The Black Friday Debate

I believe everyone is ‘recovering’ from the recent influx of Black Friday emails; offers and discounts. I have heard a variety of views about the event – good and bad, and felt I should also comment on the Black Friday Debate.

Of course this is a discounted day that originated in the United States. Originally it was principally retail units that offered huge discounts the day after Thanksgiving Day – an annual holiday in the United States. Rather like the Boxing Day sales in the United Kingdom, they attracted a lot of scrambling, sharp elbows and pushing to get the best ‘bargains’. However, in the last couple of years, most of the buying has been online.

Understandably businesses of all sizes have wanted to discount some of their products or services for a ‘flash sale’ and also let their customers and followers know. It is entirely up to a business, to decide to discount at this time, or decide not to.

Whilst I appreciate that it is annoying receiving lots of ‘BLACK FRIDAY’ emails, but some of the complaints have been risible. One individual smuggly shared that the offers were desperate ‘get rich quick’ offers that were of low value – unlike her consultancy business with its high value. Her opinion of course; another just moaned that her FB feed was full of offers – yet she constantly ‘shares’ ear drum shattering videos of her daughter ‘singing’ (Hint: Don’t put your daughter on the stage….)

If you are annoyed by overflowing in boxes or Facebook feeds, unsubscribe, or ‘unfollow’. It is simple. There are serious things going on in the world, and stressing over Black Friday messages doesn’t come very high in the news – unlike Syria.

But getting back to businesses that decided to do a discount – like I did with a couple of products. I know other female entrepreneurs, like myself, who were aware not all of our followers are in a financial position to purchase high end products, but wanted to offer a discounted product that could make a real difference. These businesses, like mine, are highly professional and credible. They aren’t promising ‘get rich quick’ or selling a diluted product of no value, but something that will really help clients.

In the end every business owner has a right to make their own decisions about discounted products and services. It doesn’t devalue either their business or the quality of their products. So let’s get real and stop this Black Friday Debate.