How to Make Black Friday Work So You Really Can Save Money
Including best buys on Black Friday
We all love to get a deal but are we really getting one when it comes to Black Friday? Black Friday has now become one of the biggest shopping events of the year and many of us use it to buy normally expensive Christmas presents that we normally wouldn’t be able to afford.
It’s easy to get carried away though. Remember, still, compare prices and please don’t buy anything that you can’t afford.
Some of the deals you’ll find will be great but there are always plenty of trap doors out there, meaning that they are dressed up as deals but really aren’t.
When is Black Friday?
Black Friday 2021 is on Friday 26th November this year.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is meant to be one day a year that the shops slash their prices. It’s like a huge sale but across the high street and online.
Many retailers though start a lot earlier and reduce items leading up to Black Friday early. Finding these Black Friday deals is easy but making sure you’re actually getting a deal is completely different.
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Black Friday Top Tips
Before you start putting your hand in your pocket please remember these money-saving tips to make sure that you’re getting the very best deal you can.
Use Cashback Sites
Cashback sites are a great to save money when you buy anything online. They are free to join to offer a way for you to earn money when you buy.
Our favourites are:
OhMyDosh
OhMyDosh* is an easy to use cashback site that’s free to use. It’s not like a normal cashback site though. OhMyDosh gives you loads of ways you can make money including:
- The refer a friend scheme. Refer your friends to OhMyDosh and earn yourself £5 for every sign up and your friend £1.
- Competitions: Enter them for free and receive money.
- Shop through them to earn the bigger rewards.
The best thing about OhMyDosh is that you only need to make £10 to “dosh out” and they pay out through your bank or through PayPal.
If you are new to OhMyDosh* then use our link here to get your first free £1.
You can read more about how OhMyDosh works here.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks* is free to join and like Quidco you can save money while shopping online. The good thing about Swagbucks is that you can also earn money by watching videos, playing games and taking part in surveys.
There’s an option to download their SwagButton* for free which pops-up and reminds you about the cashback you could earn.
You can collect points which then can be used as cash and transferred via PayPal or gift cards.
Read more about what we think about Swagbucks here.
Do Your Research
Preparation will make sure that you get the very best deals. Make a list this week of what you want, then have a quick Google using their shopping tool. Write down the cheapest price and wait for Friday. Is it cheaper elsewhere now?
Can you afford the item you’ve seen?
If you can’t it’s certainly not worth getting into debt over. Just because the deals are on doesn’t mean you have to spend your hard-earned money.
Use Deal Pages
Using deal pages like UKVoucherDeals means that you don’t have to go out to find the deals yourself. These sites hunt them down for you. It’s still good to remember that even they get tricked sometimes so always do your research first.
Check Prices
Before Black Friday starts do some research on the items you want and check the prices now. We do this with a spreadsheet listing quickly the shop name and cost. That way you can see if it’s actually a bargain or not.
Compare Prices
This may sound like a no brainer but also do your own price comparison. Sometimes sites don’t match product to product. Comparing them yourself will give you an easy way to see if what you’re paying for is the same as what you thought it was.
Sign Up Early
Many retailers will be emailing like crazy in the next couple of days to let us all know what deals they have coming. Get on the list ready to grab that bargain. You can always unsubscribe later if you’ve changed your mind.
Get Buying Early
Staying up until midnight might be worth it if you plan of snagging the best deals.
Bookmark
From the links above, bookmark them. That will give you a head start when Friday comes and everyone wants that site.
Big Savings
Big savings excite us all but sometimes they really are too good to be true. Shops are allowed to say “up to 60% off” and only have one or two products with that discount off. Always check how much is coming off and if it’s really worth it.
It isn’t always about price
How much we spend on an item is important but remember to check what other things come with the product is important too. Does one have a better warranty over another? Does one offer free delivery? Easy returns? All these are worth thinking about in a just in case scenario.
Historical Amazon Pricing
Use a site called CamelCamelCamel. It lists old Amazon prices so you see if what you’re paying now is the best deal.
Haggling is fun
You may find it a bit cringe-worthy but it’s so fun to haggle. You can even haggle online.
If you’re shopping online start by getting on the live chat and asking outright for a discount. What’s the worst that can happen?
In the high street ask what the best price is? Can they add anything on for that price? It can’t hurt to ask!
Extra Protection
Buying online can be safer. Consumer rights say that you have 14-days money back guarantee if you chnage your mind which you don’t always have in the shops. It’s worth thinking about.
Best Black Friday UK Deals
Here are the official Black Friday pages for some of the top online retailers.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, just over 50% of us here in the UK plan to shop for Christmas over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, with most of us purchasing on our phones.
To save everyone time, here are some of the best offers around, plus handy shopping tips on how to prepare and how to check if you’re really getting a good deal.
Amazon
Online giant Amazon have already started, with many of the must-have toys, electrical appliances and beauty products reduced with more hinted on Black Friday itself.
Argos
Argos recently announced that they are running a ‘bonanza 14 day Black Friday event’ after it’s success last year. Flash sales instore and online have started now, with many items slashed in price.
