Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, offering steep discounts across various categories. However, with so many deals happening at once, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and overspend. To make the most of these sales, here are some practical tips for shopping smarter and getting the best bang for your buck.
1. Plan Ahead with a Shopping List
Before diving into Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, create a shopping list of items you genuinely need or want. This list will help you stay focused and prevent impulse purchases on things that may not be worth the discount.
How to Do It:
- List down the specific items, sizes, or models you’re interested in.
- Note down the regular prices of these items so you can easily identify genuine deals.
- Prioritize your list based on need or budget, so you focus on higher-priority items first.
Pro Tip: For big-ticket items like electronics, check out reviews and recommendations in advance to ensure you’re choosing quality products, not just items with the deepest discounts.
2. Do Your Research on Deals and Prices
Many retailers begin their promotions days or even weeks in advance, allowing you to research and compare prices. Knowing where to look for the best discounts will make your shopping experience much smoother.
How to Do It:
- Use price-tracking websites like CamelCamelCamel or Honey to view the price history of products on Amazon and other major retailers.
- Follow your favorite stores on social media, as many brands announce exclusive sales or early access codes for followers.
- Look at store circulars or websites for previews of upcoming Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, which are often released ahead of time.
Pro Tip: Some sites like DealNews or Brad’s Deals compile and verify deals in advance, helping you quickly spot the best offers across various categories.
3. Set a Budget and Stick to It
With so many deals available, it’s easy to overspend during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Setting a budget not only keeps your finances in check but also helps you shop with a clear focus.
How to Do It:
- Break your budget down by category (e.g., $200 for electronics, $100 for clothing) so you have a clear guideline on where to allocate funds.
- Factor in shipping costs, taxes, and any additional fees to avoid surprises at checkout.
- Make a separate budget for gifts if you’re holiday shopping, so you don’t overspend on yourself.
Pro Tip: Use a prepaid card or dedicated debit card with your allocated budget to limit spending on non-essential items.
4. Use Cashback and Coupon Apps
Maximize your savings by combining store sales with cashback and coupon apps. Cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and TopCashback offer a percentage of your purchase back, while coupon apps like Honey or RetailMeNot automatically search for applicable coupons.
How to Do It:
- Download cashback apps and enable them before starting your shopping spree to earn cash on eligible purchases.
- Check websites like DiscountMeThis or Coupons.com for promo codes before you buy.
- Some credit cards also offer additional cashback on certain categories or stores during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Check if your card has any relevant offers.
Pro Tip: Many cashback sites offer higher-than-usual cashback rates during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so make sure to take advantage.
5. Prioritize Big-Ticket Items
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer discounts on a range of items, the best savings are often found on big-ticket products like electronics, appliances, and home goods. Prioritize these items over smaller, less expensive purchases.
How to Do It:
- Start with high-priority, high-cost items like TVs, laptops, or kitchen appliances that typically have the biggest discounts.
- Look out for “doorbuster” deals, which often feature big-ticket items at the lowest prices, but remember that these deals tend to sell out quickly.
- For items with limited stock, be prepared to purchase as soon as the sale goes live.
Pro Tip: If you’re shopping online, keep tabs open for your top items and refresh the page as sales go live to increase your chances of scoring high-demand deals.
6. Check Price Matching Policies
Some retailers, like Best Buy and Target, offer price-matching policies even during holiday sales. This policy allows you to get a better deal if a competitor offers the same item at a lower price.
How to Do It:
- Familiarize yourself with the store’s price-matching policy and bring documentation (e.g., screenshots) if needed.
- Check whether the policy applies to Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, as some retailers restrict price matching during these high-demand sales.
- Be prepared to contact customer service, as some price matches can only be done by speaking directly with a representative.
Pro Tip: Many stores also offer post-purchase price adjustments, meaning if the price drops after you’ve bought it, you may be able to get a refund on the difference.
7. Avoid Fake Sales and Be Wary of Scams
Unfortunately, some discounts on Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be misleading. Prices may be inflated beforehand to make discounts look more substantial, or some deals may lead to scams.
How to Avoid Scams:
- Stick to reputable websites and known retailers, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
- Be cautious about clicking on email deals or ads on social media that redirect you to unknown sites.
- Check the URL for “https” to ensure the site is secure before entering any payment information.
Pro Tip: Use price-comparison tools like Google Shopping to verify if a discount is as good as it seems.
8. Know Store Return and Exchange Policies
Not all stores allow returns on Black Friday and Cyber Monday purchases, and some may have stricter policies during the holiday season. Knowing these policies will help you avoid headaches if you need to return or exchange items.
How to Do It:
- Check the store’s return policy on the website or ask customer service if you’re shopping in-store.
- Be aware that some items may be final sale, especially deeply discounted ones, so only buy if you’re sure.
- Keep receipts and documentation of any warranties for big-ticket items.
Pro Tip: Many retailers extend return policies around the holidays, so check if your purchases are eligible for extended returns.
9. Shop Early for Popular Items
Many retailers release Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals early, and some sales begin as early as the start of November. By shopping early, you can get ahead of the rush and score popular items before they sell out.
How to Do It:
- Sign up for email notifications from your favorite stores to get early access to deals.
- Check if the items you’re interested in have already gone on sale, as many brands offer early Black Friday promotions.
- Consider “pre-Black Friday” sales or early access sales for exclusive discounts.
Pro Tip: Shopping early may also help you avoid delayed shipping times, which can be a common issue during the holiday rush.
10. Take Advantage of Free Shipping Deals
Free shipping can add up to significant savings, especially if you’re shopping at multiple stores. Many retailers offer free shipping during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and some may have minimum order requirements.
How to Do It:
- Look for stores that provide free shipping on all purchases or offer it as part of a holiday promotion.
- Use free in-store pickup options if available, which can help you save on shipping fees for online orders.
- If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can enjoy free shipping on many Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
Pro Tip: Many websites, like RetailMeNot or DiscountMeThis, list stores with free shipping offers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be overwhelming, but with a little planning and strategy, you can make the most out of these deals and maximize your savings. By following these tips and shopping with intention, you’ll be able to score amazing discounts while keeping your spending under control.