Many Australians are keen to maximise their savings during this year’s sales, with around 50% planning to adopt various tactics beyond standard discounts, according to recent Canstar Blue research. The increase in online shopping has made it even easier for consumers, with nearly half intending to shop online. Discount codes are especially popular, used by almost a third of shoppers at checkout. Other strategies include seeking app-exclusive deals (21%), keeping an eye on social media for flash sales (26%), using cashback sites (22%), and leveraging discounted gift cards (16%).
While some believe that Black Friday discounts are inherently good deals, consumers are encouraged to do their due diligence. Canstar Blue’s Eden Radford suggests checking prices across different retailers to ensure genuine savings. With major brands like Dyson, Apple, and department stores like Myer participating in the event, timing is crucial for snagging the best offers.
To make the most of the sales, shoppers should set a budget, create a shopping list, compare offers, consider shipping costs, and shop only from secure, verified sites. Additionally, vigilance against scams is essential as fraudsters may create fake advertisements and websites. Experts advise verifying links in promotional messages by checking official sites directly.