Black Friday may have started out as a US phenomenon, but it’s pretty much engulfed the whole of Europe, including our island. Sales are amazing and heaven-sent in these inflation beseiged times, there’s no two ways about it. Witness the crocodile of people queueing outside a white-goods supplier in Mrieħel over the past two years.
But – and this is an important but – it’s only too easy to get carried away. You don’t want to end up overspending on things that you didn’t really need, because that would defeat the entire purpose of Black Friday. Which are savings. With that in mind, here’s our definitive guide to making the most out of this fraught week so as to ensure that you save, rather than spend needlessly.
- Prepare a budget and wishlist: Before Black Friday arrives, set a clear budget for your spending. This helps in avoiding impulsive purchases that may lead to overspending. Simultaneously, make a wishlist of items you genuinely need or have been planning to buy. This focused approach ensures that you spend money on things that are valuable to you rather than getting swept up in the excitement of seemingly good deals.
- Research prices in advance: Start researching the prices of items on your wishlist well before Black Friday. This gives you a baseline to compare against the Black Friday deals. Sometimes, discounts are exaggerated, or prices are inflated before the sale to make the deals look more appealing. By knowing the usual retail prices, you can discern whether the Black Friday offers are genuinely good deals.
- Beware of limited-time offers: Retailers often use doorbusters – extremely low-priced items in limited quantities – to lure shoppers. While these can be great deals, they might also tempt you into buying things you don’t need. Similarly, limited-time offers create a sense of urgency, but it’s crucial to stick to your wishlist and budget, even under pressure.
- Use price comparison Tools and Apps: There are numerous apps and online tools available that allow you to compare prices across different retailers. Utilising these tools helps in finding the best deal for a product. Some apps also provide historical price data, which can be helpful in understanding if the Black Friday price is genuinely a good deal.
- Check the return policy and warranty: Sometimes, items bought on Black Friday sales might have different return policies or warranties compared to purchases made at other times. Before making a purchase, check the return policy and warranty details. This ensures that if the product doesn’t meet your expectations or has issues, you can return it without incurring additional costs.
Remember, the essence of making the most out of Black Friday deals is not just about finding the lowest prices, but also about making wise and thoughtful purchases that bring real value.
