So what’s all this hype? Black Friday is only one of the biggest shopping sales event of the year, running from Friday, 23rd November until Sunday, 25th. It’s then followed by Cyber Monday (November 26th this year) which offers the icing on the cake for online sales.
Originating in the USA, Black Friday has Australians leaping on the bargain shopping bandwagon. While deals were originally focused on technical goods, the great news for fashionistas like us, is that in recent years, sales have spread across all departments, with fashion deals at the forefront.
It’s a weekend where retailers drop their prices dramatically and everyone can score a bargain – a perfect time to take clients shopping, rejuvenate your own wardrobe or tick some big ticket items off the Christmas list – for a fraction of the cost.
To ensure you make the most out of this annual shopping event, follow these tips:
Jump in early
Black Friday Sales officially kick off today, though you will find stores have already flooded your inbox with early offers providing a head start to deal hunters. Take advantage before your size sells out!
Write a list
Take a smart and centred approach to this shopping experience by concentrating on the things you need, not just want. Write a list and stick to it. It’s all too easy to get swept up in the moment to snaffle a once-in-a-year deal. But keep in mind, it’s only a deal when you were planning on buying the item in the first place.
Know your stuff
The only way you will know you have scored a true deal is if you are aware of the item’s price history. Some stores mark up their products in October to show a dramatic drop in costs for the sales, but do your research and don’t be blinded by the discounted sale sign. Also use your styling eye to make sure you are buying the latest trend. Stores will take the opportunity to clear out their warehouses and drop prices on old stock.
Find your Zen
Master the art of patience and flexibility. If a pair of leather pants from David Jones sells out, have a Plan B in mind you know you’ll be happy with. If standing in a long queue of excited shoppers isn’t your scene, jump online instead. Enjoy the shopping experience instead of making it a stressful one.
Stay ahead of the pack
Signing up to a deal tracker such as www.finder.com.au/black-friday-deals takes the hassle out of searching for the top sales, or potentially missing them. Up to date information can be sent directly to your inbox.
Be safe
Whether it be a stampede into Myer or wondering if an online deal might be too good to be true, no deal is worth putting your safety in jeopardy. This means keeping a level head around potentially confronting shoppers. Beware of internet scammers during this period and only buy from trustworthy sites. Read the fine print too. Make sure you are aware of the return policies on the items you purchase.
Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have merged in recent years with Cyber Monday offering reassurance to online shoppers that they haven’t missed out on a deal yet.
Cyber Monday certainly has its appeal – shopping in your pyjamas from the comfort of your own home with Black Friday deals often extended to Cyber Monday anyway. It’s a way to avoid crowds, save time on travel and a better way to avoid impulse purchases.
Keep your wits about you online and use an incognito window in your browser to ensure you beat the cookies system tracking how much you are willing to pay for an item.
It’s the unofficial start to silly season shopping. So get festive and make the most of the experience. Don’t forget to use it as an opportunity to reconnect with previous clients by looking for something you would recommend for them and sending the link saying I say this and thought of your instantly!
Happy shopping!
