Our guide on Dos and Don'ts this Black Friday to get the most out of deals while spending smartly.
Black Friday is taking place on 24 November this year, promising us some hefty deals and discounts on a variety of products. However, it can be easy to feel pressured to take advantage of the deals and overspend on items you may not need.
We have created this list of dos and don'ts to help you get the most out of the sales while managing your spending.
Don’t get caught up in the flash ‘sales’
Timed discounts and flash deals may sound tempting, but they’re often nothing but a sly marketing tactic. Companies will often create a time limit on their deals to convince you to make quick, uninformed decisions when shopping. Don’t get caught up in the whirlwind and take your time when making your purchases. If it helps, consult with friends and family! They may offer you a fresh perspective and even share deals they know about.
Do make a list beforehand
If you are Christmas shopping or simply waiting to buy something during the sales, make sure you have a clear list of exactly what you need and set a realistic budget that will cover your needs. This will help you stay focused on only buying things you absolutely need without getting overwhelmed and making impulsive purchase decisions.
Don’t stick to one shop
If you want to make the most of your budget this year, make sure you are ready to shop around for the best deals. Companies have highly competitive discounts and to make sure you get the best deal, set aside some time and have a pen and paper ready to write down the difference in prices to help you compare.
Do your research
Spend some time before Black Friday researching the items on your list. This includes the price of the item, cost of delivery and what offers the website already has before Black Friday. By writing out these notes beforehand, you can easily compare the price during the sale and ensure that you are getting it at the best price. Money Saving Expert has laid out some websites that help you compare prices from different outlets.
Do sign up for insider offers and memberships
Nowadays, retailers are offering extra discounts and/or early access to their members who are signed up. Early access is a great way to make sure you get the best deals before the item you want is sold out and also finish your Christmas shopping early. Insider offers may also let you stack discounts to get the most out of your budget!
If you are struggling with budgeting for Christmas or wondering how to keep costs low, check out some of our past articles to help you through the Christmas period:
Big Christmas on a smaller budget
Ways to give back this Christmas
