Once again, since it made its way across the Atlantic, there will be deals all over the place on Black Friday but it's easy to get caught out we've put together a few hints and tips.
Don't get caught out by fraud
Black Friday sees a frenzy of deals and discounts But also a huge rise in fraud! Here are a few key actions you can take to stay safe:
Research the seller to check they are genuine and avoid those with poor ratings
Stick to trusted websites, and look out for the green padlock next to the web address in your web browser's URL bar - this means it's a certified retail website.
The web address should start 'https', instead of just 'http' - the extra 's' stands for secure, and means you can trust it with your financial details.
Don't click on any links or attachments in emails you're unsure about
Keep your PIN, passcode and passwords a secret - don't ever share them
Avoid entering your card details on shared and public computers
Always log out after shopping online - and save a record of your purchase
Remember "If a deal looks too good to be true, it's probably a fraud!"
Make a list and stick to it
Plan ahead and make a list of items that you really want and target them on the day. This will also help you avoid overspending and getting sidetracked by offers on products you don’t want or need. Remeber however good the deal if you really don't need it it's not a bargain
Do your research
Retailers might present their goods as an absolute bargain, but is it really any cheaper than normal? Price-tracking websites like PriceRunner track prices over time for specific items, letting you see how much they have fallen, or not, as the case may be. Make sure you shop around and compare prices from a few retailers.
Watch out for hidden charges
Make sure you factor in all the costs, delivery in particular can easily add up. Watch out for free delivery often orders over a certain value qualify for free delivery. Delivery charges can be minimized by placing items in your online shopping basket and only buying them when you're sure you won't buy anything else from that site. That way, everything will be grouped in one delivery, and it'll cost you less.
Don't get carried away
It's easy to get swept up in the hype of Black Friday, but remember it's not the last sale day before Christmas. The Monday afterwards is Cyber Monday, when retailers focus their discounts on their electronics products. So if you're after something gadgety, you might be better off waiting. Then there's always the January sales, too. If you're buying something for yourself, this could be a better bet, as it can mean even larger discounts once Christmas is over.