Black Friday: How to spot a deal and not get ripped off

Black Friday is a well-known shopping event that takes place every year, attracting millions of shoppers eager to snag great deals. However, amidst the excitement, it is crucial to remain vigilant and avoid overspending. Many of the discounts offered on Black Friday may not be as significant as they appear, with numerous items being available at the same price or even cheaper at different times throughout the year. To help you navigate the Black Friday sales effectively, we consulted several experts who provided valuable insights and tips. One of the most important pieces of advice is to create a shopping list and adhere to it. Sarah Johnson, a director at a retail consultancy, emphasizes, 'It's only a deal if it’s something you genuinely wanted or needed before seeing the discount. ' This highlights the importance of focusing on items that you truly desire or require, rather than being swayed by the allure of discounts. By establishing a list and setting a budget, you can minimize the temptation to make impulsive purchases, ultimately maximizing your savings while avoiding unnecessary expenditures. Another essential strategy is to compare prices across various retailers. Harry Rose, the editor of Which? Magazine, suggests, 'When looking to make a purchase, it's worth comparing the price at multiple retailers. ' Utilizing websites that track price histories can also be beneficial, as they allow you to see how much a product has cost over the past year. This knowledge will empower you to identify genuine bargains when they arise. A study conducted by Which? last year examined 227 products during the Black Friday period and discovered that 90% of the deals analyzed were either the same price or cheaper at other times of the year. Therefore, it is important to remember that you do not need to rush into purchases on Black Friday, as many of these deals will likely be available again in the future. If you come across an item you wish to buy during the Black Friday sales, consider exploring second-hand platforms. Resale influencer Jess suggests that these sites often offer items at lower prices. Many resale platforms allow you to make offers, giving you the opportunity to propose a price that fits your budget. 'If you make an offer and it’s reasonable, most sellers will accept,' she explains. This approach not only increases your chances of finding a good deal but also allows you to save money by purchasing second-hand items. Vintage clothing influencer Vivien Tang also supports the idea of shopping on resale websites, stating, 'I think it is very easy to find almost new or brand new items on second-hand platforms. ' If you are using Black Friday as an opportunity to buy Christmas gifts, do not overlook the potential of second-hand items. A recent survey revealed that 63% of respondents would be comfortable receiving second-hand gifts, while an additional 26% felt neutral about the idea. This indicates that purchasing second-hand can be a practical and budget-friendly option for holiday shopping. However, it is essential to be cautious about how you finance your purchases. Many shoppers resort to credit cards or overdrafts to take advantage of what they perceive as bargains on Black Friday. Unfortunately, if you do not pay off your credit card balance promptly, the interest accrued could surpass any savings you made during the sales. For instance, if you make a £300 purchase and only pay back £20 a month, it could take over a year to pay off, resulting in an additional £55 in interest charges. It is advisable to pay off your credit card immediately, if possible, to avoid incurring interest. Additionally, using a credit card for purchases over £100 provides greater protection, increasing the likelihood of receiving a refund if something goes awry. Another critical aspect to consider is the potential for scams during the Black Friday shopping frenzy. Unscrupulous individuals often exploit the excitement surrounding the event to deceive online shoppers. Purchase scams involve tricking consumers into sending money for items that do not exist, often advertised through social media or online platforms. According to analysis by Lloyds Bank, the number of purchase scams surged by 29% during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday period last year. 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 adhere to these guidelines, it should raise a red flag regarding the legitimacy of the transaction. It is also wise to be cautious of fake websites and verify that the web address corresponds to the official brand before entering any personal or financial information. Additionally, be wary of posts from newly-created social media accounts or links to recently-established websites. Utilizing verified domain checkers can help confirm the creation date of a website. Lastly, exercise caution when encountering prices that seem too good to be true, as they often are. As you prepare for Black Friday, keep these tips in mind to ensure a safe and successful shopping experience.