Boxing Day bargains and EOFY deals were once the stars of the annual sale calendar. However, in more recent times, shoppers around the globe have embraced the American-born concept of Black Friday sales. Regardless of whether they’d overindulged in Thanksgiving Turkey prior! While the opportunity to take advantage of discounts and stock up on Christmas presents for less is tempting, before you dive headfirst into the avalanche of discounts, it pays to have a plan. Enter Queenie Tan. Licensed Financial Creator, Founder of budgeting app Bill Roo – which Queenie admits “Is not making a profit yet” – and General Australian personal finance powerhouse with over 160,00 Instagram followers – whose savvy money-saving tips have helped almost half a million Aussies make their cash work harder.
Queenie’s journey from scraping by on $400 a week at 19 to building a six-figure income is proof that small, smart choices can lead to big rewards. And, when it comes to Black Friday, her advice is just the ticket to make sure you’re not left with an empty wallet and a pile of regret. So, how can you make your money go further? With Queenie’s Black Friday Shopping tips, you’ll be shopping smarter, not harder.
1. Make a list and check it twice
Impulse buying is the kryptonite of any good bargain hunter. That’s why Queenie’s first rule of Black Friday is as clear as day: “Write a shopping list.”
Before Black Friday arrives, take stock of what you actually need. Is it a new laptop for work? A set of noise-canceling headphones for travel? Or maybe toys for the kids this Christmas? Writing it all down ensures you stay focused when the discounts start flooding in.
This simple tip might sound basic, but it’s surprisingly effective. By sticking to your list, you avoid getting caught up in flashy promotions that seem too good to resist. It’s also a great way to avoid post-sale regret, where you realise you spent money on items that will sit unused in a drawer.
Queenie also suggests prioritising items based on importance and budget. If you only have $300 to spend, decide which items are non-negotiable and which can wait for another sale. By doing this, you maximise your resources without going overboard.
2. Stock up on essentials and kick start your Christmas shopping
Next, Queenie recommends using Black Friday as an opportunity to buy everyday essentials like cleaning supplies, personal care products, or items you regularly consume. “I recently bought some protein powder and nappies on sale! Stocking up now can save you money in the long run. With the festive season around the corner, it’s also a great time to get organised and tick your Christmas gifts off the list, knowing you’re getting the best deals.” she says.
3. Quality over quantity
The age old adage has never been more accurate than when the temptation to stock up on cheap and cheerful trends looms. Instead, Queenie suggests focusing on quality over quantity. “Black Friday is also a great opportunity to save money on bigger ticket items that could really improve your lifestyle,” she says. Think kitchen appliances, laptops or even a new mobile phone.
4. Compare prices like a pro
When it comes to sales, it’s not about grabbing the first “50% off” sign you see. Queenie’s golden advice? Use technology to become your own price-checking ninja. Apps like Google Price Scanner let you scan product barcodes and compare prices across different retailers faster than you can say, “Is this really a bargain?”
With retailers fiercely competing to offer the best deals, you might find the same item at vastly different prices depending on where you shop. Tools like this take the guesswork out of bargain hunting and can save you significant money, especially on big-ticket items like electronics or home appliances.
Another pro tip? Use these tools to track price drops in the weeks leading up to Black Friday. Many stores will start their sales early, so you can strike when the price is at its lowest. This ensures you’re not overpaying for items that might see further markdowns later.
And, don’t forget to use cashback apps or to get some extra savings, or even use some gift cards you haven’t used already!
5. Read the fine print
Finally, every seasoned shopper knows the best deals aren’t always about what’s on the shelf – they’re about knowing the fine print. Queenie’s last tip is to get clued up on a store’s price-matching policies. Many retailers will match or beat a competitor’s price, even during sales madness.
“For example, Officeworks offers a Price Beat Guarantee – if you find a cheaper price from a competitor on an identical stocked item, Officeworks will beat it by 5% so you know you’re getting the best deal! Exclusions do apply, so check out the website for more details,” says Queenie.
To play this game well, do your homework. Bookmark the best deals, read up on store policies, and don’t be shy about asking for a price match. With a little extra effort, you could turn one good deal into a great one.
Ready, set bargain
Ultimately, according to Queenie, the key to maximising sales is preparation and mindfulness. By sticking to your list, leveraging technology to compare prices, and knowing your rights with price matching, you can make smarter decisions and avoid the dreaded ‘sale hangover’ of overspending.
