Black Friday weekend: How to find the best deals and avoid the worst
British shoppers are set to drop £7bn on products this Black Friday weekend, as they surf the web and hit the high streets in search of the most generous deals.
But as price comparison site Finder.com predicts bargain hunters will spend an average of £220 each, with everybody discounting products it’s hard to know where offers the best deals.
Here we take you through Black Friday spending estimates, and some handy hints for finding the best deals and staying safe online.
Estimated spend
With Finder.com predicting a £7bn outlay, Vouchercodes.co.uk and the Centre for Retail Research predict shoppers will part with £2.4bn.
So far today shoppers have spent 20 per cent more than at the same stage of the discount extravaganza last year, according to Topcashback, which predicts single-day spend for the today to surpass £1.5bn for the first time.
That is equivalent to over £13,500 a minute, £1,000 per minute more than last year.
UK director Adam Bullock said: “It goes to show that while many remain cynical about Black Friday, and it is clearly more important than ever to do your research and check you really are getting a good deal, there is a clear demand for lower prices and savings in the run up to Christmas.”
Best retailers
So far high street stalwarts are benefiting the most from Black Friday, the rebates company said.
| 1 | Debenhams |
| 2 | Currys PC World |
| 3 | Just Eat |
| 4 | Groupon |
| 5 | Look Fantastic |
| 6 | Asos |
| 7 | Boots |
| 8 | Nike |
| 9 | Very |
| 10 | John Lewis & Partners |
Shop around and compare deals
But with so many deals on, it’s important to shop around for the best offers.
Finder.com advised shoppers to do their research, checking out deals before they plan to buy to avoid any impulse decisions.
One example it raises is Apple’s underwhelming Black Friday offers, which typically are beaten by companies offering new or refurbished Apple products at higher discounts.
Consumer group Which warns shoppers that Black Friday deals often aren’t the lowest prices seen for products throughout the year.
One LG 4K TV was advertised at £799 on Black Friday last year but it was £50 cheaper on 62 other days after the discount day, and £150 cheaper over Christmas.
You can use websites like camelcamelcamel to track historic price differences on products to make sure you buy it at its cheapest.
Track deals
Many deals are time-sensitive, or are beaten by a newer offer. By putting items in your online shopping basket you can secure the bargain temporarily before hunting around for better offers elsewhere.
Using voucher codes helps you get even better deals than advertised, so these are also worth considering.
Check the refund policy
If you’ve overdone it on Black Friday when you look at your spending, remember that you have two weeks to return your items and get a refund if you’ve bought them online.
Beware that some stores won’t let you return your items if you buy in-store, so make sure you check the returns policy.
Beware of online hackers
Spy agency GCHQ warned shoppers today of the risks of online shopping, and it has provided some handy tips to anyone venturing online who may not be aware of the dangers.
Among them are advice on strengthening your passwords and to avoid clicking on links received via email – these may be an attempt to steal your financial or personal details.