Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or you’re buying for yourself, scoring the best Black Friday deals means starting early. Here are some tips to help you plan to get the most out of the slew of discounts.
Check the Ads and Apps
Many retailers start circulating their Black Friday ads weeks before the actual shopping day, which gives you plenty of time to start shopping for the best deals. Checking out the ads early will help you organize your day so you can save time as you take advantage of early sales. As part of mapping out your plan, learn when retailers require you to be in the store or online at specific hours. You’ll likely find the retailer’s ad online, in your Sunday newspaper (if you want it in print), and on their mobile app. You can also join retailers’ email lists or follow them on social media to keep tabs on their offers as they announce them. Compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best price, especially for higher-ticketed items where the savings can be significant. You can use price comparison apps such as RedLaser and ShopSavvy, both of which pull price information from multiple retailers to help you find the lowest price. You can use apps to find the best prices in advance, or you can use them while you’re shopping in the store. If you’re in one store and you find a lower price from another retailer, you may want to ask about a possible price match.
Do Your Research Well Before Friday
As you spot items you want to buy, research reviews of different brands so you won’t be surprised by the quality. Find out this season’s hottest items so you’ll know which items will be harder to get. That way, you can prioritize them. Knowing the original prices of products will help you identify the significant markdowns versus a promotion for just a minor discount. Research the return and exchange policies for each retailer you’re shopping with. Understand the types of products you can return, the time limit for returns (some retailers have extended return periods for the holidays), and whether you’ll need to provide a receipt. You’ll also want to know whether you can return the products for cash, or whether you’ll have to get store credit or a gift card.If you’re planning to shop online, find out whether you can return the item to a physical store or if you’re required to return it by mail. You may want to avoid stores with strict return policies if you have any concerns about buying the product. In addition to Black Friday, retailers often offer steep discounts on other days throughout the holiday season.
Small Business Saturday: The day after Black Friday is focused on supporting smaller, local retailers. Cyber Monday: The Monday after Black Friday is focused on online deals. Green Monday: The second Monday in December is a major online shopping day.
Look for Early-Bird Shopper Discounts
You don’t have to wait until Black Friday to take advantage of the flurry of discounts because many retailers offer early-bird discounts. You may even be able to get all your “Black Friday” shopping complete before Thanksgiving and avoid the crowds. Starting early also gives you a better chance of getting your items on time if the retailer runs out of stock due to issues with shortages or higher-than-expected demand.Expect retailers to advertise different deals throughout November and December, so keep a close eye on the price trends for your top items. Deals may be limited to a specific day or time period, and products may sell out quickly.
Plan Where You Want To Shop
Mapping out your day will help you make the most of Black Friday, no matter if you’ll do most of your shopping online, in person, or a combination of the two. If you’re looking for the season’s hottest items, consider prioritizing them as ones to buy first, since they may go fast. You may have to be in line when the doors open to get dibs on your priority items, like headphones, technology, shoes, and more. Some stores have specific hours for sales, so plan your day according to the sales you want to catch.Check the store’s website or app to learn in advance whether the item is available. Some retailers even add the exact location of items in the store so you don’t have to spend time searching. If you’re not sure where a store is located in a mall or shopping center, visit the center’s website in advance. This way, you’ll know where to park without wasting time circling the parking lot and scanning signs. Depending on your shopping location, it may be helpful to use a parking app to help you locate (and pay for when it’s required) parking. You can also take advantage of curbside or store pickup if the retailer offers it. That way, you can avoid store crowds or parking hassles.
Come Prepared Asking for Price Matches
Many retailers offer price matching, which means they’ll lower their marked price to match a competitor’s price. Price matching gives you a chance to get an item for the lowest price at your favorite retailer, or get an item that has sold out at a retailer with a lower-priced advertisement. Look up the store’s price-match policy ahead of time, so you won’t be surprised if a retailer doesn’t match prices. For example, Best Buy offers a “price match guarantee” when the product matches exactly, is immediately available at the other retailer, and is not on its exclusion list. When you’re asking for a price match, you’ll typically need to bring proof that you can get a lower price on the same item, such as a print ad or a screenshot of a competitor’s offering. The products must be the exact same to get the lowest price, including size, model, and even color.
Ask for Gift Receipts
Gift receipts make it easier for your gift recipient to return or exchange the item. They typically include a description of the purchase, but not the price.
Be Careful Paying With a Credit Card on Black Friday
Using your credit card may offer benefits like rewards points, an extended warranty, or purchase protection. But be careful about overspending with credit. High credit card balances may take longer to repay, which could mean you will pay more in interest. Set a budget and make a list in advance, then keep an eye on your balance as you spend. Some card issuers offer apps that help you easily track your spending while you’re shopping. You’ll be able to check your balance and available credit in real-time. Be aware that the season’s significant markdowns may tempt you to buy impulsively. However, remember that spending money you didn’t plan to spend isn’t really “saving.“Finally, don’t hesitate to return things you don’t need even if you think you got a good deal on them. You can lower your credit card balance by taking unplanned purchases back to the store. Some retailers offer extended return periods, which give you a little more time to make your return.
