Shop Like a Pro: 13 Black Friday Hacks To Help You Score Big
Black Friday is the shopping event of the year—packed with irresistible deals, exciting doorbusters, and the promise of big savings. But the spending frenzy can be a little overwhelming. To help steer clear of the chaos, we’ve gathered the ultimate Black Friday 2024 pro shopping tips. Whether in-store or online, this guide will help you navigate Black Friday like a seasoned bargain hunter. Read on!
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1. Make a budget, and stick to it.
Before braving the bargain rush, start with a budget. Keep it simple by making a list of items you really need or want, and prioritize them. Whether it’s the latest tech gadget, a cozy sweater, or a new set of kitchen tools, having a focused shopping list with a set budget will keep you on track. The goal is to avoid impulse buys, so you get the best deals on the items that matter most.
2. Monitor your favorite stores’ sales pages.
The top Black Friday deals tend to sell out fast; don’t leave it to chance. Monitor your favorite stores for sale updates. Many retailers start releasing their deals early, so keep an eye on their Black Friday sale web pages and know the start times of your desired sales. You may even want to set alerts for the products you’re eyeing. Use Google notifications or apps to stay updated on flash sales and price drops. If you’re shopping online, consider creating accounts and saving payment and shipping credentials ahead of time.
3. Do your research.
Before committing to any purchase, make sure you’re getting a good deal. It’s always worth checking whether the price is truly discounted or if the original price was inflated. Tracking tools can help you snag the ultimate deal. Consider trying:
- CamelCamelCamel tracks Amazon prices over time, so you can see if the deal is worth it.
- Keepa offers price histories directly on Amazon product pages.
- Honey gives you historical price data for common big box retailers, like Walmart and Best Buy.
Remember to compare coupons using deal aggregators like CouponCabin. A little homework goes a long way when it comes to getting the best bang for your buck!
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4. Clear your browser cache.
Websites may show outdated prices or create barriers to quick purchases if your cache is clogged with old data. Clear your browser cache before hitting the sales so your computer or smartphone loads pages fresh and fast.
5. Read the fine print.
Sometimes the biggest discounts come with hidden exclusions. Check the fine print on Black Friday deals so there aren’t any surprises. For example:
- Some discounts may exclude specific products, even if they’re advertised as site-wide sales.
- The original price could be artificially inflated to make the discount seem larger than it really is.
Reading the fine print ensures you’re not falling for misleading deals.
6. Compare reviews and complaints.
Before making a purchase, especially for big-ticket items, research both the retailer and the product. Look up customer reviews and check for recurring complaints about the store’s reputation and customer service. Additionally, for heavily discounted items, reading product reviews is crucial—deep discounts may signal that a product is outdated, damaged, or not as high-quality as it seems. Reviews will help you make informed decisions and avoid buyer’s remorse.
7. Shop strategically.
If you’re hitting the stores (or even multiple online retailers), outline a schedule. This saves you time and keeps you centered. Know which stores you want to visit, the times the sales start, and the items you want to pick up at each store.
And remember to plan your meals around your Black Friday shopping schedule, too. Not only will this prevent hangry browsing, but you’ll be able to make smarter decisions quickly.
8. Sign up for email alerts and rewards programs.
A little-known tidbit about Black Friday savings: Many retailers’ Black Friday rule is to share the best deals with subscribers. Sign up for email alerts and newsletters and join loyalty programs at your favorite retailers. Often, you’ll receive early access to Black Friday deals, exclusive discounts, and even extra coupon codes. You can unsubscribe after the holidays if you don’t want your inbox flooded.
Financial experts also suggest using rewards cards that offer cashback or bonus points. These can further increase your savings on top of big discounts.
9. Understand return policies and warranties.
Black Friday deals are tempting, but some products might not live up to expectations. Know the return policies and warranty details before you checkout. Retailers might have stricter rules for returns on items brought back during holiday sales, so be informed before making any large purchases.
10. Be cautious of derivative doorbusters.
While many doorbuster deals seem great for saving money on popular items, some can be too good to be true. Off-brand electronics or cheaply made products often flood the Black Friday market. These can lack essential features or have a shorter lifespan. Always research the brand and model before swiping your credit card.
11. Skip store credit cards.
Although store credit cards may offer discounts upfront, avoid signing up for them during Black Friday sales. They often come with high interest rates and hidden fees, which could end up costing you more in the long run. Stick with your regular credit or debit card or one with cashback rebates instead.
12. Save clothing and beauty for Cyber Monday.
If you’re looking to score deals on clothing, beauty products, or footwear, hold off until Cyber Monday. These categories tend to see deeper discounts during Cyber Monday’s site-wide sales. Plus, many brands have special coupon codes that can be stacked for even greater savings.
Certain items are also better bought later in the season. Toys are usually further discounted in late December, winter apparel is cheapest right before Christmas, and bedding and linens often go on sale during January’s “White Sales.” Be strategic about planning your purchases to get the best value.
13. Buy online, pick up in-store.
To dodge long lines and potential stockouts, consider buying online and picking up in-store. This allows you to grab Black Friday discounts without the hassle of crowds and register queues while still taking advantage of in-store deals.
With these Black Friday shopping tips, you can tackle the big day like a veteran shopper. Whether you’re scoring unbeatable deals on tech, fashion, or home goods, planning ahead and staying strategic is key to making your dollar stretch during the holidays. Remember to monitor sales pages, use price tracking and coupon tools, and stick to your budget to spare your bottom line and eliminate seasonal stress. Shop smart and save big to make the season bright.