Top tips for staying shop savvy this Black Friday
I doubt that there is a single person reading this who doesn’t love a bargain, I think it’s human nature to feel good about saving money or picking something up at a fraction of the cost. For that reason it comes as no surprise that last year on Black Friday, we spent a whopping £5.8 billion over four days which is pretty mind blowing when you think about it!
I thought I would share my top tips for staying shop savvy this Black Friday.
1. Don’t impulse buy
I think we’ve all made the mistake of buying something just because it’s on offer, it can be very easy to be blind sided by a whopping discount. That said, buying something that you don’t need simply because it’s cheap isn’t a bargain. Despite the saving, you’re still spending money that you don’t actually need to, so save that money for the items you do need, even if they aren’t as heavily discounted as others.
2. Use voucher codes.
There are so many ways to make extra savings on Black Friday deals and using voucher sites, such as My Voucher Codes is a great way to get even more money off. I always use vouchers for on-line purchases and although not all retailers accept vouchers on discounted items, it is always worth trying as many vouchers do still work.
3. Only buy from trusted retailers
There are a lot of scams around at this time of year, especially on Black Friday when everyone is in such a rush to bag a bargain that you may take less time to investigate whether a website is legitimate. If something seems too good to be true, it more than often is.
4. Do you research before hand
If you have an item in mind, research it before hand to check out the RRP. Often in Black Friday sales they will tell you that something has been marked down from £1000 to £300 and you think you’re getting the bargain of the year. That item could actually be selling for £250 elsewhere and it turns out your bargain isn’t all that great after all.
Be sure to do some research online and see if you can find some Black Friday posts that collate all the best deals. So for example, if you are after a Cricut Explore Air 2 Machine, simply Google “Cricut Black Friday” and you are sure to find some great posts that focus on listing all the Black Friday sales and deals of that specific machine
5. Make a list
Now is the time to plan ahead and get those items bought well in advance whilst they are on offer. For me I try to plan ahead, not just to Christmas gifts but birthday gifts also. If I can get the children’s gifts for the year covered on Black Friday it means I have the rest of the year without financial pressures.
6. Get there early
If you’re going to brave the shops, although rather you than me, get there early! A lot of retailers have a limited number of items for each offer and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Be prepared to queue, and for some pushing and shoving, but if you really want something it’s definitely worth camping out until the doors open!
So there you go, my top tips for savvy shopping this Black Friday. I have my list all ready and prepared, RRP pencilled in for reference, and my voucher codes at the ready!
Good luck everyone!!
*** This is a collaborative post. All words and opinions are my own. ***
I do try to shop equally as smart on Black Friday as any other time. I don’t usually get sucked into over spending. I do like your tips though. It’s all about thinking before you leap.
Definitely, I know some people see the word sale and lose their head, I’ve done it myself in the past and bought things we really don’t want or need! xx
Haha I used to be such a bad impulse buyer. Mot so much now and always look for codes x
Oh me too! It’s a running joke amongst friends that I can find a code for anything! xx
Oh god, I need this post today. I’ve been dreading the Black Friday codes flooding my inbox, I’m such a weak person when presented with anything 20% off and higher!!
Katie xoxo
Hahah Katie me too!! Time to be strong, you can do this!! xx
I tend not to shop on Black Friday but when I do, I have specific items in mind and don’t get tempted much!
Yes that’s the best way! It can be easy to end up spending more than you intended! xx
I am so excited for Black Friday, though I have no reason to be! I will certainly be having a look at the offers but will not be indulging in impulse buys… or at least I shall try my very best not to! 😉 Seeing the media report scuffles and fights in previous years… is it really worth it just to get an extra 10% off a TV? Fab post! Sim x
Oh I know!! I feel quite embarrassed watching some of the scuffles that go on! I totally get if you really need something that you couldn’t ordinarily afford then it’s well worth getting there early and queueing, but sometimes these people go crazy over something with just a couple of pounds off!! xx
Not impulse buying and planning ahead sound like fab tips – its easy to get carried away and swept up by the day/deals. Smart advice that should definitely be listened to!
Thanks Rachel, I’m hoping I can follow my own advice this year! xx
Having worked in retail, could I suggest another tip; be nice to the sales assistant! haha. They’re more inclined to help if you’re civil, and shouting at them because the shop is out of stock won’t make stock miraculously appear!
