It’s that time of year again – Black Friday is upon us and our inboxes are flooded with tempting deals and discounts. However, research by consumer advice group Which? has suggested that only 2% of products were actually at their lowest price during the November sales. So how can we resist the urge to impulse buy and ensure we’re getting the best deal possible?
Firstly, don’t panic – Black Friday isn’t the only sale out there. “There are plenty of opportunities throughout the year when you can find the same products for the same price or maybe even cheaper than Black Friday,” says Harry Kind from Which?. Resist the targeted marketing emails and wait for the right time to buy.
Making a wish list can also help you avoid unnecessary purchases. “If you were going to buy it anyway, then you’re saving money. If you weren’t going to buy it, then you’re just wasting money,” advises Kat Leech, known as Kat Saves on TikTok.
It’s important to do your research on Black Friday deals too. Use price comparison websites and keep an eye on how much the cost of an item has changed over time. Some retailers have been known to hike prices in the run-up to Black Friday and then reduce them again, but still sell them for more than they did earlier in the year. Don’t be fooled by a discount that’s not really a deal.
In addition, be careful of Black Friday scams. “If you see something which is a massive reduction on an item that you know is more expensive elsewhere then be really, really cautious,” warns Kind. Scammers can create convincing rip-off websites that leave customers with dodgy products or nothing at all.
Finally, remember that it’s okay to not buy anything at all. “With the cost-of-living crisis, there’s never been a better time to see through the corporate nonsense that is Black Friday, so don’t feel that FOMO,” says Kind. Make considered choices and only buy what you really need.
In summary, be vigilant, do your research, and resist the urge to impulse buy. Black Friday may offer some good deals, but there are plenty of other sales throughout the year and it’s always better to buy only what you need
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More