At the transition from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, shoppers can expect to continue finding various sales as the event shifts to online platforms.

The allure of the shopping frenzy may lead individuals to overspend and miss out on genuine bargains.

Consumer group Which? has cautioned that the majority of Black Friday or Cyber Monday offers can often be found at lower prices or at the same cost during different periods of the year.

Experts advise on how to navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales without falling victim to deceptive deals.

Make a List and Stick to It

Director of merchandise consultancy Flourish Retail, Sarah Johnson, emphasizes the importance of sticking to items that were already on your shopping list before encountering discounts. She suggests creating a list and budget to resist impulsive purchases.

By adhering to your list and remaining within budget, you can make the most of savings without unnecessary spending.

Compare with Previous Prices

Editor of Which? Magazine, Harry Rose, advises shoppers to compare prices across multiple retailers before making a purchase.

He also recommends utilizing websites that track a product's price history over the past year to identify genuine deals.

Research conducted by Which? on 227 products at major home and tech retailers during last year's Black Friday period revealed that the majority of deals were either similar or cheaper during other times of the year.

Rose stresses that there is no rush to make Black Friday or Cyber Monday purchases, as similar or better deals tend to resurface later on.

Consider Second-Hand Options

Resale influencer Jess suggests exploring second-hand platforms to potentially find desired items at more affordable prices during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

Resale sites often allow buyers to negotiate prices, significantly reducing costs.

Vintage clothing influencer Vivien Tang also advocates for purchasing almost new or brand-new items from resale platforms, highlighting the convenience of filtering for newer items due to compulsory condition listings.

Shoppers looking for Christmas presents are encouraged not to overlook second-hand options.

Avoid Accruing Debt

While many opt for credit cards or overdrafts to seize perceived bargains during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, accruing interest may negate any initial savings.

Financial experts caution that using a credit card to make a £300 purchase, repaying £20 monthly, could result in over a year of repayment and £55 in interest.

Clearing credit card debts promptly or using savings to settle bills is advised for financial security.

Watch out for Scams

With the rise in online shopping during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, criminals exploit the hype to perpetrate scams.

Purchase scams, where individuals are tricked into making payments for nonexistent items, surged by 29% during the sales period last year, according to Lloyds Bank.

To avoid scams, it is recommended to purchase from trusted retailers and use card payments for increased protection.

Shoppers are advised to verify website authenticity, avoid suspiciously low prices, and be cautious of newly created social media accounts or websites offering deals that seem too good to be true.