This is why I do my Black Friday shopping online. 🙂
YES!! I can only imagine how stressful it is for retail assistants on black Friday, I don’t envy them at all! xx
Some fab tips Laura I think research is definitely the key otherwise it can all get a bit overwhelming!
Thanks Talya, yes definitely! I’ll be shopping on line for sure! xx
I’ve never really taken the opportunity to do the Black Friday deals because I no what the stores are like and even online, but this year I have decided to do it and these are some great tips, thank you.
Thanks Lisa. I love shopping on line, especially with discount codes. It’s so much easier to bag a bargain in the comfort of your own home! xx
Impulse buying is definitely something I need to steer clear of, it’s just too easy to get overwhelmed in the store and feel like you need everything haha! Making a list is a great idea, I’ll definitely be making one before I hit the shops!
Abbey ?
Yes totally, when you see the discount it’s hard to resist!! xx
My best tip is bringing the cheetah with me….amazing how I always end up FIRST in line.
Okay,I don’t do Black Friday but if I did,I would follow your tips and ideas!
Hahahaha Patrick that’s the best tip ever!!!! xx
Great tips 🙂 I find researching around for prices is really worth while, as it is easy to get sucked into the hype!
Yes definitely! Researching before hand takes away the need to impulse buy! xx
Impulse buying can be a problem haha, I tend to just buy what I need and going early helps
I don’t think I’ve ever bought anything on Black Friday before. But some good tips here.
Great practical tips you have shared here Laura! Particularly the one which cautions people not to just buy because something is so heavily marked down…if you had no intention of getting that item previously. I have seen so many people fall into that trap, thinking they have ‘saved’ money!
These are some great tips, it can be so easy to impulse buy in the sales, you need to make sure you stick to things you NEED and not just because they are cheap.
Fab tips! I never done the sales last year because I felt so in over my head but I wanted to do them this year, will definietly be applying them.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
Thank you Jordanne, good luck! xx
Great tips, I too love using deals and discounts while getting the requisites. earlier I had so much of Impulse buying and I ended up cluttering my house. But, I learnt a lesson and now make a proper check list of what is required and buy that only!
Nice tips for shopping. And I agree with you that going to shop just that its a season sale and you will save money, doesn’t make sense. Though the sales schemes are so tempting that someone who loves shopping cant stop themselves.
These are great tips. I usually plan well ahead and only shop online I don’t like being in close contact with so many people in the shops
Great tips, I have a list of items that we are hoping come down in price
Im the worst impulse buyer around ha. But this year as I have all the Christmas pressies bought we are just on the hunt for a new TV for the kid’s playroom. I’m going to research as much as possible before the day so we get the best deal 🙂
I have to admit I’m probably one of the very few people who doesn’t shop on Black Friday in any capacity. I couldn’t physically go to shops and I hate trying to find that one thing online on that day, only to find its already out of stock. I stick to buying earlier and being savvy through the year x
A good deal is never a good deal if you didn’t really want the item in the first place! I know we’ve been holding off for Black Friday for a couple of items. It’s easy to get pulled into the offers though!
These are fantastic tips for Black Friday shopping. Especially making sure to bring a list to help curb impulse buying that could be regretted later.
Thank you Shell! xx
It all seems to be starting earlier this year! I’m terrible for impulse buying and this is something I must not do. Great tips and now I’m hoping some things we need come down in price x
Fantastic tips! I haven’t bought anything (yet!) but have been spending quite a bit recently and My Voucher Codes is a fab site which we use a lot. xx
I’ve used My Voucher Codes quite a bit, it’s so handy for getting discounts.
Great tips, I don’t think I will be buying much this Black Friday as we have done most of our Christmas shopping already. xx
I have lost track of exactly when Black Friday is – there are so many sales everywhere! Great tips – I am looking online but won’t attack the shops! Kaz
It’s next Friday, I think a lot of stores have started their sales early though! xx
I spent way too many years impulse buying things on Black Friday. Now I strictly stick to my list every time 🙂
Me too! I ended up with all sorts I never needed or even used! Definitely live and learn! xx
Great post, Laura! I was totally surprised to learn that the Amazon Echo dot was actually cheaper to buy from John Lewis this week rather than in the Amazon’s Black Friday sale! Can you believe that?! Definitely pays to look around.
