As cost-of-living pressures continue to rise, Australians are increasingly turning to Black Friday sales to help stretch their budgets.
The annual shopping event, which now spans both Black Friday and Cyber Monday, has become a key opportunity for Aussies to score big savings on everything from electronics to clothing.
However, savvy shoppers know that getting the most out of Black Friday requires strategy. In this article, we’ll share the best Black Friday hacks that Australians are using to save money and make the most of these sales events.
Australia’s Brilliant Black Friday Hacks
With inflation impacting everyday costs, Australians have developed clever ways to leverage Black Friday sales to reduce their expenses.
Whether you’re shopping for big-ticket items or simply stocking up on essentials, here are the best tips to get the most value from your Black Friday purchases.
| Black Friday Hack | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Plan and Prioritize | Avoid impulse buying by creating a shopping list. |
| Use Cashback Apps | Earn cashback on your purchases, providing additional savings. |
| Compare Prices | Ensure you’re getting the best deal by comparing prices. |
| Leverage BNPL | Spread out payments on big-ticket items without upfront costs. |
| Shop Online for Extra Discounts | Find exclusive deals and free shipping with online shopping. |
| Avoid Scams | Shop safely by using trusted websites and secure payment methods. |
| Set a Budget | Stick to your spending limit to avoid overspending. |
READ MORE: Centrelink $280 Bonus April 2025- Check Eligibility And Payment Dates
1. Plan and Prioritize Purchases
The first step to maximizing savings during Black Friday is to plan ahead. Create a wishlist of essential items you need, like a new laptop or home appliances, and research their regular prices. This will help you recognize a true discount when you see one and prevent impulse buying.
Tip: Set a realistic budget and ensure you stick to it. For example, if you plan to buy a new TV, check the price beforehand to make sure you’re getting a significant markdown.
2. Use Cashback Apps for Extra Savings
Cashback apps like ShopBack and Cashrewards are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. These platforms allow you to earn back a portion of your spending, which can be a game-changer when purchasing high-value items.
By shopping through these platforms, you can earn cashback ranging from 2% to 10%, depending on the retailer.
| Retailer | Cashback Rate |
|---|---|
| Harvey Norman | 5% |
| eBay Australia | 3% |
| Amazon Australia | 2% |
Pro Tip: Combine cashback offers with Black Friday discounts to maximize savings. A $500 purchase with 5% cashback means you’ll save an additional $25.
3. Compare Prices Across Multiple Retailers
Not all retailers will offer the same price for the same product. To make sure you’re getting the best deal, use price comparison tools like Google Shopping or GetPrice to compare prices from different stores. These tools aggregate data, so you can easily identify the lowest price.
Pro Tip: Beware of retailers who artificially inflate prices before Black Friday to make their discounts appear larger. Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to track price history.
4. Leverage Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Services
BNPL services like Afterpay and Zip Pay allow you to split payments over several weeks, which can be helpful if you’re purchasing big-ticket items. However, it’s crucial to use these services responsibly to avoid accumulating debt.
Tip: Ensure that your monthly budget can handle BNPL payments. Missing payments can lead to fees and damage your credit score.
5. Shop Online for Extra Discounts
While in-store Black Friday deals are exciting, online shopping often offers extra discounts, including free shipping or exclusive bundle deals. Australians can also take advantage of Cyber Monday for additional discounts, especially for electronics and gadgets.
Pro Tip: Look out for limited-time offers on platforms like Amazon and eBay. If you miss out on Black Friday deals, Cyber Monday often provides an opportunity to snag the same items at discounted rates.
6. Avoid Scams by Shopping Safely
During busy sales events, scammers are quick to exploit consumers. To ensure a safe shopping experience:
- Stick to trusted websites and avoid unknown retailers offering unbelievably low prices.
- Use credit cards or PayPal for extra buyer protection.
- Check for SSL certificates (look for the padlock icon in your browser) to confirm the website is secure.
Tip: Be cautious of phishing emails or fake advertisements offering discounts that seem too good to be true.
7. Set a Realistic Budget
To avoid overspending, it’s essential to set a budget before Black Friday. Calculate how much you can afford to spend without negatively affecting your monthly expenses. Break down your budget into categories such as gifts, electronics, and home goods.
8. Stock Up on Non-Perishables
Black Friday is an excellent time to stock up on non-perishable items like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and canned food. Purchasing these essentials during the sales event can provide cost savings that last throughout the year.
9. Consider Sustainable Shopping Options
For those conscious of the environmental impact of shopping, consider buying refurbished products or supporting eco-friendly brands.
Sites like eBay Australia offer refurbished electronics at a fraction of the price of new items, and you can find sustainable products from local Australian businesses.
Black Friday in Australia offers massive savings, especially for those who use smart shopping strategies. By planning ahead, utilizing cashback apps, comparing prices, and leveraging BNPL services, Australians can reduce their cost-of-living pressures while scoring great deals.
Make sure to stick to your budget and shop securely to enjoy a financially stress-free holiday season.
FAQs
How can I maximize my savings during Black Friday?
Plan ahead, compare prices, use cashback apps, and take advantage of Buy Now, Pay Later options cautiously.
Is online shopping better than in-store shopping for Black Friday in Australia?
Online shopping often offers extra discounts and free shipping, with Cyber Monday providing additional opportunities for savings.
How can I avoid Black Friday scams?
Stick to trusted websites, use secure payment methods like PayPal or credit cards, and check for SSL certificates.