ANTenna Blog -- Hardware & Software

Typically, Black Friday is a sales event where companies offer big discounts to consumers to spur sales the day after Thanksgiving. But in today's economy (ITE) companies are also pushing Black Friday to their SMB customers.

Over at USA Today, Rhonda Abrams offers some tips for small businesses looking to take advantage:

1. Make a list of stuff you really need. Don't buy just because something's cheap. It's tempting, I know.
2. Check to see which version of Windows 7 you need. If you have a server you'll need at least the Pro or Ultimate edition. Upgrades are very expensive so buy the right one.
3. Before Friday, find out whether Windows 7 will work with your current software and peripherals before you buy. Otherwise, things can get really costly.
4. Shop online. Many retailers and even manufacturers are offering deals online beginning as early as midnight Friday morning. You may find the best stuff for small businesses -- higher levels of Windows 7 for example -- online.
5. Apply for your rebates. Make copies of everything and send rebates out immediately.
6. Check the office stores. They often have equipment more suited for business, rather than just consumer, use.

But what exactly is on offer from the big tech makers? Dell and HP are trying the tactic, even if HP isn't the Black Friday moniker.

Deill is claiming that "The best deals today aren't at the mall" and offering up to 40% on slect products in its Small and Medium Business line. But you have to sign up for an e-mail fo find out exactly what's on sale on the big day.

HP, meanwhile, is already offering Holiday deals on it's Compaq dx7500 business Desktop and HP Mini 1101 netbook, among others. The dx7500 is offered at $449, compared to a normal Web price of $529, while the Mini is at $329 instead of $399.

Bows on business equipment. Who'da thunk it?

I'm not quite sure what I think of this tactic. Lower prices are always nice, of course, but putting gift bows on business products that most likely are not going to be given as gifts seems a little... I don't know... cheesy?

Meanwhile, Apple also offers Black Friday deals, but they're typically relatively modest... in the 5% - 10% range. More to the point, they're usually aimed mostly at consumers -- though SMBs can also take advantage.

More From bMighty:

• SMB Netbook Mania: New Models From HP, Toshiba, Gateway
• Building The Mac Office -- 2009 Edition

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