Wow that really is a surprise!! That’s the great thing about the internet, you can access thousands of stores which you would never be able to browse in person! Thanks for reading lovely. xx
I stopped going to the stores on Black Friday years ago. I only now shop online. Those crazy crowds are too much for me. Shopping online is also a great way to avoid impulse buying.
I do most of my shopping on line, it’s way easier to use vouchers and get a better deal too! xx
To be honest I tend to avoid Black Friday. Shops have a naughty habit of inflating the price 28 days before so they can legally reduce it for Black Friday – half the time you’re not getting a bargain at all. I do love voucher codes though and check for them religiously!
Yes I agree with that too, it does happen unfortunately. Voucher codes are a godsend though, I use them for everything and it’s amazing just how much money you can save! xx
Making a list is the tip that I’ll start following right now! Actually there are item I have in mind since august and I’m afraid that all the special offers will make me forget them!
Good idea, it’s best to get that list in early! Good luck! xx
I totally agree with you. All of those are good tips to save. May I also add that make sure your stomach is full before you shop, funny may it sounds but when you’re hungry you tend to buy more items or stuff that you want compare that if you are full and feeling contented.
That’s a great tip! I think you’re so right, I know when I’m hungry I rush more too and make rash decisions and purchases! xx
We don’t have Black Friday here, but the tips can be used even for general shopping; research and stick to the list really help me to avoid impulse buying
I agree, they apply to shopping in general a it’s always a good idea to avoid impulse buys! xx
We don’t go to Black Friday Sales because it just gets so crazy! We would rather shop online for stuff we need. Although the discounts won’t be the same, at least we don’t impulse buy and we don’t go home stressed and frustrated, or worst, hurt.
Oh it can get crazy! I think every year there is more and more hype about it so everyone starts panicking even earlier about bagging the bargains! I do 99% of my shopping on line these days. xx
Awesome tips! I used to be a huge black Friday shopper and these would have been really useful for when I shopped. I’ll keep them in mind next time I go shopping on Black Friday.
Thank you, black Friday has become such a huge event, I think it’s always best to be prepared! xx
Love all the tips here. Impulse buying is a no no for me. I plan every purchase.
Yes I think that’s such a sensible thing to do! xx
These are all great tips, for any sales not just Black Friday. I’m quite good in sales, if something I have been wanting is reduced I’ll get it but otherwise I tend to ignore them. Even online shopping on Black Friday is stressful with online queues and things jumping out your cart as they are sold out.
Oh I hate that! You think you’ve nabbed a bargain and then at check out it says out of stock! Drives me crazy! xx
These are some really great and sensible shopping tips when it comes to being a smart spender. Personally, I love to shop and get my hands on a good bargain but I really dislike the frenzy that goes around during such sale periods. I have never queued for shopping, I guess I just don’t have that stamina in me. 😀
Me too, especially with my kids in tow!! I love to shop online! xx
I plan on shopping for Christmas gifts early this year so this came at the right time! I love finding gifts online because the deals are usually better and I hate that workers are forced to stay later hours because of the Black Friday madness. This year, I hope I can get all of my shopping done by the first week of December!
Online shopping is so much easier, especially at this time of year when the stores are heaving! Good luck with your shopping! xx
What great tips. I need to get myself organised for some Black Friday bargains so thank you for this!
Thank you Nichola! xx
I’m awful for impulse buying, but I have managed to finish my Christmas shopping early this year so I can now afford the city centres and towns for a few weeks now!
Me too! More or less….although I always find something more I want! xx
I definitely agree about shopping around as sometimes they make the deals look far more appealing than they usually are x
Oh yes they know all the tricks! xx
Researching is really important. I agree because as you say you may think your getting a bargain when in actual fact it is a rip off or not a could deal at all. I am looking forward to Black Friday and getting Christmas gifts.
Yes me too, although I’m more or less done! xx
Wow, this is really an awesome tip and really helpful for Black Friday shopping. Glad that you share this
Thanks Angela! xx
I have never bought anything in a Black Friday sale as we dont have that here, but I do think people tend to go impulse shopping and spend so much money on Black Friday. Great top tips!
Thanks Sheri, I totally agree. It’s very easy to make a purchase in haste and regret it later! xx
Great post and amazing tips… I’ve never got any money black friday week (pay day is the end of the month!) and I’m useless at forward planning for it. Haha!
