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.

7. Should You Trust Doorbuster Deals?

Doorbuster deals often seem great but can be limited or misleading.
Doorbuster deals often seem great but can be limited or misleading.

Jason is direct on this:
Doorbusters are mostly marketing tactics.

Why they’re risky:

  • They’re produced with cheaper components.
  • Brands compromise on quality to offer a low price.
  • These products may not reflect the standard version of the same model.
  • Limited stock pressures shoppers into impulsive buying.

When doorbusters are worth it:

  • For small accessories
  • Older but well-reviewed gadgets
  • Non-essential impulse buy items

But for major electronics, Chen says to stick with reputable brands and models tested by review sites.