How to become a Black Friday expert

While you can still bag yourself some great deals, not all the discounts fighting for your attention will be as good as they seem, so make sure you know what to watch out for before parting with your money.

Check the deal is genuine 

The rush in activity on Black Friday can often mean shoppers purchase items they wouldn’t normally. This means you may get caught out on price.  

Make sure you check the price history of a product on sites such as PriceRunner. By doing so, you can get a handle on whether the discount is worth it. In addition, take the time to check comparison sites as it is not uncommon for retailers to price match on certain items.  

Shop on sites you're familiar with 

Common-sense can disappear faster than a click of the mouse when you find yourself seduced by mega-deals. 

No matter the price cut, your security is more important than a new phone or pair of trainers. Avoid sites which look unprofessional and are saturated with adverts. Stick to the retailers you know and use regularly, as they're more likely to have the right infrastructure in place to ensure you have a safe online shopping experience. 

Don't forget: you can always check independent review sites like Trustpilot to learn about companies you are not familiar with. You can also stay up-to-date with scams doing the rounds on Which? and Action Fraud.

Check the returns and exchange policies 

Sometimes you buy a product which is the wrong size, not what you expected, or even damaged. Before you buy, it's a good idea to check the exchange and return policies.

Brands often place restrictions on returning sales items, so do some research on:

• Is the sale item exchange only?  

• Is the return process hassle-free?  

• Is it a 14-day or 28-day return period? 

• Is there a 14-day cooling-off cancellation period from the day you placed the order? 

Be aware of ‘was’ and ‘now’ prices 

Don’t be fooled by offers like ‘was £100, now £50’ as this can exaggerate the discount and trick you into thinking you’re getting a better deal than you are. Take your time, don’t be rushed, and do your due diligence before you buy. 

Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert site publishes a list of the best value for money deals throughout Black Friday and up to Cyber Monday each year. You can keep an eye on their advice and tips here.

Wait and buy second-hand 

It's not uncommon for gadget-obsessed shoppers to purchase latest phone, console, or laptop models and then flog the ‘old’ items online.

By hitting pause on Black Friday and opting for second-hand you could get your hands on a perfectly good product at a fraction of the cost. What's more, buying second-hand is one of the best ways to live more sustainably – bonus!   

And what about the cash savings you make…? 

Be sure to keep it safe in your savings account of course! 

If you'd like to speak to us about opening a savings account, pop in to your local branch or contact us by using our online form and one of our qualified savings advisers will be in touch.  

A full list of our savings accounts can be found here.