Black Friday: When a deal may not actually be a deal?

If you've been living underneath a rock these past few weeks, you may have heard that this coming Friday (29 November) is Black Friday.

With its origins set in the post-thanksgiving sales in the US and carried over to these shores via online retailers such as Amazon and eBay, the marketing phenomenon has been rapidly adopted by retailers who are attempting to get us to part with our cash a little earlier in the Christmas build up. You may have even seen some retailers in Jersey declare it to be ‘Black November’.

While there are some genuine bargains to be had, are the deals on offer actually deals? There are laws in the UK and Jersey which mean a sale must be a genuine reduction in a previous price, but some retailers – in preparation or Black Friday - will have artificially increased prices in the quieter months before or perhaps only offer the product at a much higher price on their website, in order to give the impression you are making a huge saving. In some cases, you’re paying exactly the same for the product as you would have done in the summer. So please do your research.

If you are planning to head out and root for those genuine bargains, then here are some consumer tips for you and your families to bear in mind.

1. Don’t Panic

The pressure of Black Friday can leave you feeling pressured into buying quickly. But you don’t need to hurry. Which? say that the majority of products remain the same price or even cheaper after Black Friday. So, take your time.

2. Check if the deal is real

Shops will sometimes increase the price of goods before a sale to make the discount look more extreme. By using price tracking websites such as CamelCamelCamel for Amazon or PriceRunner for wider websites, you can see comparisons of what is the best deal before you commit.

3. Do your research

Many shoppers admit that they don’t research the products they buy during Black Friday for fear of losing out on the deal. Shop calmly and use reviews and price trackers to make sure you’re getting the best product instead of a dud product.

Black Friday sales are often on older models or the same as the previous year. Sales of newer products and models tend to be limited. You’ll find that most of the deals will be on older models that companies are trying to shift. Before you buy, consider whether the model of the product is important to you. Older models may not be a smart investment in the long run.

4. Watch out for hidden costs

Unexpected extra costs may be added at the checkout to bump your price up. Some online retailers use a buy now or click and collect button. Always go into your basket and check out slowly, make sure you check your tax and shipping fees before you pay.

5. Know your rights

Lots of consumers regret their impulse buys on Black Friday. Always check your returns policy. Buying online gives you more rights - you usually have the right to change your mind and cancel your order for up to 14 days from when you receive the goods. Make sure you keep all proofs of purchase.