsides You Didn’t Know

Published On: March 24, 2025

What Is the Downside of Black Friday?

Black Friday sounds like a shopper’s paradise—huge discounts, crazy deals, and a chance to finally grab that gadget you’ve been eyeing. But let’s be real. It’s not all good. Here’s what they don’t tell you.

1. Overhyped Discounts & Psychological Tricks

Ever noticed how some “doorbuster” deals seem too good to be true? That’s because some stores quietly raise prices before Black Friday, only to drop them back down so it looks like a major discount. I once waited weeks for a laptop deal, only to realize later that it had been cheaper the month before. Sneaky, right?

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2. Consumer Frenzy & Impulse Buying

I’ll admit it—I once grabbed a discounted smartwatch, convinced I needed it. Guess what? It’s still sitting in a drawer, barely used. The rush of “limited time” offers makes people buy things they never planned on getting.

3. Poor Quality Products

Here’s something most people don’t realize: some brands produce lower-quality versions of their products specifically for Black Friday. They look the same, but the materials are cheaper. Ever wonder why that “deal” TV doesn’t last long? Now you know.

4. Scams & Fraud Everywhere

Fake websites pop up, luring shoppers with insane prices, only to steal credit card details. Even in-store, scammers take advantage of the chaos. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

5. It’s Bad for the Planet

Between excessive packaging, mass shipping, and discarded impulse buys, Black Friday isn’t exactly eco-friendly. It’s a shopping spree that leaves a big carbon footprint.

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Why Do People Like Black Friday?

So, with all these downsides, why do people still love Black Friday? Simple: it’s exciting, and we love a good deal (or at least the illusion of one).

1. The Thrill of the Hunt

Ever walked out of a store feeling like you just won a battle? That’s dopamine at work. Scoring a deal before someone else does gives you a weird sense of accomplishment.

2. A Holiday Shopping Tradition

For many, Black Friday is a family event. I remember waking up at 4 AM, grabbing coffee with my cousins, and strategizing which stores to hit first. We didn’t always buy much, but the experience was half the fun.

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3. Exclusive Deals & Limited-Time Offers

Retailers are smart. They create “one-day-only” discounts and limited-edition products to make people feel like they have to shop.

4. We’re Conditioned to Love It

Marketing makes Black Friday seem like the only time to get good prices. But if you shop smart, you’ll find similar deals year-round.

Is Black Friday the Same Day Every Year?

Yes and no. It always falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving, but the actual date changes—anywhere between November 23 and November 29.

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Is Black Friday Only One Day?

Nope! What started as a single shopping day has turned into a whole season:

Black Friday Week – Some stores start their sales on the Monday before Thanksgiving.
Cyber Monday – Online-exclusive deals the Monday after Thanksgiving.
Black November – Some retailers run discounts all month long.
Small Business Saturday – A push to support local shops instead of big-box retailers.

What Is the Reason for Black Friday?

Retailers need to clear out inventory before the year ends. Black Friday is the perfect way to do it—hooking shoppers with “unmissable” deals and making a ton of money before the holidays.

What Is the Official Black Friday?

There’s no single authority on Black Friday, but it’s universally recognized as the Friday after Thanksgiving when stores roll out massive discounts.

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Why Is Black Friday Called Such?

The term “Black Friday” originally came from Philadelphia in the 1960s, when police officers used it to describe the post-Thanksgiving shopping chaos. Later, retailers spun the meaning into something positive, claiming it’s the day businesses go from being “in the red” (losing money) to “in the black” (making profits).

What Is the True Story Behind Black Friday?

Some people believe Black Friday started in the 1800s with enslaved people being sold at discounts. But historians have debunked this. The Philadelphia explanation is the most widely accepted origin.

FAQs

1. Is Black Friday really worth it?

Sometimes. If you research prices ahead of time and stick to your shopping list, you can find real bargains. Just don’t get tricked by fake discounts.

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2. Are Black Friday deals better than Cyber Monday?

Black Friday is usually better for in-store and general retail deals, while Cyber Monday focuses on tech and online discounts.

3. Do stores hold back stock for Black Friday?

Some do, but others sell cheaper, lower-quality versions of their products.

4. What’s the safest way to shop on Black Friday?

Compare prices before the sale.
Stick to trusted stores.
Be cautious of “too good to be true” deals.
Double-check website legitimacy if shopping online.

5. Does Black Friday exist worldwide?

Yes, but it varies. Countries like the UK, Canada, and parts of Europe have adopted it, though it’s usually not as intense as in the U.S.

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Final Thoughts

Black Friday isn’t just about shopping—it’s a well-planned marketing strategy designed to make you spend. If you go in with a plan, you can snag great deals. But if you’re not careful, you might end up with stuff you didn’t need in the first place. Love it or hate it, Black Friday isn’t going anywhere.

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