One of Britain’s top money saving experts last night published a series of Black Friday hacks the country’s biggest stores didn’t want shoppers to know about.
Retailers are expecting a cash bonanza of up to £8 billion this weekend as Black Friday rolls into Cyber Monday – but there IS a way shoppers can ‘beat the system’ to bag the biggest deals.
According to Bradley, placing products in your basket the day before and clearing your internet browser history guarantee maximum savings.
Other nuggets of insider knowledge include setting up price alerts and researching prices now so you know whether or not what you’re buying is a real bargain or not.
Bradley also urges Brits to ‘know their rights’ regarding the Terms and conditions of Black Friday purchases.
Focusing mainly on tech products, due to the massive deals available, is also on her list of ‘do’s’.
Bradley of mumsavvysavings.com worked with AO.com ahead on their huge Black Friday sale to blow the lid off the secrets behind the deals.
She said: “It may have started as a tradition in the US, but Black Friday has crossed the pond and is here to stay.
“The day has become an integral part of UK retailers’ marketing strategy to get us spending more sooner.
“Last year saw a rise in spending and this year I imagine new records will be set, too.”
Emma worked with electrical retailer AO.com to provide advice for Black Friday shoppers.
Emma suggests filing your ‘basket’ the day before Black Friday as this will often reserve the item for you rather than it selling out if it’s a hot ticket.
She added: “The basket will also update the following day with the new reduced prices.
“Some retailers have gotten wise to this and empty baskets after a period of time but it could still be worth a try if you are researching the night before.”
Clearing cookies and browser history works because leaving them on your computer can affect the prices you are presented with for certain items and gifts.
Bradley said: “This is especially true when booking experience-based gifts, such as trips and stays in hotels.
“Clearing your browser history can help you to see the true price without the influence of the deals you may have been looking at previously.”
Setting up price alerts will let you know when a product hits a certain price point, as well as the website you can find this deal on.
Bradley added: “Sites like uk.camelcamelcamel.com can help you track this, and will notify you when the product drops to the price you want to pay.”
And knowing your rights is important because as a consumer you still have your legal rights even if bought during Black Friday.
Bradley said: “Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, you can cancel an online order up to 14 days from the time the goods are delivered to you, therefore if you do change your mind you are still protected.”
Tech is the sector where the biggest deals are to be secured as people stock up on the latest phones and tablets etc for Christmas gifts.
Bradley added: ‘“Personally, I find the best deals to be had on Black Friday are on electrical goods.
“Last year I bought a GHD straighteners and hairdryer set for around the £110 mark, which was my best deal.
“AO.com have also launched a Black Friday sale, where kitchen and electrical appliances are going for 50 per cent off in many cases.”
It is also important to research prices well in advance of Black Friday.
Bradley said: “Research research research! Know the prices before the sales begin and make sure that you are getting a good deal.
“Look ahead of Black Friday and know what the current prices are to ensure you really bag a bargain.
“Black Friday can offer consumers great deals but only if you stay savvy and keep your wits about you.
”Helpfully, some retailers put up their deals a little ahead of time with a comparison to the original price.”
Finding out when the best deals are about to go live will also ensure you get what you want at the price you want to pay.
Bradley added: “The best deals will be found online as opposed to the high street.
“If you are doing your Black Friday shopping online, familiarise yourself with the times at which your chosen outlet releases or refreshes their deals.
“Once you are aware of the frequency at which the deals are updated you can set yourself a timer or alerts on your phone to come back at specific times if there is something you really want.
Sticking to a budget and ‘managing the hype’ are also important according to Bradley.
She said: ‘“I would encourage shoppers to plan ahead and create a list of what they are looking to buy to moderate their spending.
“Black Friday is turning into one of the biggest spending days in the UK. However be aware that you don’t get caught up in the frenzy.
“Buying online can feel a bit too easy, as if we are not spending actual money, especially if our debit cards are automatically stored and we don’t even input the details. It is only when the money has left our banks that it feels real.”
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