Black Friday has become a shopping phenomenon that marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. It’s a day when retailers offer massive discounts and deals, making it a prime opportunity to snag items one has been eyeing all year. To make the most out of this shopping extravaganza, it’s important to have a solid plan in place. Here are 15 hacks that can help one have an amazing and safe Black Friday shopping experience.
Use money-saving shopping apps
In the digital age, shopping apps have become invaluable tools for bargain hunters. Apps like ShopSavvy, RetailMeNot, and ShopKick offer features like price comparison, coupon code aggregation, and cashback rewards. These apps can help one find the best deals across various retailers, ensuring one does not miss out on any savings.
Subscribe to email lists
Many retailers offer exclusive early bird discounts to their email subscribers. By subscribing to one’s favorite stores’ email lists, one will likely receive early notifications about Black Friday deals, allowing one to get a head start on shopping before the crowds hit the stores.
Consider memberships
Some retailers offer exclusive Black Friday deals to their loyalty program members or subscribers. If there’s a store one frequently shops at, consider joining their loyalty program or subscribing to their newsletter well before Black Friday to ensure one is in the loop for any member-exclusive discounts.
Utilize price tracking tools
Some online shopping tools allow one to track the price history of products. This means one can see if the current Black Friday deal is truly a bargain or if it’s just a marketing tactic. Websites like Visualping, Scanlife, and CamelCamelCamel can provide valuable insights into the historical pricing of products or compare prices of different stores, helping one to make informed decisions.
Create a shopping list and set a budget
The excitement of Black Friday can sometimes lead to impulse buying. To avoid overspending, one is advised to create a shopping list of items one truly needs or has been waiting to buy at a discounted price. One can also set a budget for each category of items on one’s list, like clothing, gadgets, toiletries, appliances, etc., to get an idea of one’s overall expenses during the shopping season. This can help to resist the urge to overspend on unnecessary items.
Prioritize high-value items
One can identify the high-value items on one’s wishlist that rarely go on sale. Black Friday can be an ideal time to invest in big-ticket items like electronics or appliances. One can research these items in advance, compare prices across different retailers, and focus on securing the best deal for these key purchases.
Double-check return policies
Before making a purchase, especially for high-value items, review the retailer’s return policy. Understand their return window, restocking fees, and whether Black Friday purchases are subject to different terms. This knowledge will help one to make confident buying decisions.
Keep an eye on doorbusters
Doorbusters are deeply discounted items typically available in limited quantities and for a short period, usually during the opening hours of brick-and-mortar stores. One can plan one’s Black Friday route strategically to hit stores offering doorbusters first. Arriving early can increase one’s chances of securing these amazing deals.
Research store policies and opening hours
Different retailers have varying policies when it comes to Black Friday deals, such as return policies, price matching, and in-store vs. online exclusives. Additionally, knowing the opening hours of physical stores can help one to plan one’s shopping route efficiently, ensuring one hits all the stores one’s interested in.
Save websites that aggregate Black Friday deals
Numerous websites compile comprehensive lists of Black Friday deals from various retailers. These websites can save time and effort by providing a one-stop destination for all the best deals. Consider bookmarking these sites and checking them periodically as Black Friday approaches.
Plan online shopping strategy
The convenience of online shopping during Black Friday cannot be overstated. However, with increased traffic, websites can sometimes experience crashes or slowdowns. One can plan one’s online shopping strategy in advance to avoid hassles. This includes creating accounts on preferred websites, adding items to the cart before the sale begins, and being ready to checkout quickly once the deals go live.
Explore package deals and bundles
Retailers often create package deals or bundles that offer significant savings compared to buying individual items separately. For example, one might find a technology bundle including a laptop, wireless mouse, and headphones, or a photography bundle like a camera body, lens, and flash. Keep an eye out for these offers, as they can be a smart way to maximize one’s savings while getting a range of related products.
Utilize in-store pickup services
If one is wary of shipping delays during the holiday season, consider utilizing in-store pickup services. Some retailers allow online orders and pick up of items at a nearby store. This option not only ensures one gets the items one wants but also saves time from navigating crowded aisles.
Use social media for real-time updates
Retailers often share real-time updates on deals, stock availability, and any changes to store hours. Following them on social media platforms can provide one with timely information to make informed decisions.
Practice cyber security
When shopping online, one should prioritize cyber security. Stick to reputable websites, avoid clicking on suspicious links or email attachments, and only provide personal and payment information on secure websites and with padlock symbols in the URL bar. One is advised to be cautious of phishing emails and scams that might try to take advantage of the Black Friday excitement.
