10 ways to shop smart on Black Friday
With big sales being promoted this Black Friday (25 November), it can be easy to get caught up in the hype. Here are our top tips to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
1. Check the Black Friday deal is really a bargain. Compare prices online to make sure another shop isn’t selling the item cheaper. Don’t buy something “just because” the store claims it’s on special.
2. Know the 3 Rs and forget the extended warranty. In most cases, an extended warranty isn’t worth it – you’ll be paying for cover you already have under the Consumer Guarantees Act. The shop has to repair or replace faulty goods, or provide a refund, even if the item you bought was on sale.
3. Make the right choice. If you change your mind about a purchase, the retailer doesn’t have to take it back. Check out our product tests to help you pick the best buys.
4. Don’t forget your chargeback rights. Bought something online and it never showed up? Or maybe it did but was nothing like the description? If the retailer refuses to put things right, get on to your bank about a credit card or debit card chargeback. If your claim's accepted, you’ll get your money back.
5. Know who’s responsible for deliveries. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act, retailers that arrange delivery have to ensure items arrive on time and in good condition. So if an item arrives damaged, you don’t have to muck about with the courier company – the retailer must sort it out.
6. Find out where to shop for good service. There are some shops where you’re more likely to get above-par service. Our latest retailer satisfaction survey found the little guys did a better job than the big chain stores at keeping customers happy.
7. It never hurts to ask. Leave your shyness at the door when hunting for a deal. See if the salesperson will offer anything extra to sweeten the deal.
8. Think carefully before signing up for a “buy now, pay later” deal. The appeal at this time of year is understandable – you only ever have to shell out a fraction of the item’s cost upfront and pay off the rest over time. However, if you start missing payments, you’ll pay default fees.
9. Add in an exchange card. Buying a gift for someone else? Always ask the retailer for an exchange card to go with it. Retailers have no obligation to take back a present if the recipient doesn’t like it or you change your mind before giving it to them but some stores will do an exchange in the interests of good customer relations.
10. Ignore the pressure tactics. “Selling fast!” “10 others looking at this item.” “Don’t miss out!” These kinds of claims are designed to tempt you to make a purchase you wouldn’t otherwise have made. The best protection for your wallet is to resist the sales pitch.
===================================================
www.consumer.org.nz...
===================================================
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
-
5% Second half of November
-
44.6% 1st December
-
16.8% A week before Christmas
-
32.4% Whenever you wish
-
1.2% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Farmers Santa Parade
Every year, the Farmers Santa Parade marks the beginning of the festive season in Aotearoa, sprinkling magic, song, and dance down Auckland's Queen Street. Next month, the parade will return for its 91st year with an unmissable line-up of family favourites, including children's television phenomenon Bluey.
Spectators can expect to see the parade hero, Santa, alongside a suite of new characters and floats, including one constructed entirely of LEGO®.
Kiwi fans of Bluey will see their favourite blue pup in person as she makes a trip to Auckland to star on her very own float in the event. Bluey and Bingo will also make a special appearance at Santa's Party at the close of the parade.
After representing Aotearoa at the 2024 Olympics, gold medallist Hamish Kerr will be opening the parade as this year's official grand marshal and leading the iconic procession of festive floats including one inspired by K-pop, in the shape of a giant pink guitar and a nostalgic Kiwiana caravan float that encapsulates summer in Aotearoa.
Local community groups, such as Central Auckland Flip N Fly Circus School and South Auckland Cook Island Community Dance School, will perform throughout the parade, bringing their impressive skills to the street.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure the perfect viewing spot for this cherished holiday tradition.
==============================================
Postponement Date: Sunday 1st December 2024
Pre-Parade Entertainment: 12pm – 1pm
Parade: 1 – 2.30pm
Santa’s Party: 2.30pm – 5pm
=================================================
Loading…
