How to score the best deals during 2019’s online sale events

The online sale season is just around the corner — and just in time for Christmas shopping. Here’s your guide to the best deals.

Longer days and warmer nights mean summer has well and truly set in.

But for shopping addicts, it also means the 2019 online sales season is fast approaching.

WHEN IS BLACK FRIDAY

Black Friday falls on the Friday after the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, which means this year the sales start on November 29.

Cyber Monday is the Monday after Black Friday, this year falling on December 2.

WHAT IS BLACK FRIDAY?

The frenzied shopping day dates back to the 1950s in the US when people would typically call in sick at work to capitalise on a four-day weekend after Thanksgiving and hit the shops in preparation for Christmas.

The skipping of work became so rampant that most states made the day a public holiday.

WHY IS IT CALLED BLACK FRIDAY?

The day is rumoured to have got its name because the number of shoppers was so mighty there would be traffic congestion and chaos in central business districts.

Police in Philadelphia are said to have coined the name because the volume of shoppers would commonly cause car accidents and even violence.

The silly shopping season is fast approaching.

DO AUSTRALIANS SPEND BIG?

A survey from comparison site Finder predicted more than 70 per cent of Australians, nearly $14 million people, plan on shopping this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

The research says nearly $4 billion will be spent in November on a variety of products including clothes, beauty, gadgets and travel.

Popular brands are available including Nike, Amazon, Nintendo, and Dyson from a variety of stores and online sites such as Amazon, eBay, JB Hi-Fi, ASOS, Myer, Harvey Norman and even Bunnings.

The PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, TVs, watches and laptops are expected to be in hot demand.

Only 21 per cent of Aussies were expected to take part in last year’s shopping event.

Finder personal finance expert Kate Browne said this year’s instalment of the sales event will be the biggest Australia as ever experienced.

“Rewind a few years ago and no one really knew what Black Friday was, but as more brands jump on board, and more sales events crop up we’re seeing an increasing amount of savvy consumers making the most big discounts,” she said.

“Last Cyber Monday we saw discounts of up to 75 per cent off travel tours so if you’re looking to book a trip on a tight budget, keep an eye out this sales season.”

Ms Browne said the best way to make the most of the bargains is to go in with a strategy.

“Don’t just buy things because they’re cheap,” she said. “Create a list of all the things you need and stick to it.”

Will you be taking advantage of the deals this online shopping season? Comment below or get in touch | @James_P_Hall | [e-mail]