While you can still bag yourself some great deals, not all the discounts fighting for your attention will be as good as they seem, so make sure you know what to watch out for before parting with your money on 28 November.
Check the deal is genuine
The rush in activity on Black Friday can often mean shoppers buy items they wouldn’t normally, meaning it’s easier to get caught out on price.
Make sure you check the price history of a product on sites such as PriceRunner. This can help you can get a handle on whether the discount is actually worth it. It’s common for big retailers to price match certain popular items, so take your time to check a comparison site or two before taking the plunge.
Shop on sites you're familiar with
Common-sense can disappear faster than a click of the mouse when you find yourself faced with pop-ups, emails, and even text messages advertising what sounds like a mega-deal.
No matter the price cut, your security is more important than a new pair of trainers. Avoid unprofessional looking sites full of adverts, pop ups, or spelling mistakes. Stick to tried and tested retailers and brands, as they're more likely to have the right infrastructure in place to ensure you have a safe online shopping experience.
Don't forget: you can always check independent review sites like Trustpilot to learn about companies you are not familiar with. You can also stay up-to-date with scams doing the rounds on Which? and Action Fraud.
Check the returns and exchange policies
Sometimes you buy a product that’s the wrong size, not what you expected, or even damaged. Before you buy, check exchange and return policies so you’re not out of pocket when something you didn’t want arrives on your doorstep.
Brands often place restrictions on returning sale items, so make sure you read the small print:
- Is the sale item exchange only?
- Is the return process hassle-free?
- Is it a 14-day or 28-day return period?
- Is there a 14-day cooling-off cancellation period from the day you placed the order?
Be aware of ‘was’ and ‘now’ prices
Don’t be fooled by offers like ‘was £100, now £50’, which often exaggerate the discount, tricking you into thinking you’re getting a better deal than you are. Take your time, don’t rush, and do your due diligence before you buy.
Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert site publishes a list of the best value for money deals throughout Black Friday and up to Cyber Monday each year. You can keep an eye on their advice and tips here.
Wait and buy second-hand
It's common for gadget-obsessed shoppers to buy the latest phone or console and then flog the ‘old’ items online. By hitting pause on Black Friday and opting for second-hand you could get your hands on a perfectly good buy at a fraction of the cost.
What's more, buying second-hand is one of the best ways to live sustainably – bonus!
And what about the cash savings you make…?
Be sure to keep it safe in your savings account of course! If you'd like to speak to us about opening a savings account, pop in to your local branch.