How to Avoid Overspending During Sales: Simple Rules Worth Remembering

Every November—especially in its second half—marks the season of sales. As Christmas approaches, consumer moods shift, and retailers eagerly take advantage of this by offering “extra discounts,” “unrepeatable deals,” and “mega promotions.” The frenzy peaks during Black Friday, Black Week, and Cyber Monday, when both online and brick-and-mortar stores worldwide compete for shoppers’ attention with flashy displays and tempting slogans.

But amid all this shopping hysteria, one important question remains: Are retailers really cutting prices by dozens of percent?

The truth is, sales are a game between sellers and buyers. Retailers want to sell as much as possible, while consumers aim to buy at the lowest possible price. During sales season, caution is essential. Always treat advertising slogans about huge discounts with a healthy dose of skepticism. The bigger the advertised price cut, the more carefully you should check whether it’s genuine.

A common trick is to artificially raise prices right before the sale period, only to later advertise impressive “reductions.” In fact, research shows that in many cases, so-called “mega discounts” are not real at all. For instance, a British analysis by Which? magazine (“How to avoid fake Black Friday deals,” September 2024) revealed that only about 1% of products were actually cheaper during the sale period than at any other time of the year.

In Poland, too, more and more shoppers are becoming aware of such tactics. Recent consumer surveys show that one in three Poles believes they can find better deals online than in physical stores. This shift was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which encouraged millions to embrace online shopping. Comparing prices from the comfort of home helps buyers make more rational decisions and avoid impulsive purchases—a habit that’s likely here to stay.

The Golden Rules for Smart Shopping

• Ignore the percentage sign – Don’t focus too much on how big the discount looks.
• Compare prices – Use search engines to check how much the same product costs in different stores.
• Check online options – E-commerce often offers better prices thanks to lower overhead costs.
• Track price history – Watch how the price has changed over time to see if it was inflated before the sale.
• Use multi-currency cards or wallets – Paying directly in foreign currencies can save you money on exchange rates.

Black Friday 2025 — What to Expect

In 2025, Black Friday falls on November 28. Analysts predict another record-breaking year for global sales, with total spending expected to surpass $70 billion in online transactions worldwide during the Black Friday weekend alone. Retailers are preparing massive promotions, while consumers plan their purchases more strategically than ever—especially in categories like electronics, fashion, and home goods.

Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, remember: the smartest deal isn’t always the biggest discount, but the one that truly saves you money.