I have experience Black Friday deal-hunter, here are the top tips

“It’s been 84 years”. Well, it didn’t last as long as Rose did when she returned to Titanic, but it felt like when November rolled around.

I’m Abha, Deputy Shopping Editor of The London Standard. I have been working on Black Friday events for this fair publication since 2019, looking for the best deals and offers to ensure our readers don’t waste their money.

Ask my friends and they will tell you: I shrink at the idea of ​​spending money. I always shop around for the best broadband deal, my phone bill is SIM only and I’ll rummage through my wardrobe for another layer before I go anywhere near the thermostat. Oh, and if there’s a good offer, I won’t close it.

But even with my natural Penny-watching ways, I’ve also noticed Black Friday deals. Every year, the event gets bigger as more brands, services and retailers get in on the action – and shoppers get to take the spoils. It also means there’s a lot of noise out there, but I’ve developed a sonar-like ability to spot the good from the bad.

Here are the golden rules for breaking Black Friday 2024.

It’s easy to be fooled by the amazing deals when it comes to Black Friday (this year it’s on November 29), but if you’re on a mission, don’t stop until you’ve checked off everything on your list. Whether you’re preparing for a new baby, want to make a New Year’s resolution or want to stretch your Christmas shopping budget, Black Friday has it all.

If you know you want a certain brand or model, make a note of it. If you don’t mind labels, a generic list will give you more flexibility (and save you more down the road). Create a separate column listing how much you will spend on each item so you don’t go overboard and break your budget.

Black Friday means stiff competition between retailers and undercutting a lot. If one retailer gets a lower price on the same product at a competitor, he will do what he can to lower his own price. As a shopper, you can use this price war to your advantage to get the best deal for your wallet.

Don’t forget that it’s not just savings here. Smart retailers may offer freebies like free delivery and returns, extended warranties or freebies, adding to the overall value of the purchase – even if the actual price is neck and neck.

If you remember splurging on expensive things like white goods, large furniture or beds but you are not tied to a specific brand, you are in pole position, because it means you can really shop.

Write down your non-negotiables and desired features to help you narrow down your search. For example, if you are looking for a new vacuum cleaner, decide if you want a cordless model, if it needs to be equipped with a special device for cleaning the car or stairs, and if it fits in the designated storage area. that. Have nervous pets or small children at home? Add something that won’t make the almighty din to your must have list. Along with your budget, you will narrow down your options and make your choice easier.

Apart from Black Friday, Christmas is the most dominant event at the end of the year, but mindful Black Friday shopping can continue to pay off until the New Year.

Savvy shoppers are taking advantage of the bargain bonanza to pick up gifts, decorations, food and drinks and household items even if they haven’t been used for months. Need a tent for a summer festival or is it time to replace your last BBQ? Shopping for out-of-season items can save you a lot of money (just make sure you have the space to store them first).

Don’t forget that Black Friday deals extend beyond products. I have picked up restaurant vouchers that are worth double, discount flights to Europe and the Middle East, and cut-price theater tickets in the past Black Friday sales.

From the return and use-by date to expiration, it’s always worth checking the finer details before buying, especially when the adrenaline rush of shopping is running high.

If you buy a service, make sure you have time to use it or order before the sale becomes invalid. For products, make sure to return them if you are not satisfied. Think twice about a really cheap deal with a ‘no returns’ policy: it’s definitely something to think about before you fork over the money.

With retailers racing each other to get your Pound Sterling, there is a temptation among shoppers to wait until prices drop. It’s a risky strategy: don’t forget you’re not the only one eyeing up a good deal. If the product sells out, you lose everything, which might not be bad if you’re just window shopping but can make you kick yourself if you’ve waited all year for the price to drop on a new plane. from headphones, laptops or coffee machines.

My advice? Make your move as soon as you like the discount and resist the temptation to check again if the price has dropped even more. You will only stop, and the rest, you pay the price you like – have fun.

This goes double for flash sales, when you have a limited time to buy items at a certain discount. Chances are that this event is one-off; there won’t be a repeat chance – well, not until next year.

Whether it’s your first time shopping in the Black Friday sale or you want guidance from a team you can trust, the Standard Shopping Team is here for you. From now until the event ends on Cyber ​​​​​​Monday (December 2), we will keep you posted on the best deals.

When the official bonanza kicks off, we Live Blog will tell you about flash sales, amazing deals and discounts you can’t miss.

See you at the start line!