Guys – can you believe it is nearing the end of November already? It seems like the year just flew by and now, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, it also means Black Friday (or week) is coming up too!
If you are looking for the best deals and savings of the year, this week is the prime time to lock down the items you’ve been wanting to buy. I’ll be honest, I’ve switched to skipping the line and online shopping when Thanksgiving and Black Friday roll around. Maybe I like my holiday dinner too much, or I don’t have the energy to get up at 4 a.m. and stand in line (turkey will do that to you). Yet…there are always those willing to face the massive crowds in order to get those rock-bottom prices and to those I say, “May the force be with you!”
For those braving the long lines, here are some helpful tips to help you get the deepest discounts and navigate Black Friday like a pro!
If you are looking for the best deals and savings of the year, this week is the
prime time to lock down the items you’ve been wanting to buy.
1. Prepare
Be sure to sign up for newsletters via email so you get the latest news regarding Black Friday deals. Prioritize your shopping by creating a detailed list by store and then your wish-list items by order of importance. Have a back up plan for must-have items in the unfortunate event that they should sell out.
2. Dress Comfortably
Wear comfortable shoes and ditch the heavy jacket and purses if you can. Do consider appropriate wear for standing in long lines outdoors. It might be necessary to bring a hat, gloves, jacket or even a blanket. A cell phone bank/charger is also a helpful tool to ensure a full battery while shopping and referencing your phone.
Prioritize your shopping by creating a detailed list by store and then your wish-list items by order of importance.
3. Bring a Friend
Shopping with a partner is way more fun anyways! Head to the store with a friend (or two) and divide and conquer. Knock out individual sections of the store and use multiple lines if possible. You can also go to separate stores to up your chances of getting what you want.
4. Keep the Kids at Home
This is a no-brainer. You will be standing in long lines, running to get items off the shelves, and you don’t want to do that with a kid. Leave them with a family member or friend and enjoy your shopping experience.
5. Use Gift Cards!
What’s better than a deal? A discounted-deal. Use a website like Raise to purchase gifts cards at a lower price that you can, in turn, use while shopping.
6. Reference Your Phone for the Latest News
Be sure to download apps such as Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Shopkick for any available coupons. You can also check the DealNews app so you never miss a deal. You may also have luck following stores on Facebook and Twitter, as they like to surprise followers with extra savings.
7. Avoid Price Matching
Most stores have lowered their pricing so much for Black Friday, that they rarely budge on price matching. Stores who do not price match include Target, Walmart and Best Buy.
8. Use Your Free Amazon App
Scan or enter any products to see if you can get them at a lower price through Amazon.com. You can easily purchase it with one click and if you have Prime, well…you know you have guaranteed free shipping on participating items. Win!
9. Avoid Overbuying
Just because it looks like a great deal, does not mean that you need to buy it. Go in with a budget, prepare in advance and get the items important to you. Sure, getting caught up in the excitement of Black Friday is easy to do, but impulse purchases are not worth going into debt over – be smart and intentional!
10. You Can Skip In-store Altogether
Black Friday sales are not just for in-store sales; a lot of online retailers participate in Black Friday. And unless the item you want is an in-store only deal or door buster, you can probably find it online.
Additionally, this years Small Business Saturday is November 24th and you may find many businesses in your area participating. Consider shopping small and supporting your local businesses while putting money back into your community!
