Mrs Mummypenny’s Advice on Black Friday Shopping

Every advert I have watched this week has been about Black Friday. I have been part of a Twitter Chat on Sunday and have recorded an interview on Bob FM my local radio station. All talking about Black Friday, but mostly what to watch out for with tips and advice. So I wanted to share them on here as well.

Black Friday is a recent marketing ploy from the big brands. I spent 5 years working for a retailer from 2010 to 2015…there were no promotions at the end of Nov from 2010 to 2012. Maybe a little in 2013, a lot more in 2014. I no longer work there but they will be going big this year.

Here is my Black Friday advice

1. Write a list of what you are keen to buy and do your research. From Pennies to Pounds mentioned in our Sunday Twitter chat that a site like Camel Camel Camel is a good one to check for price changes over time. Check your product to see if the price you see on Black Friday is actually a great deal. ‘Which’ have done some research recently and have found that 49% of products were on offer in the months before or after Black Friday for cheaper prices that the offer price!
2. Shop online rather than in store. And use cashback websites. If you signup to Topcashback you can get extra discount on your purchases in the form of cashback on your purchase. Just find the retailer on Topcashback and click through to your retailer of choice and make your purchase as normal. Shopping online is so much less stressful, you can spend time researching the deals and there will be much more stock available.
3. Use websites like Latest Deals to search for fabulous deals. A great site with offers posted by the public. I love browsing through the latest offers for gift inspiration and whenever I find a deal it is posted on here.
4. If you do have to go in store use the retailer price promise policy. Many use it, John Lewis, Mothercare, Toysrus to name a few. If you find a product do a quick check of prices elsewhere, if you find it cheaper in another retailer, just flash up your phone and it will be price matched.
5. Most importantly its the thought of ‘ can you afford it and do you need it’. If you can’t don’t go getting yourself into debt to buy that latest new TV or games console. And really consider if you need the product rather than want it.

I hope you enjoyed my top tips, for lots more tips and information why not check out the UK Money Bloggers chat from Friday night with all sorts of information from the brilliant money blogging community