Black Friday offers are tempting: Big discounts as far as the eye can see! However, you should be careful while shopping online. It’s not uncommon for a hangover to follow the big shopping spree.
Although there are thousands of discounts, there are just as many ridiculous offers floating around. Karin Hirschi (54) is an e-commerce specialist and general manager of “Online For You”. She knows the nasty tricks the providers want to scam us, she. She even manages to fool consumers sometimes.
On Blick.ch, she shows you ten tips on how to proceed properly when shopping online. And how to avoid getting scammed by sellers with dubious offers.
1. Make a shopping list
Bargaining often leads to spontaneous purchases. In the end, this means: You buy something you don’t actually need. “Create a wish list and stick to it as you shop,” says Karin Hirschi.
2. Book products in advance
Planning is half of life. Even as a bargain hunter, you should definitely be prepared in advance. Karin Hirschi: «Book the products you want in advance. You can submit the order as soon as the discounts start.»
3. Order a loyalty card in advance
“Many offers require a customer card to order a discount,” says the expert. For you, this means that you apply for the card in advance – so you can make the most of Black Friday and get your seat hassle-free.
4. Subscribe to newsletters
Many companies don’t just give discounts on Black Friday. But already a week ago and in the days after. Sign up for the newsletter to be the first to know about early deals. “The bargain delivers the land very quickly and directly in your inbox,” says Hirschi.
5. Don’t be fooled by the countdown
A very dirty psychological trick: The countdown shows that a particular offer is only valid for a few minutes. E-commerce expert Hirschi warns: “Keep calm and don’t be rushed. Offers are often repeated and cheating only suggests an artificial scarcity.”
6. The lowest prices are not always correct
A supplier often advertises that a product is not cheaper than it. Convince yourself of this. Hirschi recommends price comparison sites on the Internet. They show if this is truly a mega bargain. And don’t let the lowest price guarantee convince you.
7. Read the Terms and Conditions
A glance at the general terms and conditions is worth its weight in gold. Because that also applies to Black Friday. Be sure to check what shipping costs. Delivery time or processing returns can also cause a blue miracle.
8. Check payment options
Be clear about how you want to pay and check if this is possible for the item you want. Hirschi knows: “The fake shops also use the buying spree for criminal business.” Therefore, bargain orders, which are only possible against prepayment, should be avoided.
9. Order multiple items
If you are unsure of the size of a garment, buy several. You can usually return non-conforming products. If terms and conditions allow. Expert’s advice: “It’s better to buy too much than too little!”
10. Do not order during peak hours
The first Black Friday deals will be online at 12:01 a.m. For you it means: Sleep earlier. And your shopping adventure begins early in the morning. «The best offers often sell out quickly. Going to bed late or getting up early will be worth it,” says the expert.
Author: Noel Brühlmann
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
