10 Best Black Friday Shopping Tips
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Black Friday is an American shopping day that marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. It is often considered to be the official start of the Christmas shopping period.
It can be a great way to save a bundle on holiday gifts. But it can also lead to overspending if you’re not careful. To make sure you get the most out of Black Friday Shopping, be sure to follow these 10 tips!
1. Make A Plan
You can come up with a plan to get everything you need without going into debt.
Black Friday is an interesting experience. You can get some really good deals and you can also easily go into debt.
I’ve found that it’s best to do a little research beforehand and make a plan for where to visit or if you have to go out at all. Some stores offer the same or even more deals when you shop online.
Plus stores seem to release their ads earlier and earlier, giving you time to plan without sacrificing time with loved ones.
But a plan is essential so that you don’t have to worry about getting distracted by what other stores have to offer.
2. Have A Budget For Black Friday
Have a budget for Black Friday and stick to it. Don’t go overboard and spend all your money on things you don’t need.
Know how much you can afford to spend and then adjust your plan (see tip #1) based on what deals are available and who you still need to shop for.
Related: Shopping for Gifts When You’re in Debt
3. Shop From Home
With a pandemic still ongoing, the convenience of shopping online is undeniable. You can take your time and shop at any hour without having to worry about the crowds.
This doesn’t mean you should skip Black Friday altogether, though. The variety of deals online may not be as good as in the store, but it’s still worth checking out the deals that are available before you head out to shop in person.
4. Take A Nap Before Shopping On Black Friday
One of the best things you can do to prepare for Black Friday, especially if you plan to shop in-store, is to take a nap before you go shopping. This will help you stay calm and avoid impulse buying.
You always make better decisions when well-rested. It will make it easier for you to shop for only what’s on your plan and put blinders up for everything else.
5. Wear Comfortable Shoes For Black Friday
If you’re shopping exclusively online, this tip is not as important.
It’s not a surprise that many people have been looking to buy the best deals on Black Friday. And it’s no secret that there is a high probability of standing in a long line to check out. Comfortable shoes will go a long way in making the experience a more pleasant one.
6. Have A Shopping Buddy For Black Friday
Black Friday is a great opportunity to buy things at a discounted price. However, there are so many options available that it can be difficult to stay on track. This is where a shopping buddy can come in handy.
A shopping buddy is someone who goes with you to the store and helps you stick to your plan. Great shopping friends will also call you out if you grab something that is not on your Black Friday shopping list.
This person will make sure that you don’t forget anything when you go shopping and will help stay on plan.
7. Know the Return Policies for Black Friday Purchases
In general, most stores will offer an extended return period through the holidays. However, it’s important to keep in mind that most retailers will only allow a return or exchange as long as the items are not used and in the original packaging.
8. Complete All Your Rebates As Soon As You Get Home
The longer you put off completing rebates, the less likely you are to do it. Which means you’re throwing money away.
If you approached your Black Friday Shopping with a plan and a budget that you stuck to, then you shouldn’t have doubts about what items you’re keeping and what rebates you need to submit.
By completing your rebates early, you’ll not only get your money back sooner, but you don’t run the risk of losing receipts and other materials needed to complete your rebates.
The more quickly you can process these rebate forms, the sooner you can get your money – and get on with life!
9. Do A Gut Check A Few Days Later
Black Friday is a great time to buy clothes, electronics, and other items at a lower price. But many shoppers have no idea how to properly size up an item and end up with clothes that don’t fit or products that they’re not happy with.
Or, maybe you see something not on your list and get it because it’s such a great deal. Once the Black Friday shopping high dies down, it’s important to do a gut check on your purchases.
If you’re not feeling good about a purchase, then take action and return it to the store asap.
10. If Something Wasn’t There The First Time, Go Back On Saturday Or Sunday
Of course, if you can’t find what you want on Black Friday, reschedule your shopping for Saturday or Sunday. There will be fewer crowds and it could be the item you wanted is back in stock as stores process returns.
Bottom Line
The holiday season is a time for joy, happiness, and of course, shopping. However, if you are not careful, you might spend more than what you’ve budgeted for.
As a reminder here are the top 10 tips to help you save money and stick to your budget this Black Friday.
- Make a shopping plan
- Have a budget for Black Friday
- Shop online when you can
- Go into Black Friday shopping well-rested
- Don’t do any in-store shopping without the proper footwear
- Don’t go shopping alone, buddy up with a friend
- Know the return policies for each store
- Complete any rebates ASAP
- Do a gut check a few days later and return anything you’ve changed your mind on
- Don’t stress if the item you wanted wasn’t available on Friday, go back Saturday or Sunday to deal with less crowds and see if it’s available again
