OK, so we know Black Friday is primarily an American event but like it or not, it has been adopted here in Ireland - and it starts tomorrow!
We've had a look for some of the best deals around to save you some of the hard work.
TV, Phones & Electrical
Toshiba 48 inch 4K Smart TV - was €999.99, now €699 and a Dyson DC50 - was €599.99, now €259.99
Elizabeth Arden's New York Beauty Must Have gift set - was €78, now €30 and Babyliss Curl Secret Diamond gift set - was €259.99, now €173.30
HTC 620 - was €229.99, now €129.99
Samsung EcoBubble 8Kg washing machine - was €799.99, now €399 and up to €300 savings on some laptops
Pippa 3 seat sofa - was €699, now €495 and Chardonnay single bed frame - was €449, now €399
Toshiba 11.6 Cloudbook - was €279.99, now €199.99, Ariete juicer - was €34.99, now €19.99 and Silvercrest sorbet maker for €14.99 - half its normal price.
Sony Xperia Z3 - was €129.99, now €49.99
Fashion
30% Off & Free Delivery
Starts Friday, Ends Monday
All Saints
20% Off
CODE: CYBER
Starts Friday, Ends Monday
ASOS
20% Off
CODE: CYBERWKND20
Starts Friday, Ends Tuesday
French Connection
30% Off
CODE: 30FCBF
Starts Today, Ends Friday
Topshop
Up To 50% off Selected Lines
Starts Thursday, Ends Monday
Urban Outfitters
Up To 50% Off
CODE: BFDELIVERY
Friday Only
Holidays
Offering a number of deals on Black Friday, including a seven-night winter stay in Fuerteventura - was €564, now €349 per person (based on two adults sharing, includes flights, airport transfers and accommodation in two-star self-catering apartments)
Sunway will also have deals for New York, Orlando and Las Vegas. The New York deal, priced at €665 per person and based on two adults sharing, includes flights and three nights in the Edison Hotel in late January.
You've looked at the deals, now with the help of the Herald’s consumer columnist, Sinead Ryan, here are five things to remember before you splash the cash...
1. Know what you’re looking for and do your research.
There’s a chance some retailers are trying to get rid of last year’s stock or end of line items. This is not a problem – if you’re aware that it’s old stock.
Make sure you’re shown newer models as well so you can make an informed decision. Or if you’re buying online, google the make and model of the item you want and see how much it’s going for on different websites.
2. Buying from the comfort of your couch could be less stressful
Even though discounts are being offered in stores, you may find more deals online and with the option of home delivery for big items or to collect your purchases in-store, you’re getting the best of both worlds.
Also, when you use Visa or Mastercard credit OR debit cards to buy something and it doesn’t arrive or it’s a scam, the ‘charge-back’ system will ensure your banks pays the money back to you.
3. EU or not EU?
If you’re purchasing something on the internet go with a site from the EU. You will be covered under EU regulation if you need to returning items, especially if it’s a faulty item.
However, when you buy further afield it becomes more difficult. There are less than favourable exchange rates at present in some countries, you may have to pay VAT, extra shipping and customs fees. Or if you buy from China you could be in for a countervailing duty – possibly up to 30-40%.
4. Know your limit
It can be very easy to get carried away with buying one thing after another because you think you are getting great bargains.
After you’ve done your initial research, note down the exact items you know you want. Don’t end up buying the coffee maker you never actually wanted and then realise you only really got €30 off the €160 price-tag.
5. And relax...
Lastly, whether you have shopped in a store or online and whether you started at 3am or late in the evening, your spending spree will have to come to an end.
Kick off your shoes or shut down the laptop and start deciding which new purchase you’re going to take advantage of first.
Good luck!
