Expert advice on how to bag the best deals and avoid disappointment on Black Friday
by Darragh Mc Donagh, Natasha WynarczykConsumer Editor, Erica Carter, Darragh Mc Donagh · Irish MirrorBlack Friday sales are underway and, in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, getting a bargain has seldom been more important.
That’s why we’ve compiled an expert guide to grabbing the best deals this Black Friday weekend, and highlight some of the best bargains in beauty products, technology, and Christmas gift ideas.
Set yourself a budget – and stick to it
It’s easy to overspend, especially when shopping online – and 75 percent of Black Friday shoppers are planning to splash the cash there. To avoid this, setting and sticking to a budget will help you. Look at what you can realistically afford to spend and avoid going over this amount.
And also don’t be tempted to buy things solely because they’re reduced. Money Saving Expert founder Martin Lewis says: “If you were going to buy it, and it’s half price, you’ve saved 50 percent. If you weren’t going to buy it, but do it because it’s half price, it’s cost you 100 percent.”
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Shop around for the best deals
You can make sure that you’re getting the best deal possible by shopping around a few different shops to check the price, or by using online price comparison tools. Voucher sites may also help you make extra savings and squeeze a few more quid off prices when you’re making purchases.
Also, make sure that the price advertised as a Black Friday deal actually represents a discount. Sites like PriceRunner can help you to see how much a product was sold for previously so you can ensure the offer is genuine.
Use a credit card for bigger purchases
If you can, use a credit card for larger purchases, as you may enjoy additional protection in the event of an issue with the product or its delivery. In such circumstances, you can seek a chargeback, allowing your bank to reclaim money from the retailer’s bank.
Credit card interest rates can be high, however, so make sure you pay your bills on time or that could quickly wipe out any savings you made with Black Friday deals.
Don’t fall for a scam
Black Friday weekend is pea time for scams. “Many of us will be overloaded with information during these sales, targeted by the latest ‘hot’ deal wherever we turn, and it can be hard to work out which offers are legitimate,” says Kirsty Adams, fraud and scams expert at Barclays.
She advises to do your research, avoid clicking on links or ads when making online purchases, and go direct to a brand’s website instead.
Don’t panic buy
Black Friday can create a huge sense of urgency, with consumers anxious to commit to purchases quickly in order to avoid missing out on a bargain. If you’re unsure about a purchase, sleep on it and consider whether you still want to buy it the next day.
Deals can run longer the BlackFriday weekend, and some items will become even cheaper. Cyber Monday may bring better value on electronics, while decor, toys and clothing are often more heavily discounted closer to Christmas.
If you’re looking to bag a bargain getaway, wait until the day after Cyber Monday – Travel Tuesday has become a trend offering travel-only offers and savings with hotel companies, airlines, and travel agents.
Don’t fall for fake reviews
Some sellers use fake or paid reviews to artificially boost their product ratings. They also try to manipulate reviews to make poor products appear highly rated, tricking prospective buyers into thinking they’re getting a quality item when they’re not.
Signs of this include reviews that are overly positive without much detail, or repetitive language. Sites such as Fakespot or ReviewMeta can help analyse whether a review is genuine or not.
Some of the best deals
Trinny London are launching their Cyber Weekend offer on Friday of up to 40% off all of their skincare and makeup items. A great deal for anyone who is a fan of the brand or wants to give it a go. Check out their website here.
Sculpted By Aimee's Pink Friday Fest
Aimee Connolly's iconic beauty brand has had amazing deals running all month but they are about to launch their Pink Friday Fest with even more amazing offers. You can sign up for early VIP access on their website here.
Buy three, get three free at KIKO Cosmetics
KIKO Cosmetics launched in Ireland recently and they're kicking off with a bang with this buy three items and get three items free offer, which runs across all of their products. Whether you're treating yourself or getting a head start on holiday gifts, now’s the time to grab all the beauty essentials you’ve been eyeing. From luscious lipsticks to glowing highlighters, it’s the perfect time to create your dream makeup collection. Shop in-store at KIKO Henry Street or online at www.kikocosmetics.com.
Lidl's middle aisle
From Thursday the 28th, Lidl will be stocking their Black Friday offers in their iconic middle aisle. They include huge discounts on gadgets like air fryers, electric blankets, vacuums and much more.
Currys have launched their Black Friday event, which is a massive sale on all things technology - gaming consoles, laptops, TVs, headphones and much more. Check it out on their website here.
Dyson have been running amazing discounts across the whole month, but they are still going on from Black Friday this week. Check them out on their website here.
If you're looking to splurge on some luxury fashion or if you're browsing for Christmas gifts, Brown Thomas have a whopping up to 25% off men and women's fashion, including accessories. Check it out here.
Sports gear and some fresh runners are no doubt on thousands of Christmas lists this year, but you can snap them up for less at JD Sport thanks to their massive Black Friday sale. It contains brands like Nike, Puma, Adidas and more. Check it out here.
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