Martin Lewis has issued a warning to anyone who is thinking of bagging themselves a bargain in the Black Friday sales.
In recent days, Lewis has showed us how to get a better deal when we’re renewing our car insurance, advised us against a ‘life-ruining’ scam, and gave a warning about Apple Pay.
And with Black Friday almost here, The Money Saving Expert has now issued a warning to Brits to stop them from wasting cash.
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The annual shopping event originated in the US and takes place the day after Thanksgiving - so this year Black Friday lands on 24 November.
However, many retailers have upped their offerings and stretched out the sales for days, or even weeks.
But while it can be a good opportunity to grab yourself a decent deal, or make a head start on your Christmas shopping - you might end up spending more than you planned.
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Speaking on his ITV show this week, Lewis said: "If you were going to buy it anyway and it is half price you have saved 50 percent.
"But if you weren't going to buy it but do because it's half price you have wasted 100 percent of your money."
Lewis has previously urged shoppers to check the price of any items they may be hoping to pick up in Black Friday sales to make sure that the ‘discounted price’ you see on 24 November is actually a real discount.
And that’s not the only tip Lewis has for festive bargain-hunters - he’s also recommended that shoppers ‘abandon’ their online baskets in the hopes of getting a good deal.
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Yep, it might sound a bit stranger, but Lewis explained that if you add the items you want into your basket and then just leave the site, you may be sent a discount code by the retailer in an attempt to motivate you to complete the purchase.
Lewis stressed that his move doesn’t always work, but said it was worth a shot.
He also shared a tip on saving some money when it comes to delivery - using the example of John Lewis, he said: "If you are spending £49 on John Lewis the delivery fee will be £4.50.
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"So you should just add a £1 item like Sellotape which you will use to get that price down."
The simple trick will save you £3.50 and you’ll get a roll of sticky tape, which is bound to come in useful when you’re wrapping presents.
Clever, eh?
Topics: Martin Lewis, Money, Shopping, Black Friday