Black Friday 2016 UK: Here are eight shopping tips and tricks for how to make the most the retail extravaganza, according to the experts
The retail bonanza-slash-bunfight known as Black Friday is nearly upon us – just under a month (25 November).
This year sales "experts" are falling over themselves to give bargain hunters top tips to get the best deals without ending up in hospital/prison/debt.
That might sound extreme, but after last year's discount day turned violent, it might be worth paying attention if you're thinking of snaring some goodies.
Read more: Brace yourself: Black Friday is coming early this year
Here are some top tips according to deal-finding site HotUKDeals::
Do your research – Are the items new or have they been languishing in the stockroom for the last few months? Are the deals really as good as they appear? Start checking out exactly what you want before 27 November comes around to make sure you're getting the bargain you think you are, especially for electrical items such as televisions and washing machines.
Keep an eye out for hidden costs – Given how much pressure retailers will be under to deliver items before Christmas some goods may come with higher-than-usual shipping costs.
Be quick – Some online deals will sell out in seconds, so be prepared.
Check delivery times – If you're buying Christmas presents online during Black Friday, check estimated delivery times so you know they will arrive in time.
Be patient – The sheer popularity of Black Friday might mean some parcels will take longer to deliver than usual. If you’re braving the store, be patient with staff who will be dealing with an increased number of shoppers.
Voucher stack – As well as offering a Black Friday discount, retailers may have a code for free shipping or an extra 10 per cent off. These can usually be found on deal sharing websites and forums.
Check the retailer – Some savings will be for lesser-known retailers, so always check that you’re purchasing from a safe site. Forums often give insight into retailers that might not be what they appear.
Don’t wait until Friday – Black Friday deals can start any time during the week before the event so keep an eye out for details of when and where the discounts will be.