Shop Black Friday like a pro – PayPal’s tips for getting the best deals online
Friday, 29 October 2019, Sydney: Big online sales days like Black Friday have exploded in popularity over the last few years, with PayPal’s 2019 mCommerce: Trends Report revealing that America’s Black Friday has crossed the Pacific and is now the third most popular sales period in Australia (33%), after Boxing Day (44%) and EOFY sales (44%).
With half of Aussies (50%) admitting they wait until an item is on sale before buying it online, this Black Friday is set to be huge. Younger generations of shoppers will be competing to snap up the bargains as Gen Z (73%) and Gen Y (65%) are the shoppers most likely to have waited patiently for a sale to buy products they have their eye on.
PayPal Australia’s Shopping Expert, Dan Grant said: “Black Friday and Cyber Monday are amazing opportunities to snap up a bargain or buy something you’ve had your eye on for months. It’s also the perfect time to tick off some of your Christmas shopping list and buy gifts for your loved ones before the holiday rush.
“Unfortunately, the growing popularity of online sales also offers cybercriminals the opportunity to capitalise on the distraction caused by the chaotic rush for the best deal. Christmas shopping is already incredibly hectic and the last thing you need is to get ripped off or deal with a cyber-attack.
“We want every Aussie to have a Merry Christmas this year and to both find unique and amazing presents while staying safe online, so we’ve pulled together our top tips to shop this Black Friday like a pro.”
1. Look for the lock: When shopping online, check to make sure the site is secure by checking that the web address begins with https:// and includes a padlock icon. This normally indicates that the site has some security features in place.
2. Get in early: While you may not be able to see the queues online, they are definitely still there. Make sure to set your alarms this Black Friday to snap up the best deals because they won’t last long.
3. Choose your network wisely: Whether you are shopping on your mobile, desktop or tablet, avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, as connecting to these networks may open you up to the risk of hackers accessing your personal information.
4. Shop ethically: As consumers, we now have the purchasing power to avoid brands that have a negative impact on society or the environment, and reward those that align with our values. In fact, PayPal’s 2019 mCommerce Index revealed that over half of Aussie consumers (55%) are identified as ‘Conscious Consumers’. This Black Friday use your purchasing power to support brands that are having a positive impact.
5. #buyfromthebush: With eastern Australia facing one of the worst droughts ever, you can support rural communities and #buyfromthebush to access beautiful Australian gifts this year.
