Top 7 Mistakes Aussie Shoppers Make on Black Friday & Cyber Monday

1. Top 7 Mistakes Aussie Shoppers Make on Black Friday & Cyber Monday — And How to Avoid Them As November rolls around, Australians start counting down to two of the most anticipated shopping events of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s the perfect chance to score amazing deals on everything from sleek work bags to stylish nappy backpacks and travel-ready luggage. But here’s the catch — not every discount is a true bargain. Between inflated prices, misleading “limited-time” offers, and hidden shipping fees, what seems like a steal can quickly turn into one of the most common Black Friday shopping mistakes or Cyber Monday shopping mistakes. Before you dive headfirst into the Black Friday vs Cyber Monday shopping rush, take a moment to learn from the pitfalls many Aussies fall into — and discover how to shop smarter, safer, and stress-free this sale season. 1. Falling for Fake Discounts You’ve probably seen it before — that “RRP $299, now $149” banner flashing across your screen. The problem? That “RRP” might never have been real. Some retailers quietly hike up prices weeks before the sale, just to make the discount look bigger.

2. How to avoid it: ● Use price-tracking tools like PriceHipster, CamelCamelCamel, or Honey to check historical pricing. ● Compare across at least two Australian retailers before you hit “buy.” ● Remember: a real discount is one that beats the average selling price, not a made-up RRP. 2. Ignoring Shipping Costs & Delivery Times That deal might look amazing until you see the $40 shipping fee or realise your order will arrive after Christmas. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, shipping networks are overloaded — especially for overseas retailers. Smart move: ● Always check delivery times before checkout. ● If you’re buying gifts or travel bags for an upcoming trip, choose Australian-based stores for quicker turnaround. ● Opt for Click & Collect if available — it’s faster and often free. Pro tip: Stores like Tottie typically offer reliable express delivery within Australia. 3. Overlooking Return Policies

3. Ever bought something on sale only to find out it’s “final sale” and can’t be returned? It happens a lot during these big events. Some stores shorten return periods or refuse exchanges for discounted items. How to shop smarter: ● Always read the return policy before buying — especially for online purchases. ● Keep your receipts, screenshots, and order confirmations. ● Under Australian Consumer Law, even discounted products must be of acceptable quality. If it’s faulty, you still have rights. 4. Not Setting a Budget Between flash sales, “limited stock” pop-ups, and endless ads, it’s easy to lose track of your spending. The result? Overspending on things you don’t need — and missing out on the items you actually wanted. Budget hack: ● Make a wishlist of what you need before the sales start (for example, a travel backpack or a new work bag). ● Set a clear spending limit and stick to it. ● Use cashback apps like ShopBack or Cashrewards to stretch your dollar further. A little planning goes a long way — you’ll enjoy your new purchase without the post-sale guilt.

4. 5. Shopping on Unverified Websites Scam sites thrive during the sale season. They mimic popular retailers, use stolen images, and offer unreal prices. Once you pay, your order never arrives. Stay safe: ● Look for “https://” in the URL and verify the site’s ABN registration (for Australian stores). ● Avoid paying via bank transfer — stick with PayPal or credit cards for protection. ● Search for reviews on independent platforms (e.g. Trustpilot or ProductReview.com.au). If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is. 6. Forgetting to Compare Black Friday vs Cyber Monday Deals Many Aussies assume both days offer the same discounts — but that’s not always true. ● Black Friday (Friday after the US Thanksgiving holiday) often features in-store and general online discounts. ● Cyber Monday (the following Monday) usually focuses on tech gadgets and online-exclusive sales. Comparison and Holiday Shopping tips:

5. ● For fashion, luggage, and nappy bags, Black Friday tends to have stronger retailer-wide discounts. ● For electronics, Cyber Monday might deliver better savings. ● Check both before buying — many Australian retailers extend sales across the weekend, giving you time to decide. 7. Skipping Newsletter Sign-Ups & Cashback Opportunities Many Aussie shoppers make the mistake of waiting until the sale officially begins — only to find out that the best deals were released before Black Friday even started. Retailers often reward their most loyal followers and newsletter subscribers with early access offers, exclusive promo codes, or limited-time discounts that never reach the public. Here’s how to get ahead: ● Subscribe early — Join your favourite stores’ mailing lists at least a week before the sales. You’ll often receive insider alerts, early-bird deals, or VIP access before stock runs out. ● Stack your savings — Combine promo codes, cashback, and free shipping for maximum value. Cashback platforms like ShopBack and Cashrewards are popular among Aussie shoppers for earning extra returns on every purchase. ● Stay social — Follow trusted Australian retailers on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. They frequently drop flash sale announcements or bonus codes for their followers.

6. Shop Smart, Save Big Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be exciting — but they can also be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. The trick isn’t to buy more, it’s to buy smarter. With a bit of planning, a clear budget, and a touch of common sense, you can spot the real bargains, skip the fake deals, and score items you’ll actually love and use. If you’ve ever wondered about the best time to buy something on Black Friday in Australia, it’s usually early in the sale period — when stock is fresh, discounts are genuine, and you still have time to compare prices. Many Aussie retailers release their biggest deals in the first 24 to 48 hours, so keeping an eye out early can make all the difference. Before you hit “checkout,” remember to compare prices, read reviews, and stick with trusted Australian retailers that value transparency and customer care. When you take the time to research and shop thoughtfully, you’ll feel confident about every purchase — whether it’s a sleek new work tote, a durable travel backpack, or a practical nappy bag for busy parents on the go. So this sale season, skip the panic buying and embrace smart shopping. Because when you shop with purpose, you don’t just save money — you gain peace of mind knowing you made the right choice.