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 Getting the Most from the Black Friday Sales

Black Friday is a fairly new phenomenon in Australia, traditionally being the Friday after American Thanksgiving in November. In the USA it is the start of the Christmas shopping season, starting with a frenzy of sales and discounted products.

Much like for our Boxing Day sales, shoppers will line up early, often before dawn, eager to snag a huge bargain, or stay up late, hunched over their computer or phone, waiting for the sales to start. 

And therein lies the crunch: the huge bargains are real, but often the number of items available at those ridiculous prices is limited, or the original price has been over-inflated in the weeks prior and then "drastically reduced" for Black Friday. The thought of missing out on a bargain causes 

As with all shopping, you need to do your research and know your prices or you risk getting swept up in the hype, and there is a lot of it, and your bargain may not be a true bargain.

So some things to remember:
  • Most of the Black Friday sales start either in-store or online on Friday 22nd November, 2024. Yes, a week early. Retailers don't want to waste an opportunity to part you from your cash. Be prepared, the advertising has been thick for the last few weeks. 
  • Most Black Friday sales end on 2nd December 2024. Yes, that's a Monday, and most like will simply transform into what has become known as Cyber Monday. 
  • Yes, there are real bargains to be had. Do your research! Make sure what's on offer is a genuine deal before you get swept up in the hype of a Black Friday shopping frenzy. 

Some Black Friday Sale Dos
  • Start by making a list of the things you need or want to buy. It could be household items, or gifts, or clothes or electronics or even travel. But shopping the Black Friday sales is no different to grocery shopping:  if it's not on the list, you don’t buy it!
  • Know your prices! Just because it's on sale, doesn't mean it is cheap. 
  • If you are shopping in-store, take cash and leave the cards at home. Once it's gone, it's gone and you can't overspend. 
  • If you are shopping online, don't forget to factor in shipping and delivery costs, and insurance on those high value items. 
  • Take water, wear comfortable clothing and shoes and be prepared for crowds and long queues in stores, especially if you're shopping for electronics or clothing.

Some Black Friday Sale Don'ts
  • Don't buy on impulse. No matter how great the deal, if it's not on your list and you don't really need it, then it's not a great price (see the comment above).
  • Don't go over budget. You are on a limited budget, so stick to it. You have decided how much you are prepared to spend, so look for lower prices by all means. Just don't buy if the price is higher than your maximum.
  • Don't feel pressured to buy because it's on sale. Stores have any number of tactics they use to help you part with your money.  Stick to your list and your spending budget and you'll be fine.
  • Don't get caught up in the thrill of the hunt. Again, stick to your list. The person who has the most parcels or the most deliveries isn't the winner;  this isn't a contest, it's a strategic shopping expedition, either in-store or online.