Black Friday is nearly upon us, and Britons are preparing for a monumental spending spree, with projections indicating a staggering £14 billion will be spent during the sales event. Research from Omnisend suggests a third of all consumers intend to spend more than they did last year.
Despite the allure of significant discounts, shoppers can easily be caught out. To help you navigate the frenzy and make your money go further, here are the crucial dos and don'ts you need to know.
Maximising Your Savings and Protecting Your Purchase
Do look for additional discounts. Simply accepting the advertised price is often not enough. Savvy shoppers can increase their savings by visiting cashback websites and searching for extra voucher codes. For your favourite retailers, consider downloading their official app or signing up to their newsletters, as this can often unlock exclusive rewards and special offers.
Don't buy from unfamiliar people or websites without research. Sarah Jane Outten, a shopping expert at MyVoucherCodes, warns: "Mega cheap deals are everywhere on Black Friday, but be cautious about deals on brands you're not overly familiar with." She advises carefully checking the warranty conditions on any electronic goods. It is also wise to consult independent review websites to see other customers' experiences. Be aware that scammers sometimes clone the websites of popular retailers, so always double-check the URL before entering any payment details.
Do check the price history of a product. Not every 'deal' is a genuine bargain. Sarah Jane Outten highlights online price trackers such as CamelCamelCamel, PriceRunner, or Keepa for Amazon. These tools show how a product's price has fluctuated over time, helping you distinguish between a true discount and a cleverly marketed dud.
Shopping Smart: Tech, Budgets and Returns
Don't assume you're getting the most up-to-date tech. With technology like smartphones, TVs, and tablets being updated so frequently, the heavily discounted models on offer are often older versions that retailers are trying to clear out. Outten cautions shoppers to "be aware" that they may be offered these older generations.
Do create a wish list and a budget. Planning is paramount. Decide which items you genuinely 'need' to buy in advance and see if your planned budget is realistic. If not, you have time to consider alternatives. Research for the shopping platform Rakuten indicates that the typical Black Friday shopper has budgeted to spend just over £400.
Alex Stedman, a shopping and trends expert at Rakuten, advises: "It's easy to get carried away... You should ask yourself whether you actually need the item or if you are just buying it as it's on sale." If you feel overwhelmed, take a break, leave items in your online basket, and have a cup of tea while you reconsider.
Don't forget to read return policies. Greg Zakowicz, an expert at Omnisend, emphasises: "Before making a purchase, check the retailer's return policy. A good retailer should have a clear and fair return policy, especially during sales events." He also notes that delivery times are often longer during peak sales, which could delay any refund. Always read product reviews, as items with the biggest discounts can sometimes be of lower quality.
Your Rights and Payment Protections
Remember, UK shoppers have robust legal protections. Under the Consumer Rights Act, goods must be fit for purpose, of satisfactory quality, and as described. The Consumer Contracts Regulations provide additional rights for online purchases, including generous cancellation rights. More details can be found on the consumer group Which?'s website.
Do think about how you'll pay for your purchases. Some payment methods offer valuable protection. When using a credit card for purchases between £100 and £30,000, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act makes the card provider jointly liable if something goes wrong. For debit card purchases, you may be able to request a 'chargeback' from your bank.
Don't lose sight of how you'll pay it all off. Zakowicz warns: "Stay focused on your shopping list and budget, and don't let clever marketing sway you." Websites will use flashing graphics and games to engage you. Furthermore, 'buy now, pay later' options can be tempting, but multiple agreements can quickly accumulate, so carefully consider how these will impact your future budgeting.
