The 2-weeks around Black Friday is a great opportunity to save money on items you’ll be buying for family and friends for Christmas or for yourself as a treat.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that, if you get a good deal on something you were planning on buying then you have saved money. But if you buy something only because its in the sale, you’ve lost 100% of your money.
So what are the best ways to beat the crowds and make sure you pick up some bargains?
Here are our top-tips:
1. Do your research
Whatever you want, you’re better off paying a bit more for a good quality product than a bit less for something that will need replacing in six months.
The same goes for brands too – look at the best and worst reviewed brands before and you’ll be able to tell the bargain when the sales begin.
2. Make a list
Both online and in shops, Black Friday is always busy. Make a shopping list of the things you and your family want, and keep it with you at all times.
With lots of offers to look at, having a list will keep you focussed.
3. Look at the price, not the saving
Treat discounts with suspicion and never pay more than you’re willing to for something just because it offers a bigger ‘saving’.
For example, if you have £50 set aside for an electrical item, don’t be tempted to spend £75 on it just because it’s reduced from £150.
4. Know your price history
Knowing an items pre-sale price will help you work out whether any sale prices represent good value for money or not. Check to see if the product you’re after has been on sale recently and, if so, how much for.
5. Set up online accounts now!
By entering your billing and delivery details before, you can any check out quickly and easily before the best sale items start disappearing online, giving you the upper hand if multiple shoppers are after the same items as you.
Happy shopping!
It can be easy to overspend with big sales. There are none bigger than Black Friday but if you stick to a budget you can afford, there are loads of opportunities to save money on what you buy.
If you need help paying for items in the run-up to Christmas, Leeds Credit Union offer small loans of £250 to our members and joining the credit union couldn’t be simpler – for more information, click here.