Find out how to make the most of Black Friday sales this year. Learn about the best apps, tools, and ways to pay when hunting for great deals.
Black Friday. It’s the holy grail of shopping days. A chance to nab great deals. But it’s more than just a day of discounts. It’s your opportunity to get ahead on holiday shopping. Let’s dive in.
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday falls on 29 November 2024. If you’re ever wondering “when is Black Friday?” in future years, it’s always the day after American Thanksgiving. Mark your calendars. Set your alarms. This date is crucial for savvy shoppers.
Why start early?
Early birds catch the worm. Or in this case, the best deals. Starting early means less stress. No last-minute panic. No empty shelves. Just smart shopping.
Planning is key. Who needs gifts? What’s your budget? Having a plan helps you stay focused and prevents impulse buys.
Research is your friend. Look up prices now, then compare them on Black Friday. This way, you’ll spot genuine deals (not just flashy discounts).
Black Friday deals are often a goldmine. But don’t ignore other retailers. Boots Black Friday offers can be fantastic for beauty and wellness gifts, for example.
Early bird deals are worth watching. Some start weeks before Black Friday. Keep your eyes peeled; you might snag a bargain before the rush.
Creating your holiday shopping list
Start with family and friends. Who’s on your gift list? What might they like? Be specific. It helps you stay focused when deals start appearing.
Set a budget for each person. It’s easy to overspend amidst all the excitement. A budget keeps you grounded. It ensures you don’t blow all your cash on one super deal.
And don’t forget yourself! Black Friday is great for big purchases you’ve been considering. Maybe a new TV? Or that fancy coffee machine?
Researching and comparing deals
Price tracking tools like ShopMania are your friend. They show price history for specific products, helping you check if that “deal” is really a bargain.
You might also want to sign up for newsletters and follow brands on social media. They often announce deals early to loyal customers. You could get first dibs.
Compare across stores using price comparison services like Google Shopping and PriceRunner. One shop’s deal might be another’s regular price. Don’t assume the first offer is the best. Take time to look around.
It’s also worth reading reviews. A cheap product isn’t a bargain if it breaks quickly. Quality matters, especially for gifts — you want them to last.
Smart shopping tips
- Beware of online marketing tricks like “Limited time offer!” and “Only 5 left!” These create urgency. Don’t fall for it. Stick to your list.
- Check return policies. They might be different for sale items. Know your rights before you buy. It’ll save headaches later.
- Use secure payment methods. Credit cards often offer purchase protection. PayPal is another safe bet. Be wary of unfamiliar payment options.
- Consider . They’re perfect for picky recipients, and you can often buy them at a discount during Black Friday sales. An is perfect for tech-lovers, for example.
- For gamers, a membership is ideal. It’s the gift that keeps giving, offering year-round fun for your gamer friends or family.
- Prepaid cards are brilliant for budgeting. Load them with your shopping budget. When it’s gone, you’re done. No overspending, and no January regrets. and offer great prepaid options. They’re like having a separate account for your holiday shopping. Easy to manage and safe to use online.
Leveraging online tools and apps
Deal alert apps like PriceSpy are super useful. These apps let you set alerts for products you want and get notified when prices drop.
Digital wallets like Apple Pay speed up the online checkout process. They store your payment info securely. And quick transactions mean less chance of missing out on limited-time deals.
Some prepaid cards can be added to digital wallets. and offer this for their physical cards. They’re convenient, secure, and perfect for online shopping. You can top up these cards here at Recharge.com, but the actual card is purchased separately. Always check the terms before buying.
Avoiding common pitfalls
Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale
Ask yourself: Would I want this at full price? If not, it’s probably not the bargain it seems.
Beware of fake websites
Fake websites often pop up around Black Friday. Stick to known retailers, and remember — if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Check specs carefully
Some Black Friday deals might be for lower-spec or older versions of a product. Always read descriptions thoroughly.
Don’t forget about Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday happens 3 days after Black Friday, and often comes with better deals on tech products. Sometimes it’s worth waiting a little longer before clicking ‘buy’.
Maximising your savings
Stack multiple discounts where possible
Some retailers let you use voucher codes on top of sale prices, which can open up massive savings.
Check cashback sites
They offer money back on purchases. It’s like an extra discount on top of Black Friday prices.
Consider store cards
Retailers’ loyalty cards often offer extra discounts. But be careful — high interest rates on store credit can negate savings if you don’t pay in full.
Some final Black Friday tips
- Have a backup plan. Popular items sell out fast. Know your second choices and be ready to pivot.
- Take breaks. Black Friday shopping can be exhausting. Remember to step away and hydrate. You’ll make better decisions when you’re not frazzled.
- Keep receipts. You might find a better deal later, and many stores offer price matching (even after purchase).
Remember, Black Friday is just the start. Deals continue through December. Don’t panic if you miss something — there’s always another sale on the way. By following these tips, you’ll be a Black Friday ninja, bagging the best deals around. Happy hunting!
