Black Friday Sale is a mega sale event that originated in the USA. This post thanksgiving pre-christmas sale event is becoming increasingly popular down under.
Are the BFCM sales as good as they sound? How can you shop Black Friday Cyber Monday sales?
Black Friday Sales Caveat Emptor:
Shops have opened after a long lockdown. Every retailer is scrambling to get a slice of your Christmas spend. The onus is on you to verify if the sales are genuine. Many stores create a 'seconds' line for 'sales' and factory outlets.
At sales like these, it is easy to give into impulse buying. Make a list of the things you need and stick to the list. Beware of retailers who try to offload defective, shop soiled goods and one off samples. Inspect the goods at point of sale. It is illegal to sell defective goods unless declared at point of sale.
Know your rights as a consumer:
Many shops display a 'No Refund, No Exchange' disclaimer on sale items. Sale items should be governed by the same refund policy as the full priced items. Do not shop at stores that put up notices like 'No Refund, No Exchange on Sale Items'. Opt for online or bricks and mortar stores who offer 'No Questions Asked Refund', even on sale items.
Avoid herd mentality:
Do you have to join the serpentine queues in front of the designer stores? Do you need that designer handbag? Can you afford it? Will it put a sizeable dent in your Christmas budget? Do not jump into the fray, because you see others doing it. Buy what you need, buy quality and use longer.
Do not shop on an empty stomach:
An empty stomach has a nefarious connection with shopping disasters.
Do not shop when you are upset or angry:
Retail therapy is like chocolates. It has the 'feel good' factor. If you are having an emotional downturn, chances are, you will do binge shopping.
Do not shop in a hurry:
Do not shop in a hurry try your dresses and shoes. The queues in front of the trial room are serpentine. The trial rooms are hot and stuffy. But how many garments are lying unworn in your wardrobe because they are the wrong size? I bought a pair of shoes at a sale. I have not worn them for a single day. The peep toe cuts into my feet. Lesson learnt, always try your shoes before buying.
When shopping online, look for stores that give you a little extra at no extra cost - recycled packaging, complimentary gift wrapping, free styling advice. Shop at stores that are based in Australia and responsive to your queries.
Make Black Friday sale shopping a relaxed affair. Go shopping with your bffs. Have a leisurely lunch. Round up all the girls and have a girls' night in. Shop from the comfort of your home. If you are shopping online, you do not have to grapple with traffic snarls, squabblings over parking, road rage.
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