Black Friday is nearly upon us and several retailers have already started their sales already.
Black Friday has turned into one of the biggest shopping events of the year alongside St Stephen's Day sales.
This year it officially falls on November 27.
While it might be tempting to snap up the first deal you see, an expert has shared the following tips to make sure you get the best bargains:
Write a list
Before the big day, make a list of everything you need to buy - if you’re doing your Christmas shopping, write down who you need to buy for and what you’d like to get them
Create a budget
With big discounts flashing left, right, and centre it’s easy to get fooled into splashing your cash without realising it. Decide how much you can afford and then don’t go above this. Use your list with everyone you need to buy for to keep track of your spending.
Do your research
Don’t be fooled by flashy promotions, many big brands have better discounts at other times of the year. Research the prices of items you want before Black Friday to make sure they aren’t inflated to make it seem like a better deal than it is.
Shop around
The first price you see may not be the best one out there. A quick search online can bring up other shops that may stock the same item and have a greater discount or give you free delivery.
Get Social
Like and follow your favourite brands on social media and sign up to their newsletter in advance, brands often give their best or extra offers to loyal customers.
Choose how to pay
Use up any points you’ve collected on store cards to get more of a discount. If you have a cashback credit card you can use that to get a little bit of money back but be sure to pay the balance back before you are charged interest.
Know your rights
You have the same refund rights whether you pay on credit or debit card so choose the best option for you, if the goods you receive are faulty or not what you expected, check if you could make a chargeback claim.
Online shopping
The good thing about shopping online is that you have greater rights. You have 14 days to change your mind and get a refund on most goods as long as they are still in the same condition as you bought them.
Eoin Clarke, Managing Director of Switcher.ie said: "Planning for Black Friday is essential if you want to make the most of the savings. The key is to only buy what you need, make a list and stick to it, remember it’s not a bargain if you don’t actually need the items you're buying.
“For the first time ever Black Friday will be totally online due to current restrictions so it’s easier than ever to check around to make sure you’re getting the best deals.
"However, this year, more than ever, small businesses need our support - remember to check out local businesses in your area that are offering an online service to see if you can support them before buying from big chains online - some of them may be offering their own Black Friday promotions too.”
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