Black Friday is an exciting shopping holiday, with deep discounts that make it a prime time to tackle holiday shopping or snag deals on items you’ve had your eye on. However, the key to Black Friday success lies in preparation. Here’s a guide with tips and tricks to help you shop smartly and make the most of this major sale day!
Successful Black Friday shopping starts with preparation. Write a list of priority items, especially high-ticket ones like electronics, appliances, or holiday gifts. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting caught up in tempting but unnecessary purchases. Research current prices to set a baseline, so you can recognize a true deal when you see one. Organizing your list by retailer or category can save you time and ensure you don’t miss out on any deals. Get one of these cute magnetic lists to stick to your fridge so you can keep adding items.
In recent years, Black Friday has evolved into a month-long shopping event, with many retailers offering discounts well before the actual day. By watching for early deals right here with us girls at Simply Sales, you may be able to score discounts without waiting until the last minute. Use price comparison tools like Google Shopping or apps like Honey and CamelCamelCamel, which track product price histories and alert you if the price drops. Many retailers also offer price matching, so know their policies before Black Friday to avoid missing out.
Many stores reward their loyal customers with early or exclusive Black Friday deals. By signing up for newsletters from your favorite retailers, you’ll be among the first to know about sale details or receive extra discounts or coupons. Retailers also frequently announce exclusive deals or flash sales on their social media accounts. Following these channels can give you a head start on deals that might not be available to everyone else. Make sure your notifications are turned on for Facebook discount groups like ours => Simply Sales, as we will keep you up-to-date on all the early deals to be had!
Cashback apps and loyalty programs can maximize your Black Friday savings. Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Dosh offer cashback from participating retailers, meaning you earn back a portion of what you spend. Many retailers also offer double rewards points on Black Friday, so take advantage if you’re enrolled in any loyalty programs. Some credit cards offer additional cashback or points on purchases, which can add even more value. A small percentage may not sound like much, but it adds up, especially if you’re making larger purchases.
While Black Friday shopping was once about braving the in-store crowds at the crack of dawn, today you can find many of the same deals online. Shopping from home allows you to avoid crowds, save time, and in some cases, get even better discounts with online-exclusive codes. Be prepared by setting up accounts with your preferred retailers and saving your payment information for faster checkout. Popular items sell out fast, so this can save precious minutes during checkout.
This is the Golden Rule to stay out of trouble during the Black Friday craziness. The excitement of Black Friday can easily lead to overspending. Decide on a budget before you start shopping, keeping in mind any must-have items. Sticking to your list and budget can prevent the shock of a larger-than-expected credit card bill later. If you know a store offers discounts on gift cards or coupons in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, buying those ahead of time can also help control your spending.
Some Black Friday deals come with stricter return policies or limited warranties, so make sure you know the fine print before making a purchase. This is especially important for electronics and larger items like furniture or appliances. Some retailers also offer extended holiday return periods, which could provide added peace of mind if you’re buying gifts.
With these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of Black Friday while staying within your budget and reducing stress. Remember, smart shopping means not only finding great deals but also staying organized and focused on what you really want or need.
BUT, before we get to the Black Friday madness, we would like to wish you the coziest of Thanksgivings with your friends and family! If you need some tips on how to create a stress free Thanksgiving experience, check out our blog here.
Happy Thanksgiving and then happy Black Friday shopping!
Big hug, Eveline
