How good are the Black Friday sales?
It used to be that you’d spend all your money on Christmas gifts and then max out your credit card when the sales rolled around on Boxing Day. These days, you get to save a packet buying your gifts in the Black Friday sales. And hopefully have a chunk left over to get yourself something nice too.
The Black Friday sales started in the US, but are now a global phenomenon. Hundreds of retailers slash their prices for the 96 fun-filled hours of the sale. The discounts are generally massive – the biggest savings you’ll likely see all year.
When are the 2021 Black Friday sales?
The shopping event takes place the Friday after the US Thanksgiving holiday.
So, this year the Black Friday sales in Australia start at 12 midnight on 26 November and run until ‘Cyber Monday’ on 29 November.
Cyber Monday tends to be online-only deals, but not always. The Black Friday sales have moved beyond their strict 96 hour period, and Cyber Monday is often the day any kind of retailer goes out with a bang.
Where are the bargains?
The list of Aussie stores getting in on the act grows every year. This year you can expect to find bargains from big retailers like Amazon, eBay, Myer, Big W, Target, Kmart, JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys, EB Games, Bing Lee, Harvey Norman, BCF, City Beach and even Bunnings.
Brands that offer big discounts during the Black Friday sales include Apple, Dyson, Bose, Dell, the Oodie, Sephora, Lorna Jane, Kathmandu, Sheridan, Lego and IKEA.
Finder keep a running list of who is offering what here.
If you’re after something in particular, Google it plus ‘black friday’ and a list of who’s offering it at a heavy discount should pop up. I found the exact guitar my son requested for Christmas this way – 35% off.
How to get the most out of the sales
It’s good to know where the bargains are, but securing them is quite a different matter. Here are a few tips that should snag you a steal.
1. Have a list
Get your Christmas shopping done early and you’ll save a packet (see bargain guitar above!). It only works if you have a list, though. So write down what you want to buy for whom and then go out and track it down in the sales. You can do the lot online, which is a huge bonus.
2. Get in early
The bargains go super-fast on Black Friday, so wake up early. Know exactly what you want (see above) and be ready to click to buy. This is especially true for big-ticket items like electronics and furniture. If you’re heading into the stores, go early to line up so you’re among the first in the door. Take a snack.
3. Sign up for newsletters
Many retailers will offer special deals to existing customers via their newsletter – so be on the list! You’ll be the first to know when the sales begin, what’s on offer and maybe get an extra discount. You can always unsubscribe on 30 November.
4. Check your impulses
It’s way too easy to overspend in the Black Friday sales. Stick to your list. If you absolutely can’t resist an impulse purchase, just make sure you at least pause a moment. Ideally, you’d pause for at least three days to make sure you really, truly want to buy. But that’s not possible if you want to take advantage of the sales. Instead, ask yourself some key questions:
- Do I really need it?
- Do I really love it?
- Can I actually afford it?
- Would I still buy it if it was full price?
If you can answer yes to all of the above, go for it. If you can’t answer yes, it’s not a bargain.
5. Stay calm if you miss out
While the Black Friday sales are good ones, keep in mind that sales happen all the time. If you miss out on something you really need a discount on (which, incidentally, should be all the things you buy ever), keep calm and save on. The next big sale is most likely just around the corner on Boxing Day.
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