Do’s and Don’ts for a successful Black Friday shop

Black Friday shoppers have been told to avoid impulse purchases and compare online and instore deals in order to grab the best bargains this year. 

The penny pinching pros at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have revealed a list of do’s and don’ts for Black Friday shopping so consumers can get the most bang for their buck.

Black Friday is a great opportunity to grab some bargains before the busy Christmas period – but to have a successful and enjoyable day it’s important to do your research and avoid making any rash purchases.

From leaving your debit card at home, to checking retailer’s social accounts for discounts, there is plenty of useful advice on how to have a successful Black Friday shop without breaking the bank.

A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “The Black Friday sale period can get really busy so starting early and avoiding the mid-day rush will make for a more pleasant experience – plus, you will also have your pick of the best stuff on offer.

“Among our list of tips is advice on what to avoid when the sales begin, including last minute regrettable purchases and getting fooled by dodgy deals.”

DO

1. Do use voucher sites

Despite most of the deals being with the retailers themselves there’s still a great number of bargains to be found on voucher sites. Do your research beforehand, and you could find yourself getting a discount on any already reduced Black Friday item. Double discounts = happy shoppers.

2. Do use apps 

There are plenty of free apps to download that contain all your important Black Friday information, including comparisons of different deals and live feeds of new deals and price decreases on the day.

3. Do wait for cyber Monday

If visiting the shops is out of the question then you might want to wait until Cyber Monday to grab your bargains, as many online stores wait until this day to further slash their prices.

4. Compare online and in store

It pays (or in this case saves) to do your research, so before the day arrives make sure you thoroughly check online and in store deals to see which brings up the best sales. It may take some time, but the savings will make it worth your while.

5. Do go for quality over quantity

If you go for the ‘smash and grab’ approach you’ll end up leaving with a load of regrettable purchases that you don’t need. It’s better to leave with one major product you need rather than several smaller ones that you don’t.

6. Do check social media

Before you out head out the door, have a quick scroll through your favourite store’s Twitter feed, as they may update it with exclusive deals only available on social media. If you’re getting deals from supermarkets, follow your local store’s online channels for updates on how busy the store is and how much stock is left.

7. Do make a list and stick to it

Make a list of everything you want to buy and stick to it as rigorously as possible. Going into Black Friday without an idea of what you want means you’re more likely to dither over a purchase and loose out to another customer. A list can also prevent overspending on products you don’t need.

8. Do start early

Some websites have been known in recent years to launch their Black Friday sales up to a week before the big day, so keep an eye out online to see which sites are jumping the gun.

9. Do have fun

At the end of the day, it’s just shopping, and shopping shouldn’t have to feel like a chore. Try not to treat it as every man for himself, and remember that if you didn’t manage to grab that Flatscreen TV you wanted, that there’ll be plenty more sales to come.

DON’T

1. Don’t assume a good deal is a great deal

If you spot a deal that looks too good to be true, it most likely is. You can easily get caught up in seeing your favourite items being reduced, but you may find that the discount isn’t as great as you think. If so give it a miss.

2. Don’t buy for the sake of it

Always ask yourself before making a purchase if it’s an item you truly need, and if it feels like something you can live without then it might be wise to put it back on the shelf. Remember that if you don’t get something you want you can always wait until the January sales.

3. Don’t act impulsively 

The more impulsively you spend the more likely you are to buy something you don’t need. Try to think rationally when shopping, otherwise you’ll end up seriously overspending.

4. Don’t get caught up in the frenzy

If you’re buying from the high street it can be easy to get caught up in the frenzied nature of Black Friday. Remember that it’s only a bit of shopping, so try to avoid barging, pushing or arguing with other customers about who saw it first.

5. Don’t rely on it for your Christmas presents

You’ll find a good bargain or two but that doesn’t mean you must use it as your main opportunity to get Christmas shopping sorted.

6. Don’t spend on a debit card

You’ll be better protected online if you pay via a credit card or PayPal, so consider one of these options to be absolutely sure that your money is safe.

7. Don’t go

The best way to avoid the stresses and panic of fighting it out for the best bargains is to not go altogether. If you keep a look out, there’s plenty of great deals year-round, so if you want to avoid the all the Black Friday fuss then stay in and put your feet up!