We've all heard of Black Friday, right? The day is synonymous with bargain deals on electricals, toys and other such things from retailers. The origin of the day started in the USA, the Friday after Thanksgiving. However it's now a global term and marketing tool for retailers to draw in customers before Christmas. With so many offers available with the Black Friday tag attached to them in some way, shape or form, how do you know if it's a good deal? How do you ensure that you don't spend more than you want to or should be? Let's look at how to save money at a Black Friday event!
It's Only A Deal If You Were Going To Buy It Anyway
The first thing to remember with a Black Friday event is that it is only a deal if you were going to buy it anyway. If it wasn't on your list, the retailer has made you part with your money. Remember that they aren't going to sell things at a loss, so they are still making a profit from your purchase. We can so often get pulled in by something we deem to be a good price. If you hand over your cash or beep your card, the shop has made money from you. Change your way of thinking.
Benchmark Prices Before Black Friday
Lots of us think that the Black Friday event give us the best prices. However, you only get shown the price that it is in the shop. The discount you often see is compared to the RRP. How often do you actually see something being sold at the RRP? In order to ensure that you are getting a good price, you should benchmark your prices. If there is something you are looking for, take a look at the prices a month or so before the Black Friday event. Make a note of how much it costs and then you can look back when the Black Friday prices are released. So many times, there will be very little difference, but we're drawn in by the Black Friday tag and all the glitz and marketing. There have even been times where the Black Friday price is more than what you could have got the product for earlier. You can also use sites like CamelCamelCamel to track prices online.
How to make money during Christmas season
Make & Stick To A List
One of the wisest things you can do it to make a list of the things you want to get. Then stick to it. As mentioned before, it's easy to get distracted by the prices that are shown to us as great deals, but if it's not on your list, you're spending more than you wanted to. Physically write down the things you want to look for in the Black Friday event and then work your way through them, checking prices as you go. Knowing the budget you have got to spend on this will help you to not overspend. Whilst paying in cash will help you see the money you are handing over, there are times you might wish to use a credit card. As long as you have the money to pay the credit card balance, its a wise idea because you get section 75 credit card protection should something go wrong with anything you buy over £100. Perfect if you are purchasing a new TV or tablet!
A Black Friday event can be a great time to get discounts on things you want to buy. However, you need to make sure you're actually getting a good deal and aren't being pulled in by the bright lights and fancy marketing. Just because a retailer has a Black Friday tag on it's price, doesn't mean it's the cheapest way to buy the product you want. Be sue to shop around, use cashback sites and if you're not happy with the price, vote with your feet and walk away. Remember, there will always be another deal.
