7 top tips for getting a truly good deal this Black Friday
Don’t be a victim of Black Friday buyer’s remorse – here’s how to filter the bargains from the bluster ready for the biggest sales event of the year.
Don’t be a victim of Black Friday buyer’s remorse – here’s how to filter the bargains from the bluster ready for the biggest sales event of the year.
Black Friday has become a bit of an annual love–hate relationship. We roll our eyes as countless TV and radio ads wax lyrical about their “huge discounts”, swear to anyone who’ll listen that we’re “not getting sucked in this year,” and insist the prices are probably no better than a random Tuesday in March.
And yet, for all our cynicism, Black Friday has fast become the biggest sales event of the year.
Meanwhile, survey data from e-commerce marketing platform Omnisend suggests Britons are set to spend £4.19 billion more over this year’s Black Friday weekend than last year, despite concerns among consumers about poor deals and Black Friday scams.
The truth is simple: when you know how to navigate it, Black Friday can still be the time you can snag the deal of the year.
So we’ve asked money-saving expert Megan Micklewright, AKA The Savvy Spender, and James Fairclough, promotion and deals expert at AO.com, to share their smartest insider tips on how to shop strategically, save more, and avoid getting swept up in the hype.
Impulse-buying is the fastest way to undo your savings.
Megan’s golden rule? “Make a list of what you actually need versus what you’d like to have,” she says.
“Black Friday fever often gets people buying things they don’t need, just because it’s ‘a deal’, whereas it’s really only a good deal if you were going to buy it anyway.”
She emphasises that the biggest savings come from planning - not scrolling.
“For example, Black Friday is the perfect time to upgrade your tech or household essentials, but those big-ticket items deserve planning. And if you’re considering spreading the cost, always check the total amount payable and APR before you buy. Flexible finance can be helpful, but only if it works for you.”
You should make a note of the features you’re interested in. For example, if you’re looking for a washing machine, note what cycles, drum capacity and dimensions you need, what brands/models have good reviews, and their current prices.
Then when a seemingly great deal comes up, you will have everything you need to make a decision at your fingertips and won’t lose out or end up with a machine that’s not fit for purpose.
Black Friday is no longer about one day of frantic buying, and starting early can pay off.
“Black Friday isn’t just a day anymore,” Megan explains. “The deals start dropping weeks in advance. If you’re savvy about it, having a month rather than one day really helps you save more money.”
With deals launching throughout November, you can monitor prices and wait for the right moment – without feeling pressured to panic-buy before midnight at the end of Cyber Monday.
If you want to catch the best offers before they sell out, get the information straight from the source.
“Sign up for retailer newsletters and set up deal alerts so you’re ready when prices fall,” says Megan. “That way, you can snap up early discounts and be confident you’re getting a real saving.”
Retailers often release early-access deals, member-only discounts or limited-time codes exclusively through email. For categories like tech and appliances where prices can move quickly, these alerts can make the difference between an okay deal and a great one.
Mostly, newsletter sign up is free, but some stores offer fee-paying memberships. These can make financial sense if you want the best deals but do your sums first.
For example, AO.com will be offering member-only prices with discounts on top of its Black Friday deals. As the annual membership costs £39.99, it may be worth signing up if the extra discount is £40 or more and you were going to buy the item anyway. You’ll also get extras that can add up to the equivalent of £20, £30 or even £50 in hidden savings.
Sites like Price Spy, Pricerunner and UKHotDeals will also allow you to set up deal alerts for certain keywords.
For example, on Pricerunner, simply enter the product you’re looking for into the search bar, select it, then hit the bell icon to set up a price alert. You can ask to be informed when the item drops in price or hits a certain price, or both.
You’ll just need to log in using your Facebook, Klarna, Apple or Google account, or with an email.
Never assume the first price you see is the best. Both experts say comparing is essential - and now incredibly easy.
“Some people see a price, think ‘that looks good’, buy it, and then two days later see it cheaper,” Megan says.
“But comparing has never been easier. With AI and browser extensions, you don’t need to manually check ten different competitors.”
Both PriceRunner and PriceSpy show historic price data, and you can also use CameCamelCamel, which is specific to Amazon.
James reinforces this with AO's own research showing customers are scrutinising prices more carefully than ever.
“Retailers know this - which means the competition for the lowest price is fiercer (and better for your wallet),” he says.
Even if you aren't taking part in the Black Friday madness, you can still make savings, we've got ten easy tricks to help you save on your weekly food shop - without compromising quality.
Even if something is already discounted in a sale, you can often save more. “Just because something’s already on offer doesn’t mean you can’t stack those savings,” says Megan.
“Cashback sites, loyalty apps, credit card rewards – don’t forget to use them. Combining these with Black Friday discounts can mean extra savings on top. It may only be small – but even 1% is still money back in your pocket.”
“And keep an eye out for added perks like trade-in offers, extended warranties or free delivery,” she adds. “They all add up to even more value.”
This writer often uses cashback apps. I’ve been a member of Quidco for more than a decade and have made more than £2,000 in cashback from buying clothes, homeware and even holidays.
TopCashBack is another site that works in the same way, and it’s totally free to use.
Simply visit the site and search for the retailer you’re planning to buy from, then click through on the link to get the cashback. You’re likely to get more if you’re a new customer.
From sales to cashback, our Saga Money experts have more clever ways to save money shopping online.
Buying the deal isn’t the end - you can keep saving even after making a purchase thanks to stores’ price match policies. Megan stresses: “Write down what you paid and keep an eye on it. If you see it is cheaper, claim that money back.”
James says AO’s extended price match guarantee is designed for exactly this: “Up until 2nd December, customers can claim back any difference if the price drops,” he says. “So even if you buy early, you’re protected.”
If you miss a good deal, don’t panic—Black Friday isn’t the end of the road. “Although Black Friday ends around the 2nd or 3rd of December, our deals won’t end there,” says James.
If items on your wish list aren't discounted, don't panic as you may not have missed out on a bargain.
You can use seasonal shopping to beat the retailers and always get the best price - find out when's the best time to shop for gadgets.
So, in conclusion, Black Friday is absolutely worth it but only if you shop smart.
As Megan sums it up: “Take your time, relax into it, and use all the tools at your disposal to make sure you’re getting a genuinely good deal.”
Your chance to win a 14-day tour around the Rockies and Vancouver for two, worth more than £8,800.
T&C’s apply.
The ultimate guide to Saga Puzzles, full of technical tips, tricks and hints.
With the start of the new financial year on 6 April, our money expert explains the changes to your pension, benefits and taxes.
