Jetted off into outer space? If not, you won’t have missed the fact that Black Friday is nearly upon us. You knew, right? Yes, I too have been bombarded with adverts and enticing emails. Offers that lure you in and top picks from some of my favourite brands. Are you planning a renovation, such as a new kitchen, or want to get those finishing touches sorted by the end of the year? Then Black Friday could be a great opportunity to buy big-ticket items such as appliances and furniture.

So, keen to get the best Black Friday deals and get the bulk of that Christmas shopping done? Then “shop wisely” is my motto.

Sure, I might have a few things in various baskets currently scattered around the internet. But before I click buy, I’m following these tips. They’re all from consumer shopping experts, so join me in heeding their advice…

How to get the best Black Friday deals: Make a list!

I love a list. And here it makes lots of sense. It can be very easy to panic when you’re confronted with lots of offers. So the bods at netvouchercodes.co.uk say being prepared is always best.

“Before Black Friday, make a list of who you need to buy for, or what you want to buy. This will make it more difficult to over-buy. You could even have a browse and write down pre-Black Friday prices. Browse around and compare prices, then make a note of the best two websites that stock the products. If it sells out before you have a chance to buy it, you’ll have a back-up store ready.”

Compare, compare, compare

In 2020, Which? found that nearly nine in 10 Black Friday deals were the same price or even cheaper before the big day. They say you should do plenty of research before you part with your cash. This will ensure you’re actually getting that amazing bargain deal.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, gave me the following advice. “It might be tempting to scour the sales for a bargain. But we’ve found that you could get the same deal – or an even better one – at another time.”

“Deals that look too good to be true often are, so don’t fall for time-limited offers. If you are looking for something in particular, do some research first. That way you’ll know a genuine bargain when you see one.” Smart.

How to get the best Black Friday deals: Set a budget – and stick to it

The experts over at Money Saving Expert say it’s all about keeping control. Their top tip: “We’d like to remind consumers to not get caught up in the hype. However, if you have budgeted properly and are planning to spend, we’re here to help work out if discounts on show are a deal or a dud.”

A deals expert at the site gave us the following advice. “Use free online price comparison tools such as Google Shopping, Price Spy and Price Runner to compare where’s cheapest on the day. Then check voucher sites for extra money off codes. And see if you can go through cashback sites such as Quidco and Topcashback for further savings.

“Big retailers often price-match each other on Black Friday. So check what else they’re offering such as free additional warranties, music streaming or TV subscriptions.”

How to get the best Black Friday deals: Take your time

The experts at Uswitch say you should use the time in the queue to carefully consider your purchase. (See note re. my multiple baskets above.) This is so you don’t end up regretting the purchase.

Put simply, ask yourself: “Do I really need it?”

The bonus of online shopping is that you can sit with your decision for a while before committing. Unlike in a busy shop, where the impulse or temptation is often hard to resist.

“Use the time wisely and keep an eye on social media for any deals you may have missed. Stay alert, and don’t let your place in the queue be timed out.” This is advice from a Black Friday deals expert at uswitch.com.

How to get the best Black Friday deals: Choose your payment method carefully

While refund policies and your consumer rights for returns will still stand on Black Friday purchases (always check any specific terms if you’re unsure), the experts at netvouchercodes.co.uk have this advice: “If you’re planning on making your purchases online, it’s important to consider which card you will be using. If you pay with a credit card or via PayPal you’ll have more protection if anything goes wrong.”

Ready with your shopping list? Done your research? Check out the Money Saving Expert Black Friday alerts.

And if you’re in the market for a new appliance, make sure you read these features first…

Gas vs induction: pros and cons of hobs

Everything you need to know about buying a slow cooker

Everything you need to know about buying an oven

What to look for when buying a range cooker

What to look for when buying a fridge-freezer

Tips for buying a coffee machine

Buying an extractor

What to look for when buying a dishwasher

Happy (wise) shopping!

Featured image: iStock

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