How shoppers can get the most out of Black Friday deals

Planning ahead will help you stay cost-conscious as you search for festive bargains, says Vicky Shaw

As your inbox strains under the weight of stores’ “offers” around Black Friday, it’s important not to get carried away and keep any spending strictly within what you can afford.

There may well be lots of tempting “bargains” up for grabs but, with many household budgets on a knife-edge as the financial fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic continues, it is vital to stick to a budget.

This means planning ahead and thinking about how you will pay for it all, so you’re not bamboozled with “flash sales” and “limited time offers”.

And remember – just because it’s available or on offer, it does not mean you have to buy something.

Here are some tips from the experts for grabbing the best Black Fr i d ay deals:

1. Do your homework

E l le M c A t a m n e y, a spokeswoman for TopCash back.co.uk, suggests: “If you know what you want to buy from the Black Friday sales, make a list and do your research – and remember, Black Friday isn’t just one or two days any more.”

2. Be sure the price is right

If you’ve checked prices beforehand, you’ll know if you’re really getting a bargain. Ms McAtamney also suggests checking websites such as Amazon and eBay to see how their prices compare with highstreet retailers.

3. Found a bargain? See if you can cut the price down even more

It’s worth scanning the internet for vouchers discount codes.

“There are lots of sites you can visit which host lists of codes that will work on retailers’ websites,” says Ms McAtamney.

It’s also worth signing up to retailers’ newsletters and following their social channels, as they often release special codes. and

4. Could your work status get you even more money off ?

Catherine Hiley, a Black Friday deals exper t at Uswitch.com, says students and NHS workers, for example, should keep an eye out for retailers offering them extra discounts.

5. Will your preferred retailer do a price match? Ms Hile y says: “Some retailers offer pricematching services, even on Black Friday.

If you find it cheaper elsewhere then check whether your preferred retailer offers this service.”

6 . Th ink beyond electricals

Black Friday may be a great time to find a new smart TV, but there are other bargains out there too.

7. Think very carefully about how you’ll pay

If your Black Fr i d a y purchase will push you into the red, it could end up costing you a lot more than you’d bargained for.

to know

8. Finally, it pays your rights

If your “bargain” turns out to be shoddy, you could get a refund. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 covers what should happen when goods are faulty and more information about it is on the gov. uk and Citizens Advice websites.

RETAIL: While the Black Friday event officially starts this Friday, some retailers are already offering discounts.