It is that time of year again when everyone is out shopping for all of his or her Christmas gifts for the best deals. It is fun but can be overwhelming especially if the store you’re heading to runs out of what you need. However, there are ways to avoid the frustration of Black Friday. You need a strategy, follow these tips and strategies for your most successful Black Friday yet!
1.)Scout
Start early before Thanksgiving go to the stores that you know you are going to want to go to on Black Friday and check the deals. Some retailers have their best deals on Thanksgiving. Check ads, it is easy to skip over stores that you do not usually shop at but one of those stores might have a better deal. Some deals may only last until a certain time pay attention to that.
2.)Budget
Set a budget and do not go over it. This will help with impulse buys. At the time an impulse buy may not seem to make a difference especially if it is a good price but if you make one or two impulse buys in the 5 stores you go in, that’ll add up. Stay safe carry a small purse that closes all the way that remains in front of you at all times. Cash is a great way to stay on a budget but is more likely to be stolen or lost, a debit card is ok but fraud protection is weaker, credit cards are better with fraud protection but allow you to overspend. It sounds like I just told you every method of payment has a downfall and it does, but to remain on the budget keep a checklist, prepare ahead and do the math. Add up every receipt make sure you’re not going over your budget.
3.) Do your Research
Several sites will begin posting the Black Friday ads when they become available. Be sure you are getting the best for your buck, while it may look like a great deal you may be able to do better somewhere else, check these sites for price comparison Shopping.com and PriceGrabber.com You can check these sites for the latest deals:
- Dealnews.com (click on the Black Friday tab)
- BlackFriday.info
- Bfads.net.
4.) Bouns Discounts
If you enjoy going out at the crack of dawn, then this is the deals for you. Some stores will offer early bird specials which could be gift cards for the first 500 customers to walk in the store. Stores that provided the “early bird” deal last year was H&M which gave the first 100 people in line tickets for up to $300 in-store credit. Another store Sports Authority at midnight, Sports Authority rewarded the first 80 customers to walk through its doors with cards worth up to $500. They always say “the early bird gets the worm” check out which stores are offering it this year!
5.) Deepen your Discounts
Paper coupons are back, be sure to fill your purse will Black Friday coupons. Don’t let your smartphone die because you will need coupons on there. Prepare early check the coupons and save them to your wallet. Download DealNews to stay on top of all the latest deals on the go.
6.) Be a Social Media Butterfly
Follow your favorite stores on whatever social media platform you enjoy most, turn on notifications and keep an eye out for coupons, sale previews, or even Black Friday ads can appear on their social media. Don’t search for the social media deals while standing at the register do it before you arrive, screenshots are a great way to have easy access. Be sure to look at promo codes from the website, or manufactures website you can watch right here on DealNews these can net some serious savings.
7.) Read the Fine Print
While most stores keep their return policy the same for Black Friday. There are the exceptions of the shops who do not receive some even charge restocking fees as high at 15%, primarily for electronics. Check the company website you can usually find the return policy information there or signage at the customer service desk. While asking the sales clerk is an option if they give incorrect information then the written policy will trump whatever they may have said. Just be careful when asking the clerks because they are under much stress and sometimes they may not fully know the return policies especially if they changed for Black Friday.
8.) Split Up
While shopping with friends can be fun. Use your numbers to have more extensive coverage areas. Have a game plan and have people in designated stores.
You can find more great tips, strategies, deals, and not what to buy at DealNews under the Black Friday section.
With all the great deals on Black Friday, go to a toy store and pick up a few things to take to a homeless shelter, an orphanage, or Operation Chrismas Child. It is always a good time to give back you the deals to help you save while helping someone.
Remember Black Friday is usually not a place for young children, it can be dangerous and stressful. Leave them at home and enjoy a ladies day shopping.
Finally be kind to everyone, especially the sale clerks they are dealing with thousands of people in short time. Giving up their Black Friday shopping so that you can have yours, so be respectful to them, many may be sleep deprived. Just be courteous, everyone wants to have a good time.
Mike Rance, Realtor 