Black Friday: Finding the best deals

Black Friday is fast approaching. And with big retailers, such as Amazon, getting set to offer ‘huge’ discounts, it’s easy to get carried away.

You’ll see offers across retailers from 29 November 2019 up until the end of Cyber Monday – 2 December. But is it all it’s cracked up to be?

Here’s a few dos and don’ts when it comes to getting the best deals over the Black Friday weekend.  

What to look out for

Electronics

The best and biggest discounts often come from electronic suppliers, and this is the perfect time to shop for the items on your loved one’s wish list. 

Amazon offer deals on their own branded items every year, and with products such as the Fire and Fire HD tablets, Kindle and Echo on the table, expect big discounts. 

Another popular item are fitness and smart watches from Fitbit and the likes. You may even encourage a New Year’s Resolution while saving yourself a few quid. 

TVs and laptops are often promoted with big discounts over the weekend, so be sure to check out the big names, such as Currys PC World, AO and Argos.

There will also be lots of reduced console bundles, perfect for the grandkids this Christmas. And you may find some bargains in the game section, too. Retailer Game, as well as others such as Smyths, often lead the way with their Black Friday price slashing, so be sure to take a visit.

Tip - Download the Honey app, available on the Google and Apple apps store, which searches the web for active coupon codes across top retailers. The app will automatically activate when you go to the checkout on the website so you might be able to get an extra 5 or 10% off on top of any sale prices! 

Remember, Cyber Monday occurs on 2 December, so make sure to look out for any last-minute offers!

Homeware

The best items you’ll find across Black Friday weekend are usually appliances, such as food processors, smoothie makers and toasters. Electric toothbrushes are also often featured in Amazon’s flash sales and offers, with Philips’ Sonicare range one to keep an eye on. 

Clothing

Although there will be discounts on clothing from high street and department stores, you’ll very rarely see much of a difference in price compared to discounts offered after Christmas. That’s when retailers will be wanting to move stock to make way for new season clothing, so always wait if you can. 

Smartphones

Smartphone giants such as Apple and Samsung rarely take part in Black Friday weekend. You may find the odd gem, but it’s unlikely you’re going to uncover a deal that saves you a great deal of money. You’re often best waiting until the New Year for newer models.

Toys

With the grandchildren’s growing excitement around Christmas and what Santa is leaving under the tree, toys may be at the top of your Black Friday list. 

However, retailers will often make last-minute reductions in the two weeks running up to Christmas, so it may be better to wait it out.  

Furniture

For furniture, you’re likely to see bigger discounts after Boxing Day than in the lead up to Christmas. Truth be told, if you want to buy a new sofa, you’re often best to wait until after the festivities are over. 

What to avoid

Despite the bright lights, advertising ploys and ‘huge’ discount banners that accompany Black Friday weekend, there are some items that are simply not worth getting in a frenzy over. 

With big companies like Amazon, you can sometimes get a better deal elsewhere, so be sure to always shop around. As well, waiting until mid-to-late December, or even Boxing Day if you can, could be kinder to your bank balance. It’s just whether you’re prepared to take the risk. 

But one thing is for certain, never buy something in the sale you wouldn’t be prepared to pay full price for. If you’re buying it for the discount, ask yourself, do you really want it? Or would you prefer to have the money in your pocket?

Safe shopping.