BLACK FRIDAY DEALS YOU’LL WANT TO BAG OR STAY WELL CLEAR OF!

Brits are now no longer strangers to the whole Black Friday phenomenon which typically is the Friday following the American Thanksgiving holiday. Online retailer Amazon played a significant role in establishing Black Friday in the UK when they first introduced their Black Friday deals back in 2010. It's now notorious for incredible deals and discounts – and sometimes madness. Shoppers eagerly anticipate this annual event, ready to snatch up the best deals and save money just in time for Christmas. While it can be a golden opportunity to save money and cross items off your wishlist, it can also lead to financial pitfalls if you're not careful. Here, we'll explore the best and worst Black Friday splurges to help you make the most of this shopping extravaganza.

The best Black Friday splurges

1. Electronics: Black Friday is renowned for offering substantial discounts on electronics. This can be the perfect time to upgrade your smartphone (that is unless a certain well-known brand has crazy stock shortages like in 2022!), purchase a new laptop, or invest in that big-screen TV you've been eyeing. Retailers often mark down prices on items like these significantly, making it an ideal time to make these purchases.
2. Appliances: If you need a new dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, or any other household appliance, Black Friday is a great time to buy. You can find appliances at discounted prices, sometimes even bundled with additional incentives like extended warranties. However, discounted white goods can also feature heavily in the January sales, so you may want to resist and be kinder to your credit card balance.
3. Clothing and fashion: Many fashion retailers participate in Black Friday sales, offering significant discounts on clothing, shoes, and accessories, which is an excellent opportunity to update your wardrobe for the upcoming seasons or score high-quality items at a fraction of their regular prices. Some retailers like Look Fantastic, Cult Beauty, All Beauty, and Sephora (formerly Feel Unique UK), often promo free goody bags of beauty sample size products when you spend over a certain threshold.
4. Toys and games: Black Friday is a favourite among parents (grandparents, aunties/uncles, foster parents, etc) and gift shoppers, as it's the perfect time to buy toys, board games, and other entertainment products. You can find a wide range of toys and games at discounted prices, helping you save on holiday gifts or adding to your collection. Although do your own research here because some retailers have separate promos on these goods at different times – Sainsbury's is one that springs to mind.
5. Home improvement: Planning some home improvement projects? Black Friday often brings steep discounts on tools, home decor, and DIY materials. You can save a bundle on items that help enhance your living space.
6. Travel: While it's not a tangible product, travel deals offered on Black Friday can be fantastic splurges. Airlines, hotels, and travel agencies frequently offer discounts on flights, accommodations, and vacation packages. It's an excellent time to plan your next getaway at a reduced cost. If you're seeking an immersive Spanish course/holiday as a special gift experience for your teen, then one company that often has a rare discount on Black Friday discount is Enforex.

Let's face it, most retailers now participate in Black Friday deals, but make sure you're only buying what you have budgeted for and what you truly want. There's no use buying that eighth coat or seventeenth pair of winter boots if you're truly not going to wear them or need them. But, again, it's a great time to stock up on gifts for a discount if you were going to buy these items anyway (and don't forget the January sales too).

The worst Black Friday splurges

1. Impulse purchases: One of the biggest pitfalls of Black Friday shopping is the temptation to make impulsive purchases. Retailers use limited-time offers and "doorbusters" to create urgency. However, if you buy something simply because it's on sale and not because you genuinely need it or have been planning to buy it, you might end up regretting your decision. It's also worth remembering that BF is a retailer's dream, and their discounted goods are often planned months in advance. The products are bought in from their suppliers just so that they can be discounted, so you may want to check how long the products have been available to buy and the pricing history. A price tracker is a website or app that allows you to monitor the prices of products over time, here are some such sites:
• https://www.pricebefore.com/
• https://dealavo.com/en/products-price-history-how-to-check-it/
• https://www.howtogeek.com/734836/how-to-see-amazon-price-histories/
2. Low-quality electronics: While Black Friday is an excellent time to buy electronics, be cautious of the quality of the products you're purchasing. Some items might be older models or of inferior quality. Research the products beforehand to ensure they meet your standards.
3. High-interest credit card debt: Whilst not a "purchase," charging Black Friday purchases to your credit card can lead to high-interest debt if you're unable to pay off the balance in full. Be cautious and plan your budget to avoid accumulating unnecessary interest charges.
4. Black Friday crowds: Some people love the thrill of the Black Friday shopping experience, but for others, the crowds and chaos can be overwhelming. Spending hours in long lines or battling through crowded stores can be a less-than-pleasant experience, and it may not be worth the savings for everyone.
5. Unplanned bulk purchases: While buying in bulk can save you money in the long run, be careful not to overdo it on Black Friday. Buying too much of a perishable item or something you don't have room to store can lead to waste and unnecessary spending. No one, after all, really needs 208 makeup brushes (unless you’re a MUA), 5 cutlery sets, and 18 hand creams, no matter how steeply discounted.

The takeaways

Ultimately, the best and worst Black Friday splurges are personal to you and this mad shopping event can be an exciting and budget-friendly time to make purchases, but it's essential to approach it with a well-thought-out plan. Prioritise your needs and wishlist items, set a budget, and be cautious of impulsive buying. If done right, Black Friday can be an excellent opportunity to make smart splurges and save money, helping you get the most value from this annual shopping event. Remember, the best splurges are those that enhance your life and bring you long-term satisfaction, not just short-term gratification. Please note that Tria has no affiliation with any of the Retailers or websites referenced in this blog.