Get the most out of Black Friday

Budget-conscious shoppers are being shown how to curb overspending and avoid scams while getting a bargain this Black Friday.

Personal finance experts at price comparison site Tiger.co.uk have outlined ten tips to help Britons get the best out of the biggest discount weekend of the year.

Clever marketing for record-breaking deals can be tempting, but shoppers are being warned to avoid getting too caught up in deals.

Getting Black Friday prepared by creating a wish list and price matching across different retailers will save shoppers time and money.

Setting a budget that aligns with top priority purchases and making sure to get cash out for instore purchases could help hold consumers back from overdoing their pre-Christmas shopping spree.

Ian Wilson, savings expert and Managing Director at Tiger.co.uk said: “Throughout the year end festivities many people’s budgets are stretched, making Black Friday feel like a great opportunity to make some savings.

“However, this only holds true if consumers do their research and manage their spending wisely. We want to help shoppers avoid getting caught up in the excitement and overspending.  To truly benefit from the sales, it requires a bit of homework and planning beforehand, to help stay on budget.

“Consumers looking to make the most of Black Friday should approach the weekend with a clear plan – prioritising necessities and sticking to set budgets will help reduce the risk of panic purchases and help create savings.”

Ten savings tips from Tiger.co.uk to help get the best of Black Friday 2024:

Create a wish list

Go into Black Friday weekend with a plan. Write a wish list and stick to it to try and avoid unnecessary spending.

Price match

Once the wish list is gathered, compare prices to find the best deals across retailers. Take advantage of online stores and comparison sites and check where the best bargains are available.

Arrive early

To get the best deals make sure to log in or arrive early. Scoping out the offers is pointless if you miss out on making the purchase. Keep an eye on social media to find out when different brands will drop their deals, some may even offer early access.

Double check discounts

Some deals require discount codes, so ensure you have all the necessary details at hand to avoid missing out on savings.

Keep receipts

Save any receipts from Black Friday purchases. This will give you the option to return items bought in the heat of the moment. Remember to check return policies, as they may vary for Black Friday purchases.

Set a budget

Set a budget and stick to it. Taking cash and leaving bank cards at home can help consumers stay on track. For online shopping, stay disciplined and be mindful of ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ schemes to keep track of spending.

Loyalty cards

Many retailers offer loyalty cards that come with valuable benefits. Make sure to have any loyalty cards on hand on Black Friday and check for extra perks.

Watch out for scammers

Stay vigilant against scammers, especially when shopping online. Ensure websites are secure by looking for trust seals, reading reviews, and checking for a locked URL. Using credit cards can also provide extra protection for purchases.

Shop on cashback sites

Take advantage of cashback sites, these allow consumers to earn back a portion of their purchases. This is a great way to save extra money while shopping.

Breathe

There’s no need to panic buy, Cyber Monday is just around the corner, and a lot of retailers have Black Friday deals that last the whole weekend. Panic buying can end in overbuying and overspending.

Tiger.co.uk helps people compare products and find real savings on all sorts of essentials.         

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This article is intended as generic information only and is not intended to apply to anybody’s specific circumstances, demands or needs. The views expressed are not intended to provide any financial service or to give any recommendation or advice. Products and services are only mentioned for illustrative rather than promotional purposes.