5 Ways to Make the Most of Black Friday Sales

Black Friday seems to get bigger every year, doesn’t it? What was once a single day of discounts has turned into weeks of offers, with retailers trying to tempt us into spending our money before the big day even arrives.

And while I do love finding a bargain, I also know how easy it is to get caught up in all the excitement and end up buying something simply because it has a big discount attached.

With Christmas just around the corner, Black Friday can be a great opportunity to pick up a few presents or buy something you’ve had your eye on for a while. However, not every deal is quite as good as it first appears.

So, if you’re planning on doing a little shopping this Black Friday, here are five ways to make the most of the sales without spending more than you intended.

1. Make a List Before the Sales Begin

I think one of the easiest ways to overspend during Black Friday is to start browsing without knowing what you’re actually looking for.

After all, when you’re faced with pages of discounts and limited-time offers, it’s very tempting to add a few extra things to your basket.

Instead, try making a list of the things you genuinely want or need before the sales begin.

Perhaps you’re hoping to pick up a Christmas present, replace something around the home or finally buy an item you’ve been saving towards.

Having a list gives you something to focus on and makes it easier to ignore offers that aren’t really relevant to you.

It’s also worth setting yourself a budget and sticking to it. Saving £30 on something isn’t much of a bargain if you weren’t planning to spend the other £70 in the first place!

2. Check Whether You’re Really Getting a Bargain

Just because something has a big red sale sticker doesn’t necessarily mean it’s being sold at its lowest price.

In fact, research by consumer organisation Which? has repeatedly found that many Black Friday deals can be matched or beaten at other times of the year.

That’s why I think it’s always worth doing a little research before buying, especially if you’re considering something expensive.

Websites such as PriceRunner can help you compare prices, while CamelCamelCamel allows you to look at the price history of products sold on Amazon.

You might discover that an item has been cheaper in the past or that another retailer is already offering it for less.

It’s also worth looking at the actual price rather than concentrating on the advertised percentage discount.

After all, what matters is how much you’re paying, not how impressive the savings claim looks.

3. Look Beyond the Big Black Friday Discounts

While Black Friday is known for its big headline deals, there are sometimes other ways to save a little extra money.

For example, if you’re already planning on buying something, it’s worth checking whether the retailer has any voucher codes available.

You could also look at cashback websites such as TopCashback or Quidco to see whether your purchase qualifies for a little money back.

Just remember that cashback isn’t always guaranteed, so I wouldn’t include it in your budget until it’s actually been paid.

Loyalty schemes can also be useful, particularly if you’ve already collected points or vouchers that can be put towards your shopping.

However, it’s worth checking the terms and conditions, as some offers can’t be combined with other promotions.

Sometimes a little extra research can make a good deal even better.

4. Don’t Feel Pressured Into Buying Straight Away

One thing I’ve noticed about online sales is how often we’re encouraged to make decisions quickly.

Whether it’s a countdown timer, a message telling you that stock is running low or an offer that supposedly ends at midnight, there’s always something trying to make you click that checkout button.

And while some offers really are limited, that doesn’t mean you need to rush into buying something you’re unsure about.

If possible, give yourself a little time to think before making a purchase.

Ask yourself whether you actually need the item, whether you can comfortably afford it and whether you’d still want it without the discount.

It’s also worth remembering that Black Friday isn’t the only opportunity to save money.

There are sales throughout the year, and sometimes waiting a little longer could work out better for your budget.

Missing out on a deal might be disappointing, but buying something you regret is rarely a better alternative.

5. Remember to Check Delivery Costs and Returns

It’s easy to concentrate on the price of an item and forget about everything else that comes with ordering it.

However, delivery charges can quickly reduce the savings you’re making, particularly if you’re buying smaller items from several different retailers.

Before checking out, take a moment to look at the total cost, including delivery.

I’d also recommend checking the retailer’s returns policy, especially if you’re buying Christmas presents.

Some shops offer extended Christmas returns periods, while others have different conditions for sale items.

And if you’re shopping with a retailer you’ve never used before, take a little time to make sure it’s genuine.

Unfortunately, big shopping events can attract scammers offering deals that seem almost too good to be true.

Stick to trusted websites where possible, check who is actually selling the item and be cautious about offers you’ve come across through unexpected emails or social media adverts.

A bargain isn’t much use if your order never arrives!

Are Black Friday Sales Really Worth It?

Personally, I think Black Friday can be worthwhile, but only if you’re buying something you already wanted or needed.

There are genuine bargains to be found, and getting a discount on something you’ve been saving for can be a lovely feeling.

However, I don’t think anyone should feel pressured to spend money simply because everyone else seems to be shopping.

With Christmas approaching, it’s particularly easy to feel as though you should be buying more presents or making the festive season bigger and better than the year before.

But there’s nothing wrong with sticking to your budget, choosing smaller gifts or giving Black Friday a miss altogether.

Ultimately, the best Black Friday deal is one that saves you money on something you actually planned to buy.

And sometimes, the biggest saving comes from deciding not to buy anything at all!

Do you usually shop during the Black Friday sales, or do you prefer to avoid them? Have you ever picked up a particularly good bargain?

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