Haha yes it’s bad timing in that way! xx
When did Black Friday bevcome so big here! Looks like there are bargains to be had but your tips are useful to prevent impulse buying
I know! It just exploded didn’t it? xx
I have done all sorts of black friday shopping but I have never used voucher codes. I will have to check this out. Is this something you can do online only, or only something you can do in the store?
Some vouchers you can print off to use in store but I find most are for on-line use. Even if you’re just getting a code for free delivery it really helps! xx
Great tips, it’s going to go mad online on Friday!
Oh I know! Prepare for the internet to crash! xx
Love these tips! I’m definitely guilty of impulse buying and buying things I really will never use lol. Great tips!
Hah me too, I always regret it though! xx
Good tips, people seem to go a bit crazy at this time of year don’t they!
Haha yes!! It’s crazy how much money is spent too! xx
Great tips ! Thanks for sharing
I am always looking for flight deals on black friday. Your tips are great, I have seen the other day a report on tv about how the black friday discounts are not really that great and you can buy the same items a couple of months later for much less. That’s why it is important to do your homework and research before you buy anything.
Yes I totally agree. A lot of stores hike up the prices for 28 days before so the discount looks greater. It’s very sneaky! xx
I pretty much do all of my shopping online and hoping to get my son’s birthday gifts this year in the sales. Couldn’t face the idea of going into a store though!
Oh nor me to be honest, I don’t have the energy for it! xx
I’ve made a list of things i want to get on black friday. I need to start my shopping
Ooh good luck Hannah! xx
Brilliant list. This is the first year I’m actually going to try and but something. Normally I’m too stressed by it all!
Ahh I think it can get stressful, being prepared takes the stress out of it! xx
Great tips! I find the whole Black Friday thing a bit daunting. So good to have this advice.
Yes it can be, they really bombard us for so long before that by the time it arrives it’s a little over kill! xx
I’m the worst for bargain hunting, although I cannot stand going shopping on black Friday. I can’t stand how busy the shops get.
I’m the same, there’s nothing worse than being elbowed out of the way! xx
I love when you say don’t impulse buy. I feel like that’s most people’s problem when going out and shopping on Black Friday!
Yes I agree! It’s really easy to have your head turned by a heavy discount but it isn’t always the bargain you think! xx
Great tips, I love voucher sites and cash backs. They can make such a difference and I always feel disgruntled when I have had to pay full price for anything! Lol mich x
Me too! I refuse to buy anything without a voucher code!! xx
I’m aiming to avoid Black Friday this year because I’m so skint, but I’ve already been tempted. Bad times
Ahh it’s a tough time of year to be skint but it also prevents you from buying un-necessary items! xx
Some really great tips here. I think the key really is to do your research first and to stick to the list, never leave the list, no matter how tempted you are!
Yes I agree, never stray from the list!!! I’ve been reminding myself of it all week! xx
Oh how I wish I had read this post last night, I have spent a FORTUNE this morning on Black Friday when I should have been working. On the plus side I did manage to bag myself two great programs to help my blog AND I got a few Christmas presents too so that’s ok I guess?! 😉
Oh that’s definitely okay!! I love getting a bargain, if it’s something you need it’s only ever a win! xx
I love and dread the sales equally – ha! I sit quite happily behind my computer screen viewing from afar. I am a sucker for a sale bargain so it’s probably safer for my bank balance this way!
Me too, I’ve missed out this weekend as we’ve been away without wifi!!!! xx
Great tips – I always get a little excited over black friday that by the end of the weekend I’m not actually sure if I got a bargain or not!!! I love Voucher codes – I refuse to eatg out without one LOL x
Me too!! I hate buying anything without a voucher code! xx
I think list-making is key! I always get distracted and then find myself a million miles from where I started with half-abandoned carts all over webland!
Haha me too! Making a list and sticking to it…now that’s my problem! xx
These are such good tips, not just for black friday but indeed all the time! I really agree on don’t impulse buy, I am awful for doing this in the sales and I always regret it.
I’m the same! I see the sale sign and lose all sense of reason, haha! xx
I was pretty well behaved this Black Friday, I brought Monkey’s Christmas present from Amazon, Kippers from Debenhams (which I did do my research for – yay!) and then some blogging courses for me. That was it very boring indeed. Hoping that we will still have Jan sales shopping so I can treat myself to some new clothes!
Oooh go you! You’re very organised, I managed to restrain myself from anything un-necessary but did miss out on a few things I wanted! xx