While we all know that Black Friday deals are as good as you can make them, not everybody knows how that deal-making is best done. There are mistakes made and time wasted, so let’s learn from all those mistakes and get ready to seriously save in November!
What should you do on and before Black Friday?
Should you visit the stores a day before Thanksgiving?
If you do that, you will be able to see the preparation for sales, and the locations of the hottest items. The same doorbuster might be at the front door and also in another location in the store. Knowing that will give you some serious advantage.
Should you use store carts?
If you don’t have to buy a TV or a refrigerator, forget the bulky cart and bring a reusable bag or store basket. This way you will beat the crowds and manoeuvre faster. IKEA bags are best for this.
Does it make sense to carry printed coupons with you?
This requires some planning, but you should definitely do it. Get only coupons that you will use and save extra money and time.
Should you stay away from the main isles?
If you can, avoid the main isles and instead use less popular isles to get to your destination.
Shopping on Thanksgiving?
Eat your turkey and hang out with your family, but then come shopping because most stores now offer the same door buster deals on the night before Black Friday.
Is it good to visit more than two stores?
We know, good luck limiting yourself! But you should really do it. This will keep you sane and prevent spending a ton of money on stuff you don’t really need.
Is using discounted gift cards really worth it?
This is an old trick, but still good. Use CrayPay, Gift Card Granny, or Raise and get discounted gift cards that can save you extra 3-25% right of the top.
Should you come in early and get in line?
Many stores reward first people in line for their devotion and loyalty. Usually the first 100 customers get free stuff and prizes, like movie tickets and gift cards. If you get up early and crave freebies, this is definitely for you.
Can you get incentives for abandoned online carts?
Yes, you can and you should! Just fill up the cart with what you need and leave it alone for a couple of days. Trust us, you will soon get 15-20% off offers.
Is it really dangerous to wear red if you are shopping at Target?
Yes, this might be funny, but we dare you try and wear a red polo shirt at Target on Black Friday – you’ll be running out like your life depends on it.
- $10 OFF $50 on Halloween Costumes and Home Decor
- Free Shipping for Orders Over $35
- 20% OFF Baby Clothing
How to make a shopping list for Black Friday?
This is rather simple – always start with the most important things first. For example, if you really have to have a new fridge, figure out where you will have to go first for that and then go down your list of most and less important purchases to create a map.
Will in-stock guarantees work on Black Friday?
Some stores guarantee that you will get the promised door buster price even if you are the last person in line and the stock might be gone. Walmart and Sears are two that will honour the promised price and deliver it to your home if they are out before you get to it.
- $5 OFF $50 Order or more
- Free Shipping on $35 Order
- 60% OFF with Blowout Event
Should you bother with store emails?
You definitely should and the sooner, the better. Go down your list of priorities and sign up for emails from all those stores no later than two weeks prior to Black Friday. Many stores send instant coupons too.
Should you pay attention to Amazon Alexa-exclusive deals?
Absolutely! Many previous years saw great deals on TVs and many other things.
Do you have to compare prices while shopping?
Many items that feature great discounts in stores on Black Friday might be cheaper on Amazon that day and any other day, so use Amazon app and compare prices.
- $10 First Prime Now Order
- Free Same-Day Delivery
- 30% OFF One Item
Should you use price protection credit cards?
Yes, this is very important. You should use Discover and City card for Black Friday shopping to get price adjustment if you bought something and then within 60-90 days find something cheaper, on Black Friday for example. Those two cards don’t have seasonal limitations.
What brands should be on your radar?
The ones that rarely go on sale otherwise – think Apple, Vitamix, Oakley, and BOB stroller.
What other general tips are there for the best shopping and saving results on Black Friday?
- Sign up for loyalty program prior to the shopping holiday
- Always read return policy and fine print before buying
- Don’t focus on price matching that day because virtually nobody matches Black Friday offers
- Walmart is the most dangerous place for Black Friday shopping, so be careful and don’t get injured by rushing crowds
- $10 OFF The 1st 3 Orders
- Free 2-Day Shipping on $35 Order
- 80% OFF Rollbacks
- Everything except door busters will be online, so save your nerves and shop from home if you can live without that door busting item
- Get stuff that can be used as gifts in the near future, like next year
- Use CamelCamelCamel.com when shopping on Amazon for past price tracking
- The best stores to shop at for savings are Macy’s, Kohl’s, and JC Penney
- 20% OFF Sale & Clearance Items
- Free Shipping on $75 Order
- 80% OFF with Last Act Deals
- Stay away from Costco and Sam’s Club as they won’t offer any deals on electronics or toys
- 20% OFF Sale & Clearance Items
- Free Shipping on Most Items
- 85% OFF with Extra Offers
- Do visit JC Penney if you are looking for deals on clothing because you can get 100% off sometimes
- 30% OFF Select Orders
- Free Shipping for Orders Over $99
- 80% OFF Clearance
- Head to Office Depot/Max for best computer deals
- 20% OFF Qualifying Regularly Priced Item
- Free Next-Day Shipping for Orders Over $45
- 25% OFF Photo Products
- Kohl’s is best for all your toy needs
- 20% OFF Your Purchase
- $20 OFF $100 Order
- Free Shipping for Orders Over $75
- Small appliances are calling your name at Macy’s
- Visit drug stores for all possible stocking stuffers
Should you divide shopping between you and your friends?
This is what friends are for on Black Friday. If you have a long list and know that you won’t get to everything in time, split up your shopping into sections with friends and scoop up as many goodies as you can. Then stop somewhere to exchange them.
Should you take your family along for shopping?
This is that one time when you really need to shop alone. You have to follow a plan and move fast and neither of them can do that.
The last two are very important:
- Always set an iron-clad budget and stick to it. It’s way too easy to overspend on Black Friday.
- Don’t even bother fighting crowds if your planned savings are less than $50 and stay home