How to Spot a Fake Black Friday Deal (and Avoid Overpaying)

The oldest trick in retail is the pre-Black Friday price hike: raise the list price in October so November's 'discount' looks bigger. The fix is price history. If a deal's 'was' price only existed for two weeks before the sale, the discount is theater.

Use a price tracker to see what an item actually sold for over the last 90 days. A genuine Black Friday low should beat the year's previous floor — not just a recently inflated ceiling. I check camelcamelcamel for Amazon, and Honey or Keepa for cross-retailer history.

Beware of model-number tricks. Retailers sometimes carry a near-identical 'Black Friday edition' with a downgraded panel, less RAM, or fewer features at a tempting price. Compare the specs, not just the name — the model number is usually off by one letter or digit.

Watch the 'bundle' trap too. A doorbuster that only comes with a mandatory accessory pack or extended warranty isn't as cheap as it looks. Strip the bundle down to the item you actually want and re-price it before you decide.

Finally, factor in return windows and warranty. A slightly smaller discount from a retailer with a generous return policy can beat a rock-bottom price from one that sells final-sale only. The best deal is the one you can undo if it turns out to be a dud.