Wirecutter’s Jason Chen Breaks Down Your Biggest Black Friday & Holiday Shopping Doubts

Jason Chen answers your top Black Friday shopping questions. Jason Chen answers your top Black Friday shopping questions.

10. How to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

Stick to your budget, research products, and focus on real needs to avoid buyer’s remorse.
Stick to your budget, research products, and focus on real needs to avoid buyer’s remorse.

Jason Chen believes that the average shopper regrets 30% of what they purchase during holiday sales.

Common sources of regret:

  • Buying items on deep discount but with low utility
  • Overvaluing deals instead of needs
  • Purchasing trending products
  • Buying old models near the end of their lifecycle
  • Confusing brand popularity with actual performance

His simple philosophy:

Choose something because it’s worth it, not just because it’s inexpensive.

Questions to ask before purchasing:

  • Do I actually need this now?
  • Will this price drop further in December or January?
  • Is this the best-reviewed model?
  • Is the brand trustworthy?
  • Will the product last for years?

This mindset alone saves shoppers hundreds of dollars.