Black Friday Without Disappointment: Mistakes You Can Avoid
Black Friday can feel a bit like a rollercoaster of sales. Allures like "50% off," "last items," and "today only!" are everywhere. You just want to snag your dream necklace, add another "jewelry masterpiece" to your collection, and not wake up the next day thinking, "Why did I buy that..." The good news? Most disappointments can be avoided. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid on Black Friday!
How to avoid being fooled by a false price and what is the 30-day rule (Omnibus Directive)?
Let's start with the basic "magic" of Black Friday: price. Until recently, a popular trick was to artificially inflate prices before a sale, followed by a spectacular "50% off," which in practice only brought us down to... the standard amount.
Something definitely worth knowing has been in effect since 2023: the Omnibus Directive. This is an EU regulation that requires sellers to display the lowest price from the 30 days before the discount.
Check out the products in the photo! [1. Christy Silver 2 Earrings . Groove Silver Ring 3. Row Mini Silver Bracelet 4. Osso Mini Silver Bracelet 5. Bott Mini Silver Bracelet ]
What does this mean to you in practice?
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For a product that is "on sale," information about the lowest price from the last 30 days should appear.
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If you see that the "promotional" price is the same as the previous lowest price, you know that the discount is more marketing than real.
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The Omnibus Directive is intended to protect you from artificially inflating prices just before sales.
If you feel like something is not right, you can always:
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check the product price history on price comparison sites,
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compare prices in several stores,
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visit the UOKiK website if you want to learn more about consumer rights and examples of fake promotions.
How to avoid time pressure and FOMO during Black Friday?
Black Friday is a time of FOMO – fear of missing out . "Only today!" "Last items in stock!" "Two pairs left in your size" – and suddenly, instead of pleasure, your heart rate increases.
Sellers know perfectly well the mechanisms that stimulate our imagination:
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timers – suggest that a decision must be made “here and now”;
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messages like "3 pieces left" play on the fear that someone will beat you to it;
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the slogans "don't miss out" - touch on exactly what we dislike the most: the feeling of loss.
Instead of buying consciously, we buy impulsively, so instead of sprinting, choose slow shopping.
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Make a shopping list before the promotion starts: what earrings, what necklace, what bracelet will truly complete your collection.
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Think about it: does this product match your style, wardrobe, and favorite jewelry colors?
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Follow this simple rule: if you see something new that wasn't on the list, give yourself some time. Do you revise the thought after a few hours? Maybe it's worth it. Do you forget? All the better for your wallet.
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Think of jewelry as a collectible, not a "bargain." Each new piece should have its own place and story, not be a random, impulsive addition.
How to check if an online store is reliable?
Unfortunately, during Black Friday, not only the number of promotions increases, but also... fake online stores. The prices are tempting, the website looks "almost like a well-known brand," and in the background, there's the risk of losing money or data.
Check out the products in the photo! [1. Helene Silver 2 Earrings . Shell Silver Ring ]
How do I check the returns policy and what do I need to know about shipping costs?
A promotion is a promotion, but the entire purchasing experience counts, even if something isn't perfect.
Pay attention to:
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Returns policy
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When shopping online, you generally have 14 days to withdraw from the contract (counted from the moment you receive the shipment).
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Check whether the store introduces additional restrictions for promotional items.
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Shipping and return costs
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Who pays for returning the goods?
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Doesn't "free shipping" only apply for high amounts?
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Are standard delivery costs also refunded when returning?
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Hidden fees
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Additional fees for the payment method, cash on delivery surcharges, "packing fee": all of this affects the final cost of the purchase.
A well-described returns policy is a sign that the store respects the customer and is ready for an honest dialogue even when something goes wrong.
How to assess whether a product is worth its price?
The discount percentage is only part of the story. What matters is what you're actually paying for .
Ask yourself a few questions:
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Is this timeless jewelry you'll wear in a year, three, and five, or just a trend for this month?
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Does it reflect a unique design, an original line, or the character of a specific brand?
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Is it handmade, a small series, the work of a Polish workshop, or a mass-produced product from a global assembly line?
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Does the brand say anything about the origin of the stones, materials, or the creation process?
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Is there premium packaging that will make the jewelry a little ritual from the very first touch?
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Does this product help you express yourself: style, values, mood?
Is it worth using discount codes, price comparison tools and combined promotions?
Using discount codes and newsletters makes sense if you do it consciously. It's worth signing up only for brands you truly like, as they'll give you early promotions and additional discounts. Avoid "magic codes" from random websites, however, as security is more important than a few percent discount.
Price comparison websites can be a great help when shopping. They're especially useful for products available in multiple stores, where real price differences are easily visible. When it comes to designer jewelry, quality, the creation process, and brand trust are more important than the "lowest price."
Combination promotions can be really profitable if you were planning to buy two items anyway, such as a necklace and matching earrings. However, remember that adding something to your cart just to "get a discount" quickly turns into a trap, not smart shopping.
Check out the products in the photo! [1. Cube Black 2 Earrings . Viva Burgundy Ring XL 3. Bangle Loop Burgundy 4. Bangle Loop Black]
How to ensure data security when shopping online?
During your shopping spree, it's worth remembering that data security is your best friend. A few simple rules are all you need to shop with peace of mind:
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use a trusted Wi-Fi network, preferably your home one.
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avoid public hotspots,
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Turn on VPN when shopping away from home, it will protect your connection,
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update your devices to have the latest security features,
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pay only via secure methods, such as trusted gateways or BLIK with authorization.
How to plan your Black Friday shopping and control your budget?
Black Friday is a great time to snag your dream jewelry, but only if you go into it with a plan. Otherwise, you could easily end up with a basket full of trinkets that "added themselves."
How to shop smartly without losing joy?
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Make your wish list, a wish list full of things you've already thought about, not things you saw five minutes ago.
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Write down a list of your dream products, the really important ones: a necklace to go with your favorite dress, earrings for December outings, a bracelet as a gift.
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Set a budget that will be your elegant boundary, flexible enough to bring joy, but specific enough to keep emotions in check.
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Follow brand newsletters, as they often feature the best discount codes and announcements of seasonal discounts before the entire internet sees them.
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Give yourself a moment before making a purchase, even if the sale seems like a "last chance in the world." If you return to it an hour later and still want it, it's a sign that it was smart shopping, not a momentary impulse buy.
Remember: make decisions consciously, and Black Friday will become your ally, not a trap.
