Black Friday: Shop Smart, Save Big, and Avoid Scams

Black Friday – once a post-Thanksgiving sale in the US – has rapidly become an Aussie retail phenomenon. In recent years, Black Friday has arguably become the largest sales event of the year in Australia, even overtaking the traditional Boxing Day sales. Shoppers are expected to flock to stores and online in record numbers; about six million Australians could spend a combined $6.8 billion across the Black Friday to Cyber Monday weekend this year. Clearly, November has become the new December for holiday shopping, as many Aussies snap up pre-Christmas bargains early. But amid the frenzy of slashed prices and “doorbuster” deals, it’s important to keep a level head. This blog will guide you through enjoying the Black Friday buzz while avoiding scams, dodgy sales tactics, and buyer’s remorse.

Dodgy Sales Tactics to Look Out For

Black Friday is a prime time for retailers to trot out flashy promotions – but not all deals are what they seem. In fact, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has put retailers on notice for using misleading tactics to trick shoppers. As a savvy consumer, be alert for these common dodgy sales tactics:

• “Storewide” sales (with sneaky exclusions): Beware of sales advertised as site-wide or storewide when only a portion of items are actually discounted. Fine-print disclaimers (like “excludes certain brands or gift cards”) can hide exceptions that dampen the deal. If a banner screams “everything 50% off!” but the fine print says otherwise, that’s a red flag.
• Phony countdown timers and limited-time pressure: Many websites use countdown clocks or ticking timers to create a false sense of urgency. Sometimes the timer resets or the sale continues even after the “deadline” – meaning the rush was artificial. Don’t let a fake “only 5 minutes left!” panic you into buying; legitimate deals won’t vanish that quickly without warning.
• “Only a few left in stock!” claims: Similarly, messages that “only 2 items remaining” or “X people are viewing this now” can be misleading if used to manufacture fake scarcity. Some shady sellers use these tricks to push impulse purchases. Take such claims with a grain of salt – the product may not be as scarce as it appears.
• “Up to X% off” eye-catchers: A classic dodge is advertising “up to 70% off” – when in reality only a couple of obscure items are 70% off, and most others are far less discounted. The “up to” wording might be in tiny print. Always check which products truly get the maximum discount. A huge percentage off means little if it’s only on items you don’t want.
• Dubious before/after prices: Some retailers have been caught inflating prices right before a sale, then “discounting” them to create a fake bargain. For example, a TV labeled “Was $1000, now $800” isn’t a real 20% discount if the TV was $800 last month. If a discount seems unusually large, there’s a chance the “original” price was manipulated. Whenever possible, cross-check price history or use price comparison tools to verify the deal’s legitimacy.

These tactics aren’t just unethical – they’re illegal. The ACCC has even fined retailers for misleading “storewide” sale ads and phony discounts. The takeaway: Don’t be dazzled by big fonts and ticking clocks. Pause, read the fine print, and judge the deal on its real merits.

Wise Spending Strategies for Black Friday

Scoring a bargain is awesome, but not if it leaves you broke or full of regret. Here are some smart spending strategies to help you save money while avoiding impulse buys:

• Set a Budget and Stick to It: Before the sales hit, decide on a maximum amount you’re willing (and able) to spend. Having a firm budget will keep you from going overboard in the heat of the moment. Many Aussies are doing this – over half of shoppers have set a clear spending cap for Black Friday. Whether it’s $100 or $1000, know your limit and resist “awesome deals” that would blow your budget.
• Make a Shopping List (and Check It Twice): Identify the items you actually need or truly want ahead of time – be it a new phone, a pair of shoes, or Christmas gifts for family. Write them down and prioritise them. This list will be your shopping compass, helping you avoid random impulse purchases. If it’s not on your list, think twice before adding it to your cart. Sticking to a list keeps you focused and can even help you act fast when a listed item goes on sale.
• Do Your Research & Compare Prices: A bargain isn’t a bargain if you could have found it cheaper elsewhere. In the lead-up to Black Friday, do a bit of homework: compare prices for the same item across different retailers or websites. Consider using price-tracking tools or even screenshot the item’s price a week or two before the sale, so you can confirm the discount is genuine. By knowing the usual price range, you’ll quickly spot if a “sale” price is actually a good deal or just smoke and mirrors.
• Leverage Loyalty Programs and Cashback Offers: Black Friday is a great time to cash in your rewards. If you have loyalty program memberships (think frequent-flyer points, supermarket rewards, etc.), check if you can redeem points for purchases or get extra discounts. Also, consider using cashback websites or apps – providers like ShopBack in Australia often have special Black Friday promotions. It’s seriously satisfying to score a discount and get a little money back or reward points on top. These perks can add up and soften the blow to your wallet.
• Choose Safe Payment Methods: With online shopping especially, stick to secure payment options. Use credit or debit cards (which usually have fraud protection) or reputable services like PayPal. Be wary of any seller that insists on direct bank transfers – that’s a common feature of scams. And if you’re prone to overspending in-store, consider the old-school approach: pay with cash. By taking only the amount of cash you plan to spend, you physically can’t splurge beyond your limit, which helps keep you honest about your budget.
• Avoid Impulse Buys and Hype Traps: Sales excitement can trigger a dopamine rush – that little brain thrill when you snag something new. Retailers know this, which is why they create hype with limited-time offers and huge “50% off!” signs. Fight back against FOMO (fear of missing out) by giving yourself a pause. Sleep on it if you’re unsure about a purchase; chances are the deal (or a similar one) will still be around tomorrow. You can also set a rule that you’ll only buy items that you planned in advance. By being mindful and asking “Do I really need this, or am I just caught up in the sale buzz?”, you’ll save yourself from post-sale buyer’s remorse.

Mindful Shopping This Black Friday

At its best, Black Friday can help you score fantastic deals and tick off your holiday shopping list without breaking the bank. The key is to approach the sales mindfully and with a game plan. Remember that not every “deal” is as sweet as it looks – so keep your eyes open for dodgy tactics, shop from reputable retailers, and don’t let anyone rush you into clicking “Buy Now” if you’re not ready. By setting a budget, doing your homework, and staying true to your needs versus wants, you’ll emerge from the Black Friday frenzy with great bargains and zero regrets.

Happy shopping, and stay safe out there! Enjoy the thrill of the hunt, but always keep your wits about you – the best feeling is snagging a bargain that you’ll still feel good about tomorrow.

Sources:

1. Nassim Khadem, ABC News – “Black Friday sales set to be biggest on record,” Nov 2025.
2. Tom Watson, Money Magazine – “Black Friday 2025: How to get the best deals,” Nov 2025.
3. Katharine Kemp, The Conversation – “Dodgy Black Friday sales tactics to look out for,” Nov 2025.
4. Bryce Luff, 7NEWS – “Retailers told to shelve dodgy Black Friday sales tactics,” Nov 2025.
5. Shane Hickey, The Guardian – “‘Black Fraud Day’: shoppers warned over Black Friday scams,” Nov 2025.