Black Friday Survival Guide

Traditionally a major US event, Black Friday, takes place the Friday after the ‘Thanksgiving’ holiday. It started around 1960 to mark the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. Momentum grew and before we knew it, we had a mega shopping day on a global scale!

The ‘black’ refers to the day retailer’s move from red into the black – meaning profits all the way and mega savings for shoppers all around. It’s a day to either send shudders of dread or shivers of excitement up and down your spine!  It all depends on how you approach it really, so we’ve put together some steps to help you survive the weekend…

Make a list ahead of the BIG DAY. Check it twice. No, you’re not going to find out who’s naughty or nice – this is your way of keeping your thoughts on the things that you DO NEED. Be prepared with that list. As stores start to announce their discounts and compete with one another, you might start to feel a bit like a rabbit in the headlights.

Do your Research. If you’re looking for those online bargains to get ahead this Christmas, sign up to get email updates for the latest discount news. Use price comparison apps and check in-store to ensure you really are getting the best deals.

Stores often announce discounts weeks ahead of the actual day, so don’t run out of steam before the big day, shop smart and grab those bargains when you can – such as the Vileda Steam Mop with £40 off this Black Friday weekend – it’ll give you all the steam you need.

Start Early. You know what they say – ‘The early bird gets the worm!’ Some stores open at midnight on the 24^th, so whether you’re the type who is willing to endure the chill and be first through the door, or you shop online leaving the rest to battle it out – just make sure you set that alarm and be ready, with your cuppa in hand at the computer, or shopper in hand at the door!

Here’s an early tip- off for you from us, get your hands on the Windomatic, with 50% off, to make your windows sparkly clean – all the better for seeing the delivery man when your parcels arrive!

Everybody needs a friend and what better time to hit the sales with your pal. The housework can wait, hell, there’s savings to be made.

However if you’re really stuck and the to-do list is piling up, then you could always leave it in the reliable hands of the VR101, who can do the vacuuming for you, whilst you shop away and bag those bargains!

Know where you stand – And no we don’t mean, in the store or house, we mean as a consumer.  With so many bonanza discounts from TV’s to blenders, to that Easy Wring Clean Turbo, spin mop, you never knew you needed, make sure you know your consumer rights. As a rule of thumb – ask before you buy, so you know if the item can be returned if it’s unsuitable, faulty, the wrong one, or if the person you’re buying it for doesn’t like it… many things can happen after a purchase.

Don’t just take the word of the sales-assistant, check the fine print and the Consumer Rights Act to be absolutely sure!