Rules to follow to get the best out of Black Friday
QFRIENDS of mine who consider themselves “in-the-know” shoppers say I should not buy anything, except obviously food and other essentials, until Black Friday.
Then, they say, I’ll pay a lot less for Christmas presents and other items that I want.
What exactly is Black Friday and are they right?
AWHICH? SAYS: Black Friday was invented in the 1950s by US stores as way of boosting sales after Thanksgiving (always a Thursday) when, otherwise, shoppers would be sleeping off huge turkey meals.
It came here four years ago – this year it is on November 24 – although many retailers stretch it several days before and after.
It is no different from other reductions.
RULE ONE: Never buy anything unless you really want it – otherwise it is an expensive way of stocking your favourite charity shop.
RULE TWO: The normal consumer protection rules apply. You have a fortnight to return unwanted online purchases but stores are only obliged to take back items you bought in person if they are faulty or wrongly described – you have no rights under law if you don’t like the colour or the cut.
RULE THREE: Ignore Black Friday inducements from companies that seem to have perpetual “shopping events” – some furniture shops, certain clothes retailers and some airlines.
These prices will be the same as on other days.
RULE FOUR: Beware of scam sites which are either after your credit card details or will send you rubbish or both. Stick with shops that you know.
RULE FIVE: Remember, stores that advertise great bargains may not have an endless supply. If a national store features a laptop computer reduced from £500 to £50, it may have just one or two in stock across the country.
Pictures of people fighting over a few cut-price TVs a few years ago caused Asda to drop Black Friday last year. The US-owned retailer hasn’t confirmed its plans for this year.
RULE SIX: Not all stores take part. Some use other labels such as “preChristmas sale” and a number ignore it saying it takes full price sales away and detracts from afterChristmas sales.
The Monday after is Cyber Monday when Black Friday reductions are concentrated online.
RULE SEVEN: The essential things to consider are organisation, and prior research. That way, Black Friday could be golden for you.