Father's Day shopping guide

Top 8 Black Friday shopping tips and hacks

Black Friday is approaching and that means shoppers across the country are getting ready for some serious bargain hunting.

The annual shopping event has become the biggest retail sale of the year, even outperforming Boxing Day, and is viewed as the official start to the Christmas shopping period in Australia. 

The sale officially begins on November 29 and runs through to Cyber Monday on December 2, offering shoppers four days of massive discounts across stores and online. With retailers gearing up to slash prices on everything from tech to fashion, bargain hunters are already preparing to take advantage of the deals.

In this Canstar Blue guide, we tell you how to prepare for the sale weekend to help you get the best Black Friday deals before they sell out. 

1. Research ahead of time

Start researching items you want to buy before Black Friday arrives. Take note of regular prices so you’ll recognise a genuine discount when you see one. Many retailers release previews of their Black Friday deals a few days early, allowing you to compare prices and the best offers. Research can also help you prioritise must-have items and stick to your budget.

2. Add items to your shopping cart early

One way to save time and ensure you’re ready to purchase is to add items to your shopping cart before the sales begin. By doing this, you’ll be ready to check out quickly when discounts go live, reducing the risk of items selling out while you shop. This is especially useful for popular products, such as electronics and appliances, which often go fast during Black Friday sales.

3. Set a Budget

To avoid overspending during Black Friday, set a clear budget before you start shopping. Determine how much you can afford and make a list of the items you actually need or plan to purchase. This will help you stay focused and resist impulse buys. Keep track of your spending throughout the sales to ensure you remain within your limit. It’s also a good idea to leave a little room in your budget for unexpected but worthwhile deals, as long as they fit within your overall financial plan.

4. Focus on big-ticket items

Black Friday is a great time to go after big-ticket items, such as electronics, tech and home appliances as these often come with the biggest discounts. This is a chance to save significantly on things you might have planned to buy anyway. Some of the larger retail stores that sell these big-ticket items offer best-price guarantees, so shop around and take the cheapest price you find to a competitor and see if they’ll beat it. They’ll be happy to make the sale and you’ll save even more. 

5. Sign up for sale previews with different brands

If you know you want to purchase something from a particular brand, create a membership account with them or sign up for their newsletter. Some brands give members early access or previews to Black Friday sales, meaning you can prepare your wish list and get in early to purchase once the sale starts.

Certain retailers may also offer exclusive online discounts, while others might have in-store-only deals. Be prepared to shop through both channels so you have a better chance of finding what you’re looking for at the best price. 

6. Review return policies

Before you buy, check the retailer’s return policy for Black Friday items. Some stores have different return rules for sale items, and it’s helpful to know if you can get a refund or exchange if you change your mind. This is especially important when buying gifts, as you want to ensure the recipient can return or exchange the item if needed.

7. Don’t hesitate

The best deals can sell out quickly during Black Friday sales so it’s important to act fast if you find something you genuinely want at a great price. Many retailers have limited stock for heavily discounted items, so waiting too long to make a decision might mean missing out. However, ensure you’ve done a price check or comparison to confirm the deal is worthwhile before purchasing. If the retailer offers a solid return policy, you can feel more confident about buying quickly, knowing you have the option to return it later if needed. Having your payment details and shipping information ready in advance can also save precious time during checkout.

8. Beware of Scams

When shopping during Black Friday sales, it is important to stay vigilant against scams. Stick to reputable retailers and avoid unfamiliar websites unless you can verify their legitimacy. Always check for secure connections by ensuring the website address starts with https:// and displays a padlock icon. Deals that seem too good to be true often are, so approach these with caution. Be wary of clicking on links in unsolicited emails or social media ads and instead navigate directly to the retailer’s official website. Before purchasing, take the time to check reviews, return policies, and the retailer’s contact details to confirm their credibility.

Final tips for Black Friday shopping

With a bit of planning and strategy, Black Friday can be a great opportunity to get quality items at lower prices.

Be sure to do your research ahead of time so you can recognise a genuine bargain when you see one, and remember never to spend beyond your means. Buy now, pay later platforms, such as AfterPay, can be convenient but they also come with risk if you can’t make your payments on time. 

Take advantage of these hacks to make your Black Friday shopping more efficient and enjoyable, saving you both time and money as the holiday season approaches.

Ready to shop? Check out these early bird Black Friday offers.

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