It’s November, which means one thing for savvy shoppers: Black Friday is around the corner!
Black Friday, now a global shopping phenomenon, is the perfect time to score fantastic deals on Christmas gifts and personal items. To help you make the most of this shopping event without blowing your budget, here are ten updated tips to guide your Black Friday experience in 2024.
When is Black Friday 2024?
29th November, 2024
1. Do Your Research
Start with a clear list of what you need/want and where to find it. Write down all the retailers offering these items along with the current prices. This way, you can easily spot real discounts and avoid unnecessary impulse buys.
2. Resist the Hype
It’s easy to get swept away by Black Friday ads and promotional emails. While some may contain discount codes, stay focused on your list to avoid overspending. Let your pre-planned list guide you, not the ads.
3. Set Up Your Accounts in Advance
Make your shopping day smoother by setting up accounts with your chosen retailers. Save your payment and delivery details for a quick checkout, which can be essential if items are only held in your basket for a limited time. Signing up early often gives you access to exclusive sales or early shopping windows.
4. Utilise Wish Lists and Baskets
Most retailers allow you to add items to wish lists or save them in your basket. This can help you track price drops and make faster decisions when deals go live. Remember, some items may sell out quickly, so keep an eye on your saved items.
5. Set a Realistic Budget
Decide how much you can comfortably spend, separating "needs" from "wants." Black Friday offers tempting discounts, but staying within your budget is key to not regretting your purchases. Have a maximum amount in mind and stick to it.
6. Look for Price Matching Policies
Many stores offer price-matching on Black Friday, which can help you avoid jumping from site to site looking for the best deal. Double-check which retailers on your list have price-matching policies—this can save you a lot of time and effort.
7. Keep an Eye on Early Sales
Some retailers start their Black Friday sales early to stay ahead of their competitors. Check back frequently in the days or even weeks leading up to Black Friday to catch these early deals, especially on high-demand items like electronics and appliances.
8. Follow Retailers on Social Media
Follow your favourite brands and stores on social media platforms for exclusive deals, discount codes, and updates. Some retailers even offer flash sales or extra discounts just for their followers.
9. Consider Click & Collect Options
To save on delivery fees, look for retailers offering free or discounted “Click & Collect” services. This lets you pick up your orders in-store, which can be a cost-effective and convenient alternative.
10. Maximise Cashback and Credit Card Perks
If you use cashback websites or apps, make sure you activate them for Black Friday purchases. Many cashback platforms offer extra deals this time of year. Additionally, some credit cards provide cashback or added protection for online shopping, making them a great option for larger purchases. Just remember to pay off the balance as soon as possible.
Happy shopping! Be sure to share your Black Friday wins with us on social media!