Cyber Monday: How to spot a deal and not get ripped off

Cyber Monday is an exciting day for shoppers, especially after the frenzy of Black Friday. Many people look forward to finding great deals online, but it can also be easy to overspend. To help you navigate the sales without getting ripped off, we have gathered some valuable tips from experts in the field. First and foremost, it is essential to make a list of items you genuinely want or need before diving into the sales. Sarah Johnson, a director at a merchandise consultancy, emphasizes, 'It's only a deal if it's something you genuinely wanted or needed before seeing the discount. ' This means that if you find a product on sale, it should be something you had planned to buy, not just an impulse purchase. By sticking to your list and budget, you can maximize your savings and avoid unnecessary splurges. Another crucial tip is to compare prices across different retailers. Harry Rose, the editor of Which? Magazine, suggests checking the price history of products before making a purchase. There are websites that allow you to see how much a product has cost over the past year. This way, you can determine if the deal you are seeing is truly a good one. In fact, Which? conducted research on 227 products during last year's Black Friday sales and found that nine out of ten deals were the same price or even cheaper at other times of the year. Therefore, it is important not to feel pressured to buy something just because it is Cyber Monday. If you spot an item you want, consider looking for it on second-hand platforms. Influencer Vivien Tang points out that it is easy to find nearly new or even brand new items on resale websites. These platforms often allow you to make offers that fit your budget. Jess, another resale influencer, mentions, 'If you make an offer and it's reasonable, most sellers will accept. ' This means you can potentially get a great deal while also being environmentally friendly by purchasing second-hand items. A recent survey revealed that 63% of people would be comfortable receiving second-hand gifts, especially during the holiday season. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for gift-giving without breaking the bank. However, it is essential to be cautious when shopping, especially when using credit cards. Many people may be tempted to use credit cards or overdrafts to buy what they consider bargains during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But if you end up paying interest on those purchases, it could negate any savings you thought you were making. For instance, if you buy something for £300 and only pay back £20 a month, it could take over a year to pay off, resulting in £55 in interest. Financial experts recommend paying off your credit card immediately, ideally from savings, to avoid accruing interest. Additionally, using a credit card for purchases over £100 offers more protection, increasing your chances of getting a refund if something goes wrong. Lastly, be aware of scams that often arise during this shopping season. Criminals take advantage of the excitement surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday to trick online shoppers. Purchase scams occur when someone is deceived into sending money for a product that does not exist. According to Lloyds Bank, the number of purchase scams increased by 29% during last year's sales. Liz Ziegler, the bank's fraud prevention director, advises, 'When shopping online, the best way to stay safe is to buy from a trusted retailer and always pay by card for the greatest protection. ' If you cannot do these things, it should raise a red flag. Always check the website's address to ensure it belongs to the official brand before entering any personal or financial information. Be cautious of posts from newly created social media accounts or links to recently established websites. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. In summary, Cyber Monday can be a fantastic opportunity to find great deals, but it is crucial to approach it with caution. By making a list, comparing prices, considering second-hand options, and being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy the shopping experience without falling victim to scams or overspending.