10 ways you can be tricked into spending on Black Friday

Black Friday sales can make it feel like everyone is rushing to grab a bargain. But when money’s already tight, the pressure to get a good deal can push you into spending more than you can afford.

Stores and online retailers use clever marketing tactics designed to make you act fast, feel excited and click ‘buy now’ without thinking. Knowing these tricks makes it much easier to stay in control - so you only spend what you can afford on things you really need.

Tactics that make you splash the cash

Here are ten marketing tactics to watch out for.

1. Flash sales with countdown clocks

A ticking timer creates panic. But many so-called ‘flash deals’ pop up throughout the year. Don’t let a countdown rush you - pause and check prices from other retailers to work out whether it is a good deal or not.

2. Was £180, now £70

This one’s a classic – telling you the previous price to really drive home what a good deal you’re getting. Beware though, retailers are not averse to artificially bumping up prices in the weeks before a sale so that discounts look more impressive. Check the product’s price history and compare across stores before assuming it’s a bargain.

3. Only 2 left!

Low-stock warnings are another way retailers try to rush you into a purchase. Don’t let yourself be pressured into handing over your card details before you’ve compared prices on other sites.

4. Bait-and-switch promotions

A brilliant deal appears… until you click through and it’s suddenly ‘out of stock’ and replaced with a pricier version. If the cheap item disappears, take it as a sign to walk away.

5. Hidden fees added at checkout

Delivery charges, handling fees or insurance add-ons can inflate the final price. Always check the full total before paying.

6. Free trials that quietly auto-renew

Streaming services and apps may offer free trials on Black Friday. But forgetting to cancel can be costly. Always set a reminder if you have no intention of paying for the service after the free trial ends, or avoid these offers altogether if you’re liable to forget to cancel.

7. Influencers promoting products they don’t use

It might look convincing, but influencers are often paid to promote items they’ve never tried. Real customer reviews on trusted sites are more reliable.

8. Return policies that make refunds difficult

Black Friday deals sometimes come with shorter return windows or restocking fees. Always read the returns section before buying, especially for clothes, gadgets or pricey items.

9. Bundles that don’t actually save you money

Buying multiple items together can seem like great value, until you realise you don’t need half of what’s included. Think about what you’ll actually use and add up the individual prices to see if the bundle really saves you that much.

10. ‘Free’ products with pricey shipping

Who isn’t a sucker for a freebie? Some online sellers are wise to this, so offer goods for free while making sure the shipping costs cover the value of the products. Compare with similar items to see if it’s actually a good deal.

How to keep your spending on track

Knowing the tricks is the first step. And here are ten top tips to keep your spending under control.

1. Start with a strict budget

Decide what you can afford before you even start browsing.

2. Make a needs-only list

Write down the essentials you genuinely need and stick to that list. If something pops up that isn’t on it, it’s an automatic no.

3. Compare prices before you buy

Use price-checking sites or simply look at a few different shops. A ‘deal’ often isn’t the cheapest option.

4. Delay every purchase

If you see something you want, it’s a good idea to wait 24 hours (let’s face it most Black Friday sales last for days and days now). This short pause can stop impulse buys and give you time to think about whether you really need something.

5. Avoid browsing for fun

Just seeing what’s out there is one of the quickest ways to spend money you don’t have. Try to avoid sale emails and social media ads.

6. Watch out for small, sneaky spends

Shipping fees, add-ons and subscriptions can drain your account without you noticing. Always check the total cost before paying.

7. Pay with a clear head

When you’re stressed, tired or feeling pressured, you’re more likely to overspend. Step away and come back later if you’re not feeling calm.

8. Use cash or prepaid cards where possible

If you struggle with impulse buying, switching to cash or a prepaid card can help you avoid going over budget.

9. Limit your shopping time

If you do want to shop, pick a single day and limit yourself to essentials. Or decide to skip Black Friday entirely, there’s no saving bigger than not spending at all.

10. Say no to FOMO

Retailers rely on us getting caught up in shopping fever. Why give them the satisfaction? Black Friday is just another day.