Stores' Black Friday shopping secrets

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The lure of the bargain drives many shoppers to the stores on "Black Friday." But before you venture out, you may want to read up. There are some secret shopping tips that stores don't want you to know about.

>> MORE BLACK FRIDAY: Get links to store ads and local store hours here

Retail experts say those door-buster deals that people line up for in the wee hours of the morning are essentially just bait.

In reality, there are typically only about four to six "door-buster" items at each store.

That means that unless you're one of the first people in line, you're probably not going to score that cheap washer-dryer combo or HDTV.

Electronics are a big ticket item every "Black Friday," but before you buy that big-screen TV, make sure you know what model you're getting.  Some electronics with low sale prices are not the standard model, but a derivative, which is a model that has fewer features than the standard one.

Shoppers should also be on guard when it comes to jewelry.  Srging gold prices have many jewelers selling more silver items that are actually just gold-plated or gold-filled.

Experts suggest consumers read the all the fine print on all "Black Friday" circulares carfully so they understand the offers and items they're interested in.