Asda George
From a huge toy roll back to 20% off woman’s fashion, George has started early. There may be some exclusive offers instore too, so watch out if you happen to be in an Asda on Friday.
Boots
Loads of deals here, from car seats, electronics and beauty products, with many also on the 3 for 2 as well.
Claire’s UK
From their Today Wow Deals to buy 1 choose 1 almost free, there are loads of offers here.
Converse UK
The sale has started, and now they are offering an extra 25% off with code 25OFF, but hurry, this ends at the end of the week.
Gourmet Society
Offering up to 50% off at 7000 restaurants, you can now also get the card for just £1 for the first 90 days!
House of Fraser
Offering up to 40% off, new deals are being added daily which include some big brand names like Dune, Gant and Mint Velvet.
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M&Co
Get 25% when you enter GLITTER25 before Sunday. Loads of offers here, so perfect if you need something for that works Christmas party.
Mama’s and Papas
Mama’s and Papas are offering up to 50% off on pushchairs, clothing, furniture, and highchairs.
Start-rite shoes
Offering up to 40% off, sizes do go quickly so order fast if you see something you like.
SuperBreak
No news on what SuperBreak are offering but they are doing something on Black Friday directly. It’s all a bit hush hush, so hopefully, a good deal can be found here.
The Entertainer
The Entertainer early deals are here, with some items being up to 70% off!
Laura x
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I’ll be using a cashback site that I have been with for a while, plus I definitely will be comparing prices as it’s not always a great deal thats being offered.
I always check for vouchers and cashback online before making any purchases, and compare prices to get the best deals
Amazon is my go to for Black Friday. Also don’t buy what you don’t need!
I rarely buy anything in the Black Friday sales, I may used a discount for a bag or some shoes I’ve seen on a high street website but I rarely need to electrical items & I mainly buy high end designer like Dior, Gucci and handmade arts & crafts and they don’t do discount or sales! I may use Amazon for a little discount on some new reading material as I have a list of books on my wish list.
I make a list of items, and stick to it. I don’t allow myself to get tempted by things I don’t really need.
I plan to save money by not being lured in by great deals on things I wouldn’t have bought otherwise!
I very rarely buy big things but when I do I never even think about Black Friday as the time to buy things I need, maybe I should .
List what you need for Christmas, and give it forethought. Then do extensive googling and bookmarking so you’re ready.
I am hoping to get a new tv on a good deal!
I like using Amazon as I have prime but I still don’t rely on their prices. I always search elsewhere for the best price, sometimes Amazon is cheaper and sometimes not.
I plan on saving money by doing some research beforehand on the ite,s I want and not be swayed if the prices aren’t good enough
Only by buying things I need like batteries and toilet rolls at prices that are cheaper than normal.
Buy what you need…don’t get sucked in by something that looks like a great deal…its only a great deal of you actually need it in the first place!
I have a small list of items which I want from Amazon, if the price is right then I’ll go for it, but I’m also aware that sometimes they are not always the best prices. I won’t buy if I don’t need.
I look for voucher codes and good offers before buying and will only buy what is on my list and I make sure I stick to the budget I have set.
I am not going to be spending on Black Friday which is the best way to save money! I am not going to get drawn into buying things I don’t need.
I try and put a little aside each week throughout the year for black Friday then do a little research and use my cashback sites and any coupons I can find to help reduce costs more 🙂
I will save money by not spending on Black Friday. There are bargains throughout the year
I always check out the deals on various sites and to compare prices. And I always use topcashback!
I’ll save lots of money by not buying anything at all on Black Friday!
I rarely buy anything on Black Friday unless it’s an item I actually need at that time.
There are always bargains at other times of year.
I have a Christmas list so I will only be buying from the list. Prepare is my advice
I have my list of things I want and I am buying nothing else. I do not intend to get carried away this year!
I always keep a check on prices running up to the sales so I d9n’t get carried way by ‘bargains’ that aren’t as good as they are hyped to be.
Checking deals before I buy
I set up a Wishlist on amazing so I always get an alert when something I like has a reduction in price – I also have a list of items that I need to get for Christmas so I can get searching when the deals go live and so I don’t get distracted
I’ll probably have a look at Amazon, but before buying anything would compare with other sites. Not got anything particular in mind at the moment but if I see an amazing deal who knows!!!
Try to find the best deals where I can, look around instead of just getting things the first place I see them in
I always check for vouchers and cashback online before making any purchases, and compare prices to get the best deals
We are actually in the situation where we don’t need anything at the moment! However, we don’t have a spare kettle or toaster, and ours are quite old, so I will keep an eye out for a good deal on those. And my wife loves ironing and uses an iron out in a year, so I will be looking at those also!
It is essential to do research before purchases and seek out the best deals
I won’t be buying anything on black Friday, I’ve been looking for reduced items all year round instead.
I’m going to cut down on my groceries to save money
I love black friday – before it happens I pick out all the things I’m looking for and wait to see if they pop up on a deal, I’m usually quite lucky doing this
I will be searching through lots of sites to get the best deals
Unless there is anything I specifically need to buy I won’t be buying for the sake of it. I think that is the thing to remember. You dont have to buy.
