How to make the most of Black Friday: 5 expert hacks to getting the best deal

• A finance expert shares their top tips on getting the best Black Friday deals 

In the run-up to Christmas, Black Friday marks a period of excitement and chaos, as consumers scramble to get the best deals on thousands of products, with big-name brands and retailers offering sizeable discounts. 

With so many items on offer, it can be easy to get bogged down in the frenzy of everything around you. 

So, what are the best ways to make sure you are getting the most out of a certain deal and how can you make the right Black Friday purchase?

Finance expert and founder of Pennies to Pounds podcast and blog, Kia Commodore, shares her top tips on how consumers can stretch their money further during the busiest shopping period of the year. 

Finance expert and founder of Pennies to Pounds podcast and blog, Kia Commodore, shares her top tips on how consumers can stretch their money further during the busiest shopping period of the year. Pictured: Shoppers on Oxford Street in London on Black Friday 2023

Consider the added value you’re getting 

Added benefits and exclusive add-ons are often overlooked but will help you get real bang for your buck. 

Make sure you’re considering these additional benefits too and checking out what’s available to make your purchase better value.

Commenting on the pressures of getting the best deal during the sales, Kia Commodore says: ‘It’s natural to feel pressure to go with the first good deal you see during Black Friday sales. 

‘But when you’re investing in new tech in particular, it can be a big financial outlay and you want to make sure you’re not only getting a good price, but value for your money too.’ 

It comes as research from Virgin Media O2 reveals that, while almost half (48%) saying they consider value for money over the lifetime of a product, only a quarter (26%) admit to checking the additional benefits and perks they get with a purchase. 

Understand what you’re buying 

Kia’s next tip concerns doing your due diligence to really understand the nature of your purchase. 

She says that customers rarely look at the smaller details before making purchases, often due to fear of missing out on the deal. 

The finance expert added: ‘It’s worth checking the deal you’re after won’t leave you potentially paying for your phone twice! What is the warranty like? Can I get a split contract? Do I get inclusive roaming?’

Research from Virgin Media O2 reveals that, while almost half (48%) saying they consider value for money over the lifetime of a product, only a quarter (26%) admit to checking the additional benefits and perks they get with a purchase. Pictured: Shoppers in a target store in Chicago, Illinois

She gives the example of purchasing a new phone or TV as a moment to ask yourself ‘Are you getting access to other experiences or benefits not offered by others?’

‘Things like this help make your money go further and you can be sure you’re choosing a good deal that actually delivers value beyond immediate price.’ 

Go Green

A common perk of purchasing new tech items is that you can now get money for recycling your old device. 

With this opportunity available, Kia says you should think about what you could do with your old devices, asking: ‘Is there a way you can recycle them and even make some money or could you buy a refurbished device to rather than brand new?’

If you are purchasing with a certain budget in mind, it is worth browsing around to see how you can not only get the best deal, but also play your part in stopping unnecessary waste.

Have a clear budget 

Kia also advised that, because of the frenzy surrounding Black Friday, it is easy to drown in a sea of discounts and lose all sense of financial responsibility. 

She said: ‘It can be really easy to panic buy and unwittingly spend more than intended. 

‘Take the time now to decide the top things you would deem ‘must-buy’ as well as a list of any ‘worth checking out’ purchases. 

In the run-up to Christmas, Black Friday marks a period of excitement and chaos, as consumers scramble to get the best deals on thousands of products, with big-name brands and retailers offering sizeable discounts. Pictured: shoppers in Chadstone Shopping Centre, in Melbourne, Australia 

‘This will help you to prioritise and avoid spending more than planned. Write out, or have clear in your head, your goal budget and then absolute max spending cap so you can keep track and stay on budget.’

Take your time 

The money-saving expert’s final tip centred around the length of time discounts may be available around Black Friday, which may be longer than you think. 

Kia advised: ‘With so many deals up for grabs it’s easy to feel pressure to buy right then and there, shown by the fact that 50% admit to spending less time deciding to buy a product in Black Friday sales compared to usual.’

She continued by warning that it is vital to ‘take the time to assess what you really need and can afford’, also urging consumers not to be rushed by any potential deadlines as some Black Friday discounts can ‘even continue in the run up to Christmas’.  

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