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How to spot a real deal during Black Friday sales

November 06, 2024

Spotting a great Black Friday deal might be harder than you think – especially after Which? reported that 98% of products that were on sale in 2021 were cheaper or the same as their Black Friday price at other times in the year.

In fact, 86% of the items had also been the same price or cheaper in the six months before Black Friday.

So, how can you sniff out a genuine deal in the run-up to Christmas? Read on to discover our best Black Friday shopping tips.

1. Research, research, research

There’s no point in battling through Black Friday crowds or spending your hard-earned money on a poor-quality product that doesn’t meet your needs.

Before searching for potential deals, make a wish list of items you’d like to purchase. Look for products that are the best quality for your budget, and make sure you read the reviews.

It’s especially important to research brands you don’t know. Ignoring unknown brands could lead to you missing out on a nice deal, but it’s important to make sure their products are the same quality as well-known brands in the industry.

2. Look for products you’re likely to get a good deal on

Some product types are more likely to have genuinely good deals than others, and it’s important to research which items you’re likely to save money on while building your wish list.

For example, the Which? study found that 83% of headphones and earphones were cheaper in the six months on either side of Black Friday, while 0% of tablets and smart TV boxes were.

It’s worth making a note of their list so you can be wary of rushing to buy products on Black Friday that might be cheaper at other times of the year.

3. Check the price history

Once you’ve made a list of everything you want to buy, look everything up on price comparison websites such as Pricerunner to discover their previous price history.

This will allow you to decide whether a Black Friday sale is something worth getting excited over, or if the deal a company is offering isn’t as good as it sounds.

It will also allow you to avoid being sucked in by “was” prices; these include offers that are described as “was £100, now £50”, which are seen everywhere on Black Friday.

Focus on the actual price you will pay for the item and its true value, rather than the savings a price tag is claiming you’ll make.

4. Ask whether retailers will match prices

When looking for the best deals, it’s also vital to research which retailers offer price match promises.

Companies with price match promises include:

  • AO
  • Currys
  • Euronics
  • Halfords
  • Hughes
  • John Lewis

Even if a retailer doesn’t openly state they have a price match promise, some will agree to refund the difference if you challenge them about a price drop soon after you’ve bought something from them.

5. Start shopping early

Many shops launch deals towards the start of November and extend these savings until the end of December, so it’s important to remember that you don’t have to wait until Black Friday to start shopping.

In fact, waiting until Black Friday could lead to you missing big-ticket items which have already sold out as people snap up the best deals quickly.

6. If you’re shopping in-store, don’t forget to look online

If you plan to visit your local shops this Black Friday, don’t neglect the online deals entirely.

While travelling between stores or waiting in long queues, search online for the products you plan to buy so you can compare prices and ensure you’re getting the best deal in-store.

7. Check the returns policy

Returns policies differ with every shop you buy from as the laws regarding returns vary for online and in-store shops.

There’s nothing worse than buyer’s regret, especially if you’re shopping for gifts. Make a note of how long you have to change your mind about buying a product and look for retailers who offer an extended returns period in the run-up to Christmas.

8. Don’t forget about Cyber Monday

Black Friday used to be aimed at people shopping in-store, while Cyber Monday was for online deals.

However, as technology improves and more people choose to buy online on Black Friday than in-store, lots of people forget about the deals they could benefit from on Cyber Monday.

If you missed a deal on something on your wish list on Black Friday – especially if the product you’re looking for is related to computing – then keep checking over the weekend to see if you can spot a bargain.

What our clients say

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I would highly recommend Darius and John. I’ve used a financial adviser previously and could never get in contact with them when I needed their help. Stratton Wealth Management have been excellent from the start. They are always available to talk, and they also don’t talk in financial jargon!

Dave Rigby -

A client since 2015

Having recently transferred my financial management to Stratton Wealth Management, I have been extremely impressed with the highly professional service I have received. I feel I have been fully involved in all decision making, and the company's highly skilled advisers have shown commitment and patience in any dealings I have had with them. I have also always found them to be easily accessible for any discussion I may require.

Denise Thornton -

A client since 2019

As a business owner and father of four children, finances are usually the last thing we think about. Stratton oversees and manages our finances, both in terms of advice for my business and our personal investments. It is comforting to know that our retirement, investment and life insurance planning has been taken care of. Darius and John are always so efficient in dealing with our affairs. As someone with no real understanding of the ins and outs, it has been fantastic to have experts giving us great advice and making sure our best interests are always the top priority.

Lee and Claire Parkinson -

Clients since 2016

Darius deals with my family’s finances and is a very trusted adviser. We meet a number of times a year, but I know I can call him any time if I have any questions. He is proactive, helpful and friendly!

Jonathan Dennis -

A client since 2019

I knew I needed to begin saving and planning for the future but didn’t know where to start. Stratton helped me to understand my finances and put together a savings plan that is affordable and works for me. I now have and an ISA and a pension, and whilst retirement is many years away, I have the peace of mind that I am saving for my future. I look forward to working with them for many years to come.

Martin Corrigan -

A client since 2016

I have been impressed with the advice and service provided by Stratton Wealth Management and have always found Darius to be approachable, dependable and highly professional in his approach. It is reassuring to be able to have such a high level of confidence and trust when it comes to financial advice.

Russell Jones -

A client since 2018

Many thanks indeed for your in depth report for my client Mrs H – it is most thorough and above all readable. This might sound particularly strange; however you may well gather that in my profession we see many such reports, and I often feel that if the adviser fills it with charts and graphs it evidences a level of research. In truth most of what is produced is readily obtainable from the internet.

I would like to thank you (and your organisation) for your prompt and professional attention to my requirements on behalf of my client. As a practice we shall definitely be putting Stratton Wealth Management on our “preferred supplier list".

Colin Dunstall, Donaldson Dunstall Solicitors -

A client since 2015