Savvy mum reveals how YOU can bag the best deals this Black Friday – and why you should never take the kids shopping
ARE you ready to hit the shops? Today is the annual Back Friday event when stores slash prices to tempt in early Christmas shoppers.
The latest research from shows while a quarter of us will definitely be spending, but this year 69 per cent need to see if the deals are really good enough So how can you make sure you’re getting genuine value for money?
To help, we’ve teamed up with super saver mum Katie Warrior from Essex.
The influencer has gained tens of thousands of followers for her savvy family hacks and saves hundreds of pounds each Black Friday with these clever tips.
Katie said: “Done properly, Black Friday can be a way to get what your family needs for the whole year at a fantastic price – but you have to put the work in first.”
Here are Katie’s top tips and you can follow her on YouTube for .
1. Prepare Properly: Bargain hunting takes time and effort to secure the very best deals. List out what you want and check prices today so you can see if the so-called ‘sale’ price is a decent discount.
2. Go Solo – or try a BF playdate: Don’t take the children to shop in-store. It will be too busy and you won’t be able to manoeuvre your buggy. Shopping online? Fit it around nap times or give them an activity they love so you can concentrate. Consider teaming up with a friend for a Black Friday playdate where you take turns to shop and watch the kids.
3. Stay Focused: Family budgets are tighter than ever this year, so concentrate on what you really need. I always ask myself ‘would I buy this full-price?’. If it’s a no, then steer clear.
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4. Join a Deals Community: My favourites include and . Also check your local Facebook groups for deals in nearby independent stores.
5. Don’t crack under pressure: Stores try all kinds of tricks to make you buy, from time-limited offers to claiming ‘just two left’. Ignore it. Always shop around to compare prices before you commit.
6. Factor in hidden costs: If you’re shopping online, check if there is a delivery or packing charge. This will push up your overall payment and may mean somewhere with a higher cost for the item but free posting is actually cheaper.
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7. Haggle – but politely: Stores want to shift as much stock as possible on Black Friday and Cyber Monday so there’s no harm in asking for a little extra off.
8. Use it as a Teaching Opportunity: If you have older children involve them in comparing prices to work out how much money the family will save. It’s great for their maths and you can even pay them a small percentage fee for each item they find for the family at discount.
9. Don’t forget the codes: Most people think Black Friday items are a low as they can go – but some stores still accept discount codes too. These can knock up to another 30 per cent off a sale price and some codes wipe out delivery charges as well. Apps like Honey automatically apply the best codes for you.
Website of the Week:
TRUSTED by millions, consumer champions Which? have set up a new Black Friday hub to help you make the most of the annual shopping event.
The site lists verified and genuine deals from dozens of top retailers plus links to Which’s own reviews so you can decide if your items is a good buy.
There’s also a handy guide to avoiding scams and staying safe when you shop.
A spokesman said: “The site is packed with Black Friday advice, insider tips and tricks, plus what deals are really worth your money. Use our expert research and independent reviews to help you bag a good deal, and avoid being caught out by a retailer trying to shift dodgy stock.”
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10. Read the Reviews: Before you start shopping, read reviews so you can ensure what you want will stand up to the rigours of family life. Think quality not just cost.
For more shopping tips, this mum bagged over £100 of Next clothes for more than half price including a leopard tee for a POUND – here’s how.
And this clever clubber made a jacket into a BAG so you don’t have to choose between being cold or carrying it around all night.
Plus this former Zara employee revealed the five tricks on where to find the best sale items shoppers don’t know about.