Money Talk
Black Friday is a big American import that first hit our shores a few years back. It falls on the Friday after Thanksgiving and while it’s flagged up as a big shopping day for price slashing and bargains, it can often be an excuse to try and shift stuff that won’t sell… or slap discount tickets on overpriced items.
Cynical? Me? You’d never guess, would you? As you know I’m all about getting the best price, and when it comes to Black Friday deals I’d usually rather save my cash. Despite the sale stickers, you can often buy the same stuff cheaper at other times of the year. In fact consumer group Which? previously investigated some Black Friday deals from big names including Amazon, John Lewis and Currys PC World and found that a whopping 95% were cheaper after the event.
This year, probably fewer of us will be pounding the pavements in search of bargains and more will be shifting our shopping online, which makes it easier to find the best price without getting caught up in a shopping frenzy.
Price comparison sites like IDEALO.CO.UK and PRICESPY.CO.UK can be invaluable. Pop in the name of that DVD, kids’ toy or hairdryer you want, and these savvy sites flag up online retailers plus prices so you can spot the best deal.
Buying from Amazon? Always use its own Camel price tracker. UK.CAMELCAMELCAMEL.COM
This monitors Amazon prices all year, so you’ll be able to see easily whether today’s offer really is the best price.
SUE’S TIPS:
◆ Changed your mind? Buy online and you can get a full refund. With high street stores, refunds are down to their goodwill. ◆ You can still bag cashback on sale deals. Sign up to cashback sites like TopCashback and Quidco for extra savings. ◆ Remember voucher codes. In some cases a discount code may bag you a better price than the sale price! Check VOUCHERCODES.CO.UK or sign up to your favourite stores for offers.