Woolworths Orange Friday sale: Traps to watch out for
Follow these tips to maximise your savings.
This year the Woolworths spin on Black Friday sales is to rebrand the event "Orange Friday" and start the week before Black Friday itself. There's even a separate Orange Friday catalogue.
I'm all for saving money at the supermarket, and for earning extra Qantas Points through Everyday Rewards.
But before going buck wild with Orange Friday purchases, keep these potential traps in mind.
1. Most deals are from Everyday Market
That means they're shipped from other retailers, not Woolworths itself, so the delivery times vary. That also means you won't earn bonus points if you're a paid member of Everyday Extra.
Some items in the sale include 2,000 bonus Everyday Rewards points, which effectively equates to $10 in cash off at Woolworths (or a little more if you convert to Qantas). That's pleasant, but not a reason in itself to spend $149 on a high-pressure washer you don't actually need.
2. Don't forget the shipping
Purchases from Everyday Market include free shipping if you spend more than $50, and most of the inclusions highlighted in the first Orange Friday catalogue are above that price.
But in the fine print, there's a note: "Bulkier, heavier or larger items may incur additional shipping fees". In other words: mattresses and treadmills might cost more. Check those details to make sure you're really getting a bargain.
3. Compare Woolworths member prices
Orange Friday also includes a selection of "member prices" at Woolworths itself, for anyone with an Everyday Rewards membership.
These are more impressive than we've seen in recent weeks, especially some of the half price offers (toilet paper and taco kits jumped out at me).
However, as we've noted in earlier analysis of Woolworths' member pricing, these discounts are usually on pricier brand-name items. So there will still be cheaper store brand alternatives in many cases. Check the lower shelves before you buy!
4. Check the expiry dates.
The first batch of Orange Friday specials only run until 21 November. That's a full 3 days before Black Friday itself. Doubtless there will be another batch next week, but I'd be checking broader Black Friday deals before making a purchase.
Bottom line? You can potentially save some money and earn some bonus points with the Orange Friday sale. But take time and compare - not all bargains are created equal.
Get more helpful money tips to help you save.