Once an American tradition, Black Friday (28 November) and Cyber Monday (1 December) have well and truly made their way to UK soil.
Despite all the hype, it can still be difficult to know where to start when looking for a pre-christmas bargain.
But fear not thrifty-shopper, money saving expert Martin Lewis is here to help.
“I expect to see a few new deals on Cyber Monday, but most of them tend to be a continuation from Black Friday,” says Lewis.
“I don’t think you can pinpoint any particular retailer for having the best deals, the whole point about Black Friday is that it tends to be individual items that are discounted. “
Lewis recommends searching for an item you specifically want then looking at who’s selling it cheapest.
Electrical goods are among the products most likely to drop in price.
“You’re going to see Sainsbury’s, Apple, Amazon, Asda, all reducing their electrical goods,” says Lewis.
He also predicts that Tesco might get in on the Black Friday action for the first time, now that the US tradition is becoming more mainstream in the UK.
The key thing to remember is that retailers will not reduce all their products. Each individual chain will probably only discount one or two items, so you have to make sure they're suitable for you.
“We have to be very careful,” Lewis warns. “Black Friday is an impulse-cracking technique used by the stores to try and drive you to spend."
Don’t be tempted to splash out on something that you wouldn’t have bought full price and you’ll be just fine.
Online Shopping: Pros And Cons
Pro: Comparison Shopping Is Easier Online(01 of11)
Open Image ModalIt's so much easier to comparison shop online, not just comparing different brands of items, but comparing different online sites for prices. You might not have the pleasure of holding the items in your hands, but you have the ease. (credit:alamy)
Con: You Can't Use Cash Or Check Online(02 of11)
Open Image ModalOnline, you really can only use a credit card, so if you were planning on paying with cash or check, you're out of luck. (credit:alamy)
Pro: Finding Something Is Easier Online(03 of11)
Open Image ModalSometimes trying to fin an ingredient in the super supermarket can be frustrating, and when you can't find a salesperson to help you it's even more so. Online all you do is type in the ingredient into the search box. (credit:Getty Images)
Con: You Can't Hand-Pick Your Items(04 of11)
Open Image ModalUnfortunately you don't get to pick your own food when shopping online. The person who compiles your order does all that for you. So you're bound to get a bad apple or two, a fattier cut of meat or a a container of milk set to expire soon. (credit:alamy)
Pro: Add An Item In Case You Left Something Off The List(05 of11)
Open Image ModalIf you've ever left the supermarket and realized on the way home you forgot milk, this will appeal to you. Up until the day of delivery, you can add items to your grocery order online. So if you forgot to add milk, eggs or whatever, you still have a chance to add it to your order. (credit:Jupiterimages)
Con: Couponing Lag(06 of11)
Open Image ModalCouponing can be done online and you can even use lots of online coupon sites or online deals, but you initially are charged for the full price of your order -- coupon savings are only subtracted much later after the delivery person has put them through processing. (credit:Getty Images)
Pro: Shop In Comfort(07 of11)
Open Image ModalWhat could be more easy than shopping in the comfort of your own home? You don't have to lift a finger except to type and use your mouse. All the work is done for you including the bagging and delivery of your food. (credit:Jupiterimages)
Con: Shopping Online Is Anti-Social(08 of11)
Open Image ModalOnline shopping is not for those who like interpersonal communication -- talking to salespeople, bumping into neighbors and friends, and generally enjoying shopping with other people. (credit:alamy)
Pro: You Can Shop Online 24/7(09 of11)
Open Image ModalCon: Waiting For Delivery(10 of11)
Open Image ModalObviously when you buy online you can't get your order immediately -- usually it takes up to 1 day to get your order and of course you have to pay for delivery costs. Luckily many online grocers have deals for first-time customers, but after that the delivery cost can range in price depending on time of delivery. (credit:Getty Images)
Pro: Shopping Online Has No Long Lines(11 of11)
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