Black Friday brings no shortage of attention grabbing deals and it’s easy to feel the pressure to buy before time runs out. Taking a moment to plan ahead helps you spot genuine bargains, avoid scams, and shop securely with confidence. To help you get ready, here are some simple tips to shop smarter this Black Friday.
1. Plan ahead so you know what’s worth it
If there’s something you’ve been thinking about buying, perhaps a new phone or household item, check its usual price from a few trusted retailers in the weeks before Black Friday. When the discounts appear, this may help provide a clear sense of what’s a genuine saving and what’s just clever marketing.
2. Keep your details safe
Black Friday is also a busy time for online scams. Be cautious of unexpected delivery texts, emails with links to “confirm” a parcel, or websites that don’t look quite right. Always go directly to the retailer’s website instead of following links and only shop on secure pages that show “https://” in the address bar.
If you can, use secure payment options that offer buyer protection and avoid saving your card details online. Regularly checking your bank statements or setting up alerts can also give peace of mind.
3. Pause before you purchase
With discounts everywhere, it can be tempting to act fast. Try taking a moment to ask yourself whether you’d buy the same item at full price, this could help keep spending intentional. Setting a clear budget or writing a quick shopping list before you start browsing could also make it easier to stay on track.
4. Compare before you confirm
With so many deals flying around, it’s easy to rush to buy. But a quick pause could save you money. Compare prices, check delivery times, and look out for hidden costs like postage or return fees and make sure the refund policy works for you. Black Friday doesn’t have to mean overspending or stress. With a little planning and caution, it can be an opportunity to find real value and shop safely.
