Psychology of Black Friday sales

[Happy Hippo]

I am new to knife collecting. This year is my first. But I have already noticed two "tricks" being used in companies' Black Friday sales.
1). Announcing a large percentage off an inflated MSRP such that the actual deal is no better than anywhere else
2). Having purchase thresholds that need to be met to get increasing amount of free stuff. The problem is the free stuff is generally things I don't want.

Are there going to be any legitimate %off sales for good knives during Black Friday? Are there any other tactics I need to be aware of? I have to admit that I have fallen for #2. I add another knife to the order so that I am eligible to receive a free, usually low quality, giveaway.

Darn. I now realize this should have been posted in the General Knife forum. New to this too.

Thanks.

 

[BrotherJim]

The "good" knives they don't have to use "tricks"
There are however, deals on many working knives available to the savvy accumulator

 

[sitflyer]

If I see Black Friday in the header, it goes right into the trash.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

I think the preferred term is now Friday of Color.

 

[Just Tom.]

puerile
Adjective
1: Juvenile
2: Childish, silly

“Nowadays, puerile can describe the acts or utterances of an actual child, but it more often refers (usually with marked disapproval) to occurrences of childishness where adult maturity would be expected or preferred.”

 

[kvaughn]

puerile
Adjective
1: Juvenile
2: Childish, silly

“Nowadays, puerile can describe the acts or utterances of an actual child, but it more often refers (usually with marked disapproval) to occurrences of childishness where adult maturity would be expected or preferred.”

Well, he did post at 4:22.

 

[sf fanatic]

As PT. Barnum said, “There’s one born every minute”. Especially on Black Friday.

 

[mrknife]

you know, liquor stores dont have black friday sales too come to think of it

 

[FullMetalJackass]

If they want you to buy it, maybe it's not such a great deal.
Top brands never goes on sale.

 

[BD_01]

Often times a company’s MSRP is way above street price, which is usually at MAP (minimum advertised price). For example, Spyderco’s MSRP for a basic PM2 is $245. MAP is 30% below that, so some sites will list it at the ‘you save’ price of $171.50, even though it’s the going price at BHQ, KC, and all the rest.

My apologies if this is old info; you said you are new to the game.


I have a local surplus store with a pretty amazing knife counter (especially given my location). Stuff is priced somewhere between above MAP, to way above MAP. Every once in a while they have a “sale” and I’ll make an impulse buy for a few dollars more or less than the usual online price. If I’m spending over $200 on a knife, I don’t mind dropping an extra $20 to support the shop & handle the knife in person.

Surprisingly, I’m told they move a fair amount of knife inventory at their ‘normal’ prices. On the other hand, because of their high pricing, one can occasionally find stuff that’s been discontinued for a while. Last time I was up there, they still had a Spyderco Battlestation, a ZT 0850, and a Benchmade Anthem (though it may have been a part serrated one).

 

[sgt1372]

Black Friday sales strategy is based on the same principle as Prime Day.

A limited one-time only -- you HAVE to buy it NOW -- sales opportunity. Don't believe it. LOL!

Sales use to be limited to just certain times during the year but they are offered all-year-round now.

 

[unwisefool]

you know, liquor stores dont have black friday sales too come to think of it

Yes they do.

 

[ShaiHulud]

No such thing as a black Friday deal on quality kit.
No manufacturer would ever discount their stuff to the point where they take a loss

 

[Chronovore]

No such thing as a black Friday deal on quality kit.
No manufacturer would ever discount their stuff to the point where they take a loss

No but deals can be had. On previous Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or 11-11 sales; I've picked up various knives at better than average prices. The same goes for other sales events.

There is also the phenomenon of prices on a new model falling once it has been out a while. Curiously, I've noticed that some of the eventual resting prices on various models are similar to what their occasional sale price had been in the past.

As far as "loss", some sales can just be about moving old product or clearing space. Time is a factor so it's not impossible.

 

[Ourorboros]

Are there going to be any legitimate %off sales for good knives during Black Friday?

Kizer has their best prices at this time of year.

 

[greater]

Your not going to see me lining up like cattle outside of a store and getting stampeded by a bunch of idiots rushing to get in.

 

[Chronovore]

Your not going to see me lining up like cattle outside of a store and getting stampeded by a bunch of idiots rushing to get in.

I still remember Black Friday at Malls back in the day. It could be insane. Nowadays, most of my non-food retail shopping is done online.

 

[JPD1998]

Some manufacturers lift MAP pricing this time of the year. So yes you can find deals.

 

[DMG]

puerile
Adjective
1: Juvenile
2: Childish, silly

“Nowadays, puerile can describe the acts or utterances of an actual child, but it more often refers (usually with marked disapproval) to occurrences of childishness where adult maturity would be expected or preferred.”

humorless

hyoo͞′mər-lĭs

adjective​

1. Lacking a sense of humor.
2. Said or done without humor.
3. Destitute of humor.

 

[Greggy]

Consumer fetishisms and all that. Sweaty nervous consumerist hands frantically darting here and there for trinkets and two-bit wares.

Save your money and give the wallet a rest, the holidays are not for purchases. Get a grip!

EDIT: I reread my post hours after posting, and realize that I may sound a little preachy. I was trying to be funny. If you enjoy consumerism over the Holidays, go for it.