How to prepare for Black Friday shopping

Before the sales begin, make a list of the items you need and set a maximum amount for each purchase. Include delivery, installation and any necessary accessories in your budget. Prioritise your purchases. Replacing a broken washing machine may be more urgent than buying a new coffee machine if your current one still works. Decide which features and functions you need. A more expensive model with a bigger discount will not necessarily be the best choice. Keep your shopping budget separate from the money you need for everyday essentials and unexpected expenses.

How to tell whether a discount offers good value

Assess a deal by comparing the item’s final price with the price of the same item at other stores and before the promotion. A large discount percentage alone does not guarantee the lowest price. Compare identical models with the same specifications and included accessories. If possible, note the price of the item you want before the sale starts.

As explained by Latvia’s Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC), discounts on goods should generally be calculated based on the lowest price applied by the seller in the previous 30 days.

Check the total cost, including delivery and other services. A cheaper item with a separate installation fee may end up costing more than an initially more expensive offer. When choosing appliances, also consider ongoing running costs, such as electricity consumption and replacement filters.

How to avoid impulse purchases

Pause before making an unplanned purchase. A countdown timer or a message saying there is only one item left is not a sufficient reason to rush.

Ask yourself three questions:

  • Would I want this item even without the discount?
  • When and how often will I use it?
  • Will buying it leave less money for more important needs?

If the answers are unclear, save the item to your wish list and return to it later. Read reviews and consider alternatives. Choosing not to buy something you do not need is also a thoughtful decision.

How to shop safely online

Safe online shopping starts with checking the seller. Before buying from an unfamiliar online store, check the company name, contact details, delivery terms and returns policy. Check the website address, especially if you reached the store through a link in an advertisement or email. A familiar logo alone does not prove that a website is genuine. Look for independent reviews. Repeated complaints about undelivered goods or an unreachable seller are reasons to be cautious. After placing an order, keep the order confirmation and payment records.

Buy now, pay in instalments

Black Friday discounts can be a good opportunity to buy items you have wanted for a long time or genuinely need at a better price. If you prefer not to pay the full purchase amount upfront, choose the Inbank split into parts payment method, available at Inbank partner stores.

It lets you split the purchase amount into smaller monthly payments, making larger purchases easier to plan for. Before buying, read the payment terms and consider whether the monthly payments fit your budget.

Shop with a plan

Black Friday can be an opportunity to save if you buy what you need at a price you have checked. Before making a purchase, make sure the item meets your needs, the seller is trustworthy and the total cost fits your budget. Inbank encourages you to choose thoughtfully. A good purchase is one that remains useful after the sales are over.