Every year, millions of people look forward to that one week in November: Black Friday & Cyber Monday. The time when stores worldwide stunt with spectacular discounts, especially on tech products. But did you know that during Black Friday & Cyber Monday, not everything is as inexpensive as you think? Behind those attractive offers, there is sometimes a different truth. In this blog we dive deeper into the psychological tricks, the impact on sustainability and how you can shop more consciously without compromising on quality.

The psychology behind Black Friday & Cyber Monday: why we buy en masse

You’ve probably experienced it before. You open your phone and are inundated with ads reminding you to buy now. “Only 2 left in stock!” or “Promotion ends in 3 hours!”,these kinds of messages are no accident. Stores cleverly play on our psychology by creating urgency. The idea of missing out on a unique opportunity prompts us to make quick decisions. And then there are the discounts. A product whose price first went up is suddenly presented as a “great deal.” Combine that with a countdown timer and you think you’re being smart, when your wallet has long been saying otherwise.

While it feels great to score a deal, it’s good to pause every once in a while. Do you really need that new gadget? Or had you been putting off the purchase for months and the discount happens to be convenient?

Sustainability and overconsumption: the downside of bargain days

Black Friday & Cyber Monday are not only a test of your willpower, but also a challenge to sustainability. Every year we buy new devices en masse: phones, tablets, laptops, wireless earbuds… You know the drill. But let’s take a moment to consider the consequences. The biggest problem? E-waste. Electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams worldwide. When you trade in a perfectly good working phone for the latest model, your old device often ends up in the back of a drawer somewhere or, worse, in the landfill. Combine that with the production of new devices, which uses many raw materials such as rare metals, and the environmental impact is significant.

And let’s face it: how many devices do we really use intensively? That latest tablet seemed like a must have, but has been lying unused on the coffee table for weeks. It’s not only about what you buy, but also about how you use it.

Smart & conscious shopping: refurbished and resale as alternatives

We hear you thinking, “But what if I still want to score a tech deal?” Not to worry, there are plenty of ways to shop consciously without compromising on quality. The growth of refurbished devices is a perfect example. A refurbished phone is not an old discard, but a professionally refurbished device that is often barely distinguishable from a new one. Not only do you save money, but you also help reduce the demand for new production. Less e-waste, less carbon emissions that sounds like a real win win. But it gets even better. At ThePhoneLab, you can also sell your old device. Thanks to our instant valuation & payout, you’ll know in no time what your device is worth and have the money in your account within an hour. No hassle, no uncertainty. You give your device a second life, and that can make someone else happy. Whether it’s an iPhone you no longer use or that old MacBook collecting dust, selling your old devices is a step toward a more circular economy. And let’s face it, why let something gather dust when it can also make a new owner happy?

Technology with a green edge

Black Friday & Cyber Monday don’t have to be black and white shopping days. By making conscious choices, such as buying refurbished or turning in old appliances, you can enjoy the benefits of technology without the drawbacks to the environment. At ThePhoneLab, we see this as an opportunity to make a difference together. Whether you’re looking for a refurbished device, want to sell your old one, or just want to consciously think about your next purchase, it all starts with a step in the right direction. So, before you fill that shopping cart: ask yourself, am I buying what I need, or am I buying because I’m afraid of missing something?