If I do buy I will ensure I check my cashback site fo see if there is a link which pays me for buying from them.
I also will check deals on the search engine to ensure I am getting a decent deal
I stick to what I actually need and almost try not to get pulled in too much by Black Friday. I think there are other offers always on anyway.
I also use top cash back for online purchases
I always check Cashback sites before purchasing.
I’m really specific over what i want and have been researching for months so I know what I’m prepared to pay and how much it is now/has been before
My freezer is on its last legs so I am looking for discount due to black Friday, but I always check Quidco, I have made over £600 so far!
I have my list made up which I am sticking to! I am checking Amazon & other sites daily to see if they are already discounted in a flash sale…I also have some points rewards that I am saving to target certain stores. I saved a ton last year and hope to do the same this year!
I make a list of all birthday and Christmas gifts and buy them throughout the year as and when i see them especially in the sales and on offer. This prevents a huge bill in December.
For Black Friday I have a list of things I want to look for so I don’t get too carried away – this way I don’t buy things unnecessarily and stick to what I need (especially for gifts for Christmas!)
I make my Christmas list throughout the year and then check across websites on Black Friday for each item. I always get myself a little treat if it’s good value too!
I’m waiting to see if they have any offers on Ring doorbells this year.
I look at Amazon, also I use hotdealsuk to see any good deals.
i will be sticking to the list of things i want to buy and checking for any voucher codes or offers-and checking various sites for the best prices.
I will be looking at the Amazon purchases that I will be making and seeing if there are any savings and will be applying all the vouchers that I’ve been saving up !
Only buy things that I actually need for myslef or gifts rather than getting sucked into great deals on things I don’t really need!!
Research lots of sellers, check for vouchers and buy through Quidco or Cashback sites.
Have a list of what I want to buy and how much it’s retailing at before hand. Don’t deviate from the list as it’s not a deal if it is something you don’t need!
I will decide what I want and remain untempted to deviate from my list
I plan on making sure if we do buy anything we use topcashback when we do.
I’m planning on saving money by not buying anything as there’s nothing we really need
I will be making a list and ensuring that I know what the items usually cost first.
I don’t have any specific saving plans, but I will probably get notifications about some savings to consider.
Don’t buy anything on the spur of the moment on Black Friday because if you didn’t plan before hand to buy it, you don’t need it. If something is in the sale always look at it and think ” would I still want it if it was full price ?” . If the answer is no, don’t get it just because it’s cheap.
I’m planning on buying some reduced price gift cards from Perkbox to pay for goods to make my Black Friday bargains even cheaper
I am going to make a list and look around for the best deals on what i need for Christmas gifts and also for the house!
I have written down all the presents and toys I need to buy for Christmas with the store/website and lowest current price, then I’m going to search for them on Black Friday and see if I can get them any cheaper
Hoping to save on park tickets for a big holiday next year!
I prefer to shop online so wait for cyber Monday. I find I can get the eat deals easier than on the high street.
i always check for vouchers and cashback
I am looking at the deals already and before I make a purchase just double check against Amazon thta it is the best price!
I will only buy items already on my shopping list. If I’m only buying something because it’s reduced I’m not saving money!
I’m going to do lots of research online for the best prices to save money on gifts
I shop around and try to find the best price
I do research first make of list of what I actually want otherwise I’d end up with so much u wanted stuff as it’s a bargain and I’m goi g to stick to my budget this Year hopefully
I won’t be spending on black Friday.
I can’t afford to buy anything but if I could I’d make sure I had a list and use this post to make sure of finding a real bargain
Not shopping so much!
Avoid buying stuff lol. Never works, I always end up buying to much in Black Friday sales.. but it’s usually things I would have brought anyway, and I will check with other sites on the price to make sure I’m getting the best deal possible.
I’ve downloaded an app and get alerts for only the things I want
Sadly not in a position to do any spending this year but I shall get some things listed on ebay in the hope of attracting passing bargain hunters
Throughout the year I top up up my Amazon balance with a small amount each week. By the time Black Friday comes, I have enough to buy the family’s Christmas presents and also find something to treat myself with!
I’ll be using Easy Fundrasing – it might not be saving me money but it will mean donating to my chosen charity.
I will be looking around for the best deals
We give presents on January 6th (day of the wise kings) instead of December 25th so that we can buy them during the sales.
I’ll be on to Amazon for Black Friday Deals but won’t over spend. They’ve just had a secret sale and I got a few fab bargains
I only look for what I need, if I see something that’s cheaper than the usual price I will buy it. Sometimes Black Friday deals are not a bargain.
You offer lots of good advice here, and its so important that we only buy what we can afford, and what we intend to buy, otherwise it isn’t a real bargain, just extra payout. Like you, and many others, I always use cashback sites, and look for vouchers too, and of course shop around for the best deals. I’ll be taking a look at what’s on offer on Black Friday to see if I can get anything on my list a little cheaper.