Black Friday is here and shoppers in Inverness and beyond worldwide are gearing up for what promises to be another year of record-breaking sales and irresistible discounts. With careful planning and strategic decision-making, you can maximise your savings while avoiding common pitfalls. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the shopping extravaganza like a pro.
1. Mastering the Black Friday Mindset
Do: Plan with a Wishlist and Budget
Preparation is key. Create a wishlist of items you truly need or want and set a clear budget to avoid overspending. Studies show that the average shopper budgets around £400, but staying realistic and flexible within your means is crucial. A pre-planned approach ensures you remain focused amidst the shopping frenzy.
Don’t: Succumb to Impulse Buys
Flashy discounts and “limited-time” deals can cloud judgment. Ask yourself: “Would I buy this at full price?” If the answer is no, think twice before adding it to your cart. Remember, a bargain is only worthwhile if it serves a genuine purpose.
2. Unearthing Genuine Deals
Do: Research Price Histories
Not all discounts are as genuine as they appear. Tools like PriceRunner, or Keepa for Amazon can track price changes, helping you identify authentic deals from marketing gimmicks. Spot the trends and swoop in when the price hits rock bottom.
Don’t: Assume Discounts Mean Value
Beware of older tech or last season’s models being sold at seemingly steep discounts. While these items may serve your needs, always verify specifications to ensure they align with your expectations.
3. Shopping Safely Online
Do: Verify Retailers and Use Secure Payment Methods
Stick to trusted retailers and always check for SSL certificates (look for the padlock icon in the address bar) when shopping online. Using payment methods like credit cards or PayPal provides additional layers of security, such as chargeback rights or Section 75 protections for purchases over £100.
Don’t: Fall for Scam Websites
Scammers often clone popular retailer websites to trick unsuspecting buyers. Double-check URLs and avoid deals that seem too good to be true. Additionally, read independent reviews before committing to unfamiliar brands.
4. Timing Is Everything
Do: Take Advantage of Early Deals
Many retailers launch their Black Friday deals days, or even weeks, in advance. Monitor your favourite stores’ apps or sign up for newsletters to receive notifications about early-bird discounts.
Don’t: Rush Decisions
Even during Black Friday, patience can pay off. Leave items in your online cart for a short while—many retailers send additional discounts to nudge hesitant shoppers toward completing their purchase.
5. Practical Shopping Tips
Do: Check Return Policies
Before buying, ensure the retailer offers a clear and fair return policy. Sales events often extend delivery times, so it’s wise to confirm whether you’ll have enough time to exchange or return items if needed.
Don’t: Overlook Reviews
User reviews can reveal important details about product quality and retailer reliability. Be especially cautious of items with massive discounts but a history of poor feedback.
6. Payment Planning
Do: Consider Payment Protections
Credit cards offer valuable buyer protections under the Consumer Credit Act. For debit card users, chargeback schemes can help recover funds if something goes wrong. These safeguards can provide peace of mind when making significant purchases.
Don’t: Overuse Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services
While BNPL services can spread out costs, over-reliance on this payment method can lead to budgeting issues. Keep track of your instalments to avoid financial stress in the months ahead.
7. Leveraging Cashback and Voucher Codes
Do: Stack Discounts
Cashback websites and voucher codes can amplify your savings. Combining these tools with retailer promotions can yield unbeatable prices. For instance, sign up for retailer apps or loyalty programs to unlock exclusive rewards.
Don’t: Forget About Delivery Costs
Hidden fees, like shipping charges, can quickly erode your savings. Look for retailers offering free delivery or consider click-and-collect options to minimise extra costs.
8. Understanding Your Consumer Rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act, all goods must be as described, fit for purpose, and of satisfactory quality. Additionally, the Consumer Contracts Regulations grant extended rights for online purchases, including cancellation options. Familiarise yourself with these protections to shop confidently.
Make Black Friday Shopping Easy With Inverness Taxis
This Black Friday you don’t have to trudge home with all your gifts on the bus or park 1000 miles away from the shops because there’s no parking, prebook your Inverness Taxi and we’ll glide you into Inverness and back making shopping the joy it should be! You can book your local taxi through our convenient platforms:
Call Inverness Taxis on 01463222222
Or, for an immediate taxi, download our partner app SafeKab to book your Inverness taxi at the touch of a button!
Get your taxi from our city centre Inverness Taxi office on Church Street this November and December and you could win a £120 Inverness City Centre gift card! Just visit and get your taxi and you; ‘ll be entered into our weekly raffle! How many more reasons do you need to make Inverness Taxis your ‘partner in Christmas’ this December?!