Black Friday shoppers comparing deals before spending

With the Black Friday sales in full swing, it can be easy to pick up the first things you see and think about it later.

But it turns out many of us are being pretty savvy when it comes to making the most of seasonal discounts.

New research from TopCashback has found that almost eight in ten shoppers (78%) will be preparing in some form ahead of Black Friday.

And on average, they’re spending 66 minutes look at deals and comparing prices before paying any money.

Planning can save you money

The TopCashback study suggests that every minute spent preparing for Black Friday leads to about £2 in savings.

So if you’re spending 66 minutes shopping around, you could conceivably cut costs by £132.

Many shoppers have also budgeted specifically for this occasion.

In fact, nearly half (47%) have set money aside to be used in the Black Friday sales.

Black Friday shoppers want more than discounts

Although saving money on treats and luxuries will be important to many, it’s not the only motivation for shoppers.

Nearly two-thirds (65%) of the people polled said Black Friday helps them save on items they genuinely need.

And almost one in three (28%) said they like feeling smart and savvy about the money they’ve saved. 

“It’s no secret that Black Friday can feel overwhelming, with thousands of deals dropping at once,” said Adam Bullock, UK director at TopCashback.

“A little preparation goes a long way.

“It makes the shopping experience less stressful and ensures you’re getting genuine value.

Millennials lead the way on Black Friday spending

Millennials are the age group expected to spend the most on Black Friday offers this year, with their average spending estimated to be £650.

That comes ahead of £553 among Gen Z shoppers, while boomers plan to spend around £321.

Don't blow your budget

With so many discounts around, it’s easy to end up spending more than you can afford and regret it later.

So we’ve put together some tips on how to make the most of Black Friday this year.

With just a little planning and thought, you can shop smart and enjoy all the great deals guilt-free.