Want to find a real Black Friday deal? These experts show you how…

This year, Black Friday falls on Friday, November 24, marking the official start of the holiday shopping season. Originating from the United States, Black Friday sales traditionally commenced the day after Thanksgiving. However, it has evolved into a shopping extravaganza that extends throughout the weekend, with many deals continuing until Cyber Monday on November 27.

Retailers frequently kick off their Black Friday sales early, making it wise to start your browsing now. For instance, Amazon has already reduced the price of one of its Echo Show displays, and both AO and John Lewis have unveiled their Black Friday deals on their websites.

If you’re patient, waiting until Black Friday itself might yield even better discounts, as some retailers offer additional savings on the day.

It’s essential to note that most Black Friday sales extend throughout the weekend and into Cyber Monday, giving you ample time to find a great deal.

With this in mind, here are five expert tips to ensure your Black Friday purchases genuinely offer excellent value for your money.

“It’s worth googling the item you’re after and making sure that the discount you’ve spotted is the best one,” says Adam Bullock, UK director of TopCashback.

A survey by price comparison site Idealo revealed that 45% of Brits said they didn’t price compare once last year.

Bullock says: “Keeping an eye on the true cost of the items that you’re hoping to purchase is an important strategy to follow, so you know exactly how much you’ll be saving.

“You should also be sure to shop around – many trusted retailers will offer products at different prices and compete for your custom, so always double check your options.”

Liz Hunter, director at Money Expert also emphasises the importance of reading reviews before Black Friday to ensure you’re making worthwhile purchases, particularly when it comes to tech gadgets.

“Customer reviews provide valuable insights into the quality of a product,” she advises.

“Pay attention to feedback on performance, durability, and any potential issues.”

While Black Friday and Cyber Monday present excellent opportunities to grab bargains, it’s crucial to approach these shopping events with a savvy mindset.

“Amidst the excitement and pressure to make quick decisions, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype and end up with purchases that may not be worthwhile in the long run,” cautions Katy Phillips, senior brand and communications manager at Idealo.

A survey by Idealo revealed that over half (51%) of respondents regretted purchasing items they didn’t really want during Black Friday sales last year.

To avoid impulse buys and ensure you’re getting the best deals, Phillips suggests creating a list of the items you genuinely need or want. This will keep you focused and prevent distractions from enticing, yet unnecessary, deals.

If you’re planning to shop online, be prepared for the potential stress of website crashes due to increased demand.

Hunter’s Black Friday tip is to set up accounts with your preferred retailers in advance to expedite the checkout process and minimise delays.

Additionally, subscribing to mailing lists or downloading apps from your favourite retailers can provide early access to special deals and offers.

The simplest way to steer clear of scams is to shop from established and reputable retailers you know and trust. However, when venturing into the realm of online shopping, especially during the frenzy of Black Friday, there are some golden rules to follow:

“A genuine website will always have an SSL certificate, which is represented by a padlock icon next to the URL,” advises Bullock. “Avoid shopping on sites that lack this security measure.”

Another tell-tale sign of a legitimate retailer is the presence of genuine and honest customer reviews beneath the product descriptions on their website. These reviews provide valuable insights into the product’s performance, durability, and any potential issues.

For an extra layer of protection, Bullock recommends using credit cards or PayPal for your online purchases. These payment methods offer buyer protection and chargeback options for transactions exceeding £100, ensuring you can recover your money in case of scams or disputes.

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the day and end up spending more than you intended. Financial expert Gary Hemming advises that despite the tempting deals, having a well-thought-out plan can help you stay within your budget.

“It’s crucial to approach the day with a clear plan,” he emphasises. “Start by setting a budget that aligns with your financial stability. Identify the items you genuinely need or have been waiting for a good deal on, and prioritise those purchases. Stick to your list to avoid impulsive buying.”

Before making a purchase, ask yourself two vital questions: ‘Do I need it?’ and ‘Can I afford it?’ If the answer is no to either of these questions, it’s best to walk away from the deal. This thoughtful approach can prevent overspending and help you make more mindful purchasing decisions.

Unfortunately, there are always scammers and untrustworthy retailers who take advantage of this time of year to deceive people into parting with their money. It’s crucial to learn how to shield yourself from Black Friday scams, and this begins with trusting your instincts.

“If an offer seems ‘too good to be true,’ it might very well be,” warns Bullock.

“Be cautious of products, especially high-end designer items or expensive technology, that are heavily discounted on websites you can’t verify as genuine. These could be replicas, and the website itself might not be a legitimate retailer.”

Bullock also advises exercising caution when encountering substantial discounts shared on social media profiles, as these can lead you to insecure, fraudulent websites.

When in doubt, it’s best not to click on suspicious links. Instead, visit the official retailer’s website directly to confirm the authenticity of their Black Friday deals.