Are you trying to save some cash on your Christmas shopping or find a big-ticket deal? We spoke with professionals on how to spot real bargains and steer clear of bad purchases in tech, skincare, fashion, and other areas.
Black Friday may be a great time to discover a deal, whether you’re looking for a luxury coat that won’t break the bank or a smartphone that’s half off. Retailers frequently reduce prices to an unaffordable level in an effort to get rid of outdated inventory, draw in new clients, and increase sales of seasonal goods.
Although black friday couch deals , which occurs on November 29 this year, offers some truly amazing bargains, the yearly shopping frenzy is fraught with dangers. You might not bother to read the fine print or even make sure the TV will fit in your living room when it’s £800 off and “nearly sold out.”
How do you avoid squandering good money after bad and get the finest deals? We sought guidance from professionals in a variety of fields, including toys, technology, and travel.
Tablets and phones
If you don’t mind settling for last year’s model, smartphones offer some of the largest Black Friday discounts. “As long as it was high-end at the time, there’s nothing wrong with last year’s phone,” argues tech writer Alan Martin. Few people require the newest and best models, and phone specifications have stagnated. A flagship phone from 2023 can save you a lot of money and won’t be all that bad compared to one from 2024.
However, I wouldn’t advise purchasing the cheap model from the previous year. Its deteriorating specifications will only worsen with time, and software upgrades won’t be available for as long. Your phone must be able to get updates since they install the newest features and maintain a device safe.
Make sure your phone has enough power to support the AI capabilities that manufacturers are pushing right now. “Some older handsets may be left out in the cold because AI is memory-intensive,” Martin explains. “Apple Intelligence, the next iPhone AI, requires 8GB of RAM. Thus, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the only phones from last year’s lineup that are compatible.
Mobile agreements
According to Andy Aitken of the mobile network Honest, “the best Black Friday phone deals tend to be for SIM-free devices.” Contract agreements frequently have conditions, including mandatory price increases, and networks are aware that Black Friday shoppers are hurried and don’t always read the fine print. Additionally, watch out for deals that appear too good to be true, like 100GB when you just need 2GB.
Additionally, Alan Martin warns against temptingly low-cost contracts that bind you for years. In the hopes that individuals won’t realize how long they’re tied in, I’ve seen offers that highlight the low monthly cost. Generally speaking, multiply the monthly expense by the total number of months you are responsible for. Assuming the included data and minutes satisfy your needs, it’s an excellent value if that amount is far less than what you would pay for a SIM-free phone. Make careful to verify before you join up because contracts longer than two years are becoming more and more common.
Martin also warns about getting sucked into Black Friday deals. I still use the Bose QC25s that were sent with a Huawei phone six years ago, but it’s a good idea to check for freebies to see how well-reviewed they are. It’s not a good indicator if you can’t find any reviews. To determine the true value of a freebie, always figure out the contract’s cost.
Skin care
According to beauty expert Justine Masters, often known as the Alternative Facialist, Black Friday could be the best time to stock up on high-end serums, vitamins, and at-home facial technology because they can be highly costly outside of discounts. But before you pull out your credit card, figure out what skincare you need. “Ascertain your skin type,” advises Masters. “You’ve wasted your money if the products aren’t good for your skin, even though the deals are great and they may be receiving a lot of attention on TikTok.” To get ahead of the line, follow your favorite businesses on social media, as Masters shares her own discounts with her followers.
Style
Even though the leaves are still on the trees, stores are already getting rid of winter clothing. According to Andrew Norton, center director of Eden Shopping Centre in High Wycombe, “stores like New Look and H&M typically have seasonal sales on winter necessities like coats, knitwear, and accessories.” “As stores clear out inventory, you’ll usually find the biggest discounts on out-of-season items and wardrobe staples like sweaters and jeans, so it’s an opportunity to get high-quality pieces for less.”
According to Norton, clothing is even more affordable during the January deals, but be prepared for the items that other people didn’t want. If you’re searching for the best deal, January can be a smart choice because of the bigger cutbacks that fashion frequently makes following Christmas, especially on winter apparel. Because there is more stock available, Black Friday is preferable for popular items or certain sizes.
Furniture
Don’t expect to save a lot of money on Black Friday, even if you’re itching to replace the sagging guest mattress or the shaky dining table before the hordes arrive for Christmas. “To make room for new products, retailers save their biggest furniture discounts for the new year,” explains Nick Drewe of the bargain website Wethrift. Because gyms and stores offer deals to capitalize on post-Christmas objectives, home exercise equipment is also typically less expensive in January.
Furniture for a home office is a different matter. During Black Friday week, several of the most popular office chairs and desks on Amazon drop to their lowest prices. However, TechRadar Pro’s Mike Moore advises against getting influenced by steep price reductions. “You will be utilizing an office chair for extended periods of time.” Additionally, you cannot try out the chair when you purchase it online. Both of your feet should be on the ground, and your elbows should be between 90 and 110 degrees from the floor. Measure at least a little before you go shopping.