WalletHub says Black Friday discounts average 37.1 percent, so it’s worth shopping for deals—but how can you be sure you’re getting the best deal? This guide can help.
Lululemon: Get comfy leggings and more during this Black Friday sale.
1. Shop Around
If you’re a shopper, you’re probably already feeling the hype around Black Friday. You can get everything from clothes, gadgets and home items to makeup, beauty and tech for a fraction of their regular price. But the best deals come with a bit of planning. Before you start grabbing everything that catches your eye, think about what adds value to your life and consider how often you’ll use it. Too many impulsive purchases will turn the shine of a bargain into buyer’s regret. That trendy kitchen gadget that looks amazing on TikTok might end up sitting in your cupboard after you realize it’s only useful for one thing.
Do your research and make a list of what you’re looking for, which will help you focus on your options. You can also take advantage of comparison shopping apps to help you find the best deal. Some are even designed to save you money in-store. For example, ShopSavvy scans barcodes or keywords to find the lowest prices available online and at local stores. Other apps like Honey, a downloadable browser extension that scans websites for coupon codes and discounts, can alert you when an item you’re interested in goes on sale.
There are plenty of other shopping apps and sites that will help you find the best Black Friday deals. Some offer rewards programs that give you points for shopping with them, while others let you see what’s available at your local stores and map out the best route to get there.
Some retailers offer “buy now, pay later” options for shoppers who don’t have enough cash on hand to buy all the things they want. But be careful when using these services, as a higher balance can lead to increased interest rates and fees down the line.
2. Do Your Research
For those who are averse to the hordes of people, long lines and crazed shopping that takes place on Black Friday, there’s an alternative. Online shoppers can find the best deals for their holiday wish lists, stocking stuffers and other special treats with Cyber Monday sales.
It’s important to do your research before a sale hits, especially for a major day like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Shoppers are more informed than ever about the products they want to buy and can compare prices with apps and extensions such as CamelCamelCamel and Google’s Product Search. It’s also a good idea to follow your favorite brands on social media and sign up for their newsletters to get the first look at Black Friday deals.
While doing your research, it’s a good idea to jot down the product codes of items that you have in mind so you can easily check back on them once Black Friday rolls around. Be aware that some retailers will even increase their prices in the months leading up to Black Friday so they can offer a “shocking” deal on this day, so it’s always smart to do your homework and be able to tell if a deal is really amazing or not.
It’s also a good idea to keep shipping times in mind, especially considering how the pandemic has affected the efficiency of UPS and USPS. While you can’t control delays, it’s good to know how long your package may be waiting in transit and what your return policies are for any products that might not be the right fit. Some stores, such as Kohl’s, have been increasing their online offerings and will likely have Cyber Monday returns.
3. Make a List
Black Friday can be a great time to get all of your holiday shopping done in one day. It’s also a good time to spruce up your home with deals on appliances and other gadgets. But it’s easy to fall into the Black Friday hype and spend money on stuff that you don’t need. That’s the fastest way to eat through any savings you made during the sales event.
The best way to avoid impulse buys is to make a list of what you want to purchase in advance. This will help you keep your budget in check and identify real bargains. Plus, you can use a price-tracking tool to see how much of a discount is truly being offered. For example, a deal that looks really good might not be that great if the retailer has already been selling that product at a lower price for some time.
Online retailers like Amazon let you create shopping lists and most other stores have a way for you to “favourite” items that you’re interested in buying. If you do this, you’ll be notified when the item is added to sale. You’ll also be able to check return and price-match policies in advance, which will help you decide where to shop.
It’s also worth creating or updating your shopping accounts ahead of Black Friday, so you can save your payment details and shipping address in case you have to check out quickly. This will help you avoid that heart-in-mouth moment when you’re told the item you want is no longer available, or that a credit card transaction is declined. Some card issuers offer apps that help you track your spending in real time while you’re shopping.
4. Shop Early
Black Friday is known for offering some of the lowest prices of the year, especially on tech products and large appliances. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of these sales and end up overspending, which is why it’s important to enter them with a set budget and plan. If you’re planning on using a credit card, make sure to consider the interest rates that may be charged if you carry a balance for months after the holiday.
In the weeks leading up to Black Friday, retailers will typically start announcing their deals. Some will be limited-time only, while others may run through the weekend or into Cyber Monday. If you see an offer you’re interested in, it’s worth taking the time to compare it to other online and offline sources. Google apps like CamelCamelCamel can help you track and analyze product prices, making it easier to determine if something is truly a good deal or not.
If you’re looking for specific items, it’s also a good idea to shop early. Last year, a handful of retailers had already launched their Black Friday deals as early as October with impressive offers on best-selling tech and appliances. Be sure to watch for “in-store only” disclaimers, though, as these will likely apply only to certain types of products.
Several home goods retailers have started their Black Friday sales, including Target with a range of toys including DC action figures and Disney dolls, as well as buy two, get one free discounts on Nerf products. Kohl’s is offering a number of great deals on kitchen gadgets like Toastmaster ovens and a variety of other home goods, while Nordstrom has some solid discounts on clothes from brands such as Barefoot Dreams, Vince Camuto and Free People. And online boutique Anthropologie is offering a wide selection of clothes and homewares with savings on everything from cashmere sweaters to puffer coats.
5. Check Return Policies
There are two kinds of people when it comes to Black Friday: those who’ve been eagerly curating wish lists for months and those who get a shiver down their spine when they hear the phrase “Black Friday.” Whichever group you belong to, there’s no doubt that discounts during the week of Thanksgiving are highly sought-after and oftentimes hard to find.
This year, it’s especially important to do your homework and keep an eye on retailers because a lot of them are changing their return policies. Many of these changes come into effect around the time of Black Friday, so if you’re planning on buying something that you can’t risk getting stuck with, make sure to check your retailer’s returns policy first.
Last year, for example, Best Buy started cutting deals on Apple products in mid-November and took up to $1,000 off the new iPhones and MacBooks, while also lowering prices on TVs down to $140 on 39″ sets. Amazon, meanwhile, offered steep discounts on its own Echo devices (we’re thinking previous generations bundled with smart lights or plugs) and the newer Kindle Fire tablets.
Other stores that are making it easier to score good deals this holiday season include Kohl’s, where you can save on beauty & personal care items such as body wash & face masks, and Target, where there are plenty of tech savings like security cameras, Samsung laptops & Polaroid cameras and on audio gear including Beats headphones & Skullcandy speakers. And for those looking to take their swagger up a notch, you can pick up some luxe wardrobe staples at Anthropologie or sustainably-minded skincare and beauty essentials at Kinship. And if all else fails, there’s always online marketplace Decluttr, which is offering up to $150 off refurbished electronics starting Nov. 29.
