It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Black Friday, aka a strategic opportunity for me get ahead with festive gifts, buy clothes for the kids for the next season and stock up on toiletries or cosmetics I know I’ll be needing for the next few months. This coming Black Friday Sale, I’m also looking to bag some new running gear and bakeware at decent prices.

The lure of good deals is strong over the next two weeks is strong, but one needs to proceed with caution. There’s a fine line though between buying things you don’t really need just because they’re seemingly cheaper and using your money wisely and buying things you really need and will use. There’s also a risk that you buy things because they’re marketed as being on sale, but you discover it’s 20% less at another shop.

Here are some tips to be a smart buyer on Black Friday:

Research, prioritise and set a budget

Before the big day, research the deals and discounts offered by various retailers. Make a list of the items you want to buy – this will help you stay focused and avoid impulsive purchases. Sign up for newsletters and follow your favourite retailers on social media to stay updated on their Black Friday deals. Some shops will offer exclusive discounts to subscribers, giving you an edge in securing the best bargains.

It’s also important to set a budget and stick to it. Determine how much you can afford and allocate specific amounts for different categories to avoid overspending.

Compare prices

Not every Black Friday “deal” is the best available. Look around to find the most competitive prices, and use a price comparison website like Pricecheck to guide you.

Buy things you love – but only in your size

It’s tempting to buy that awesome dress that’s less 50%, in a size that’s one down, for when you definitely absolutely and soon lose a few kilograms to fit into it. Don’t do it – it will likely only cause heartache.

Check the returns policy

Before you check out, make sure you know what the return/refund policy is, and ensure you’re content with it, if you decide you’re unhappy with your purchase.

Consider quality over quantity

Less is more… rather focus on higher-quality products that you need and will definitely use/wear, rather than buying a lot of things that you don’t really need because they’ve been marked down so much.