1. Make a list of your real needs
First pitfall of Black Friday: consuming for the sake of consuming. Keep in mind that while some promotions are great, the best savings will always be those made by avoiding buying products you don't need. Indeed, the point of buying during a reduction period is to spend less than planned on purchases that you would have made no matter what, and not to create new desires.
To do this, draw up a list of products you plan to buy in the coming months in advance, so you know how to direct your research.
2. Set a budget
One of the most common mistakes during Black Friday is giving in to the excitement of promotions without controlling your spending. Also, to avoid getting into difficulty, determine in advance the overall budget that you are willing to devote to your purchases. Then distribute it according to your priorities, for example by allocating an amount for Christmas gifts, another for the equipment you will need in the coming year, and, possibly, a small margin for a possible financial boost. heart. Then respect this financial framework, to avoid impulsive purchases.
3. Compare prices before and during Black Friday
Buying during Black Friday does not necessarily mean getting a good deal. To be sure to benefit from the best offer, do not hesitate to compare prices over time (many online tools allow you to follow the evolution of a price over several weeks) but also between brands (because discounts on the same product can be very different from one seller to another.
And if you don't have the time to dedicate to a careful comparison, know that many sites offer alert features, which send you a notification in the event of a price drop on a specific product. Activate these services a few days before Black Friday to make sure you don't miss out on a good deal.
4. Evaluate the value for money of the products
You have found a product that meets your needs at a price that seems very attractive to you, good luck! However, before buying, take the time to evaluate its value for money: buying a product at a reduced price but of poor quality, which you will have to replace quickly, will ultimately cost you more. Also, armed with the product reference, start by checking customer reviews on specialized sites or platforms like Amazon, paying attention to recent comments on durability, performance and possible defects.
Also compare the technical characteristics of the product with those of similar models to see if it meets your real needs. And above all, be wary of “Black Friday special” versions, often less efficient or lacking certain accessories, and favor known references.
5. Be aware of additional or hidden fees
When you evaluate the interest of a promotion, take into account the price displayed, but do not forget any additional costs: depending on the site, delivery costs, taxes or any processing costs can considerably increase the bill! Buying elsewhere, perhaps a little more expensive initially, but with free delivery for example, can ultimately make a real difference. Also check if the return is free, because a product on sale but not refundable can be risky if you are not satisfied with it. Finally, be wary of additional paid warranties, often offered at a cost disproportionate to the product itself. For your electronic devices in particular (phones, computers, tablets, etc.) your bank or your usual insurance often offers similar or even better guarantees for less money.
6. Check for cross promotions
Determining which offer is the most advantageous can be more complicated than expected, as sales conditions or cross promotions are sometimes difficult to compare. These combined offers often include additional promo codes, cashback, discounts for purchasing multiple items, or even free accessories. For example, if you want to buy a laptop, some sites may offer you a discount on a mouse or headset, while others will offer you a free extended warranty. It's up to you to see which offer, beyond its price, best suits your needs.
Furthermore, certain loyalty cards or banking applications can offer you additional advantages, such as partial reimbursement of the purchase, doubling of your loyalty points, specific gifts, etc. In the event of a large purchase in particular, take the time to read the conditions of these promotions to maximize their impact, and make sure that they apply to the products that interest you. By cleverly combining these offers, you could get much more than just the advertised discount.
7. Be quick and efficient
Each year, in the midst of “classic” promotions, a few excellent deals stand out and are snapped up, sometimes giving rise to crowded scenes in the stores. Black Friday has partly made its reputation on these spectacular promotions. Without giving in to the sirens of unbridled consumption (it's only a question of products, not your survival) if you have spotted a deal in advance that you don't want to miss, organize yourself: create accounts on sites where you plan to buy, register your addresses and payment details, and check the limits of your bank card. These simple steps will prevent you from wasting time or stress when finalizing your purchases. Also favor online purchases to avoid the rush of physical stores: the promotions there are often equivalent, or even better. Finally, if an item is out of stock somewhere, don't panic. Do not hesitate to consult other sites or wait for possible restockings during the day: some brands sometimes simulate an out of stock to better convince people to buy afterwards.
Bonus tip: Black Friday isn't the only sales period of the year
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