10 Savvy Black Friday Online Shopping Tips from Swicther.ie

With just four days to go until Black Friday and the cost of living soaring, there’s never been a better year to plan ahead, shop smart and secure the best discounts.

Switcher.ie have put together 10 tips to help savvy online shopping, along with details on this year’s top broadband deals.

10 Savvy Black Friday Online Shopping Tips

1. Make a list: Jot down what you want to buy and set a maximum price for each item. Stick to your list to avoid splurging on things you don’t need.
2. Set your sites: Decide which websites you will visit in advance to avoid distractions and speed up your shopping.
3. Research prices: Advertised discounts aren’t always whaxt they seem, so take note of pre-sale prices to ensure you’ve bagged a genuine bargain.
4. Opt for older tech: You can often clinch a good iPhone or Samsung deal by choosing a slightly older model with a bigger price cut.
5. Be quick: Plan ahead to bag the best discounts. If you know of any deals starting early, set a reminder in your phone. Many broadband providers have already kick-started their Black Friday deals – including Eir, who are offering €100 bill credit for new customers until Nov 27th.
6. Find the right deal: The cheapest offer may not always be best, so always opt for something that suits your particular needs. For example, Sky’s Black Friday sale offers a limited-time discount on their Sky Stream TV plan. But if that’s not right for you, you can choose a free €50 gift card with an internet and TV bundle.
7. Shop around: If several retailers offer the same product, compare prices across different websites to ensure you get the best discount.
8. Review the small print: Black Friday broadband and mobile offers can seem enticing, but always compare the total yearly cost against other plans and take note of the thereafter cost – the price the plan reverts to when your discount ends. Virgin Media’s Black Friday deal on Switcher.ie offers new customers a free Xbox Series S 512GB with select broadband & TV plans. Just make sure to read any T’s & C’s around delivery times and offer expiry dates.
9. Check your refund rights: Look at the store’s return policy before you buy and ensure you’re aware of your statutory refund rights, too.
10. Be wary of scams: Check websites are secure and have a HTTPS or a padlock symbol in their URL. Be alert to poorly designed websites that could indicate fraudulent cloning, and always check for hidden catches.

Eoin Clarke, consumer expert at Switcher.ie, says:

“As retailers slash prices left, right, and centre, Black Friday can be an ideal time to maximise savings amid sky-high inflation.

But it can be easy to get distracted by things you don’t need, so set a budget ahead of time and avoid straying from your list: remember, it’s not a discount if you don’t need it.

Buying online can mean better refund rights, but always check for any added delivery or refund costs. Research pre-sale prices and shop around to ensure you get the best deal.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it could be. Be extra vigilant against scammers – watch out for unsecure, poorly designed websites and check for any hidden catches before parting with your cash.

If you’re out of contract, Black Friday can also be a good time to switch your broadband or mobile plan to a cheaper deal, as many providers offer special discounts or include free devices in their deals –  like Virgin Media’s Xbox Series S 512GB and or Vodafone’s Google Nest Hub.

But remember to take note of the plan info and look at the total yearly cost and the thereafter price – the price your plan reverts to when your discount ends.”