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IS BLACK FRIDAY REALLY WORTH ALL THE HYPE?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ll know that Black Friday is a pretty big deal in the UK now. Traditionally, Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving in the United States and is widely regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season with most major retailers offering various enticing promotions and sales. It’s only the beginning of October and yet if you Google ‘Black Friday’, countless articles have already cropped up with what deals to expect from this year’s shopping extravaganza. But my question is, is this really the best day to pick up all those bargains?

Black Friday strategy

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY?


My advice to you this holiday season is to do your research before considering a purchase. As consumers, we’re always on the lookout for the best prices and it’s difficult to not get wrapped up all the media hype of the day. From TV, Radio and Newspaper adverts shouting about the biggest and best deals, to countless articles online with lists of predicted deals it’s hard not to get excited. Just remember, don’t spend simply for the sake of it or spend what you can't afford. If you don’t need it, don’t buy it! Plus, more importantly, sometimes those “offers” aren’t necessarily as good as they first appear. So, for a successful and money saving Black Friday, make sure to follow my two golden rules before splurging on the day….

1. MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE


Make a list of what you actually
need to buy. It’s very easy to get caught up and purchase what seems like a great deal and suddenly three days later you’ll have 3 TV’s, 2 electric mixers and 5 pairs of shoes being delivered, when all you wanted was a Sat Nav! Only buy want you’ve set out to get and don’t get distracted with everything else. Whether it’s Christmas presents, that coat you’ve had your eye on for a while, or the lamp you need for your desk, just make sure you consider those purchases before you whip out the credit card.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH


Be aware that Black Friday deals don't always represent the best possible value and actually, studies have found only around half of Black Friday deals are actually cheapest during the annual frenzy filled retail day. Once you’ve made your list, shop around online to see what kind of prices you’d be looking at outside of a discounted period. From here you’ll actually be able to determine whether it really is a bargain to buy on Black Friday or it’s not actually all it’s cracked up to be. Again, remember, just because it's on offer, don’t simply assume it's the cheapest. Compare prices to ensure what you’re getting really is a bargain at the best rate you can find.

So, there you have it, my guide to succeeding a manic Black Friday this year. Don’t get sucked into all the bargains and only purchase what you’ve set out to buy in the first place. Remember, just because it’s on offer doesn’t mean it’s the best deal out there. 

1 comment

Unknown said...

I hate Black Friday.