Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, and the influx of deals can be overwhelming. Whether you are a seasoned shopper or a first-timer, developing a solid strategy can be key to making the most out of this sales event. From new tech products to clothing, home goods or beauty products, there’s something for everyone this Black Friday.
To help you navigate the chaos and score the best deals, we’ve put together some shopping strategies you can adopt this Black Friday to make your shopping experience seamless.
Research
One of the most important strategies you should use during Black Friday is price matching with price comparison tools. Before you head to the stores or start shopping online, check the regular prices of the items you are prepared to buy. Websites like CamelCamelCamel or PriceGrabber can help you track price trends before and during Black Friday.
Knowing the typical prices of products can help you better identify whether a posted Black Friday deal is a real bargain. Only some sales are as great as retailers make it seem, so researching ahead of time will save you from getting caught in an inflated deal.
Start Early
Black Friday isn’t just one day anymore! Instead of being a single-day event, it often stretches into a week or even an entire month of sales. Retailers often launch their Black Friday deals in the days leading up to Black Friday. To be sure you get the best deals, watch out for early discounts and flash sales. Sign up for email alerts and follow your favorite brands on social media to stay in the know before Black Friday.
Many retailers offer online-exclusive deals so you don’t have to leave your house to catch a great bargain. Shoppers should keep an eye on sales during Thanksgiving Day to find the best online deals.
Make a List
If you tend to make impulsive purchases while shopping, Black Friday can be a particularly challenging time to stay disciplined. To avoid getting caught up in the frenzy, start by creating a detailed shopping list before you begin shopping. Focus on identifying exactly what you need, rather than what you want. This list will serve as a roadmap, helping you stay on track and resist the temptation to buy things simply because they’re “on-sale” or seem like a good deal at the moment.
Additionally, set a clear budget for each item on your list and stick to it. Having a solid plan in place will not only help you avoid overspending but also aid in making smart, intentional purchases that align with your needs or long-term goals.
Set a Budget
You can find some enticing deals on Black Friday but don’t get caught up in the excitement of the sales and spend more than you should. A preplanned budget will keep you from overindulging and prevent impulse buys.
Being realistic about what you can afford beforehand will help you decipher whether an item outside of your curated list fits into your budget. If you plan to shop for gifts this Black Friday, you might want to budget by allocating a specific amount to each person you're buying for.
Leverage Rewards Programs and Cash Back
Most retailers offer special perks during Black Friday like extra points through loyalty programs or Cash Back incentives. If you are a member of a store’s rewards program, be sure to log in before you shop to take advantage of points and member-only discounts.
TopCashback offers Cash Back on purchases from a variety of major retailers. To maximize your savings, pair this with a Cash Back credit card and stack any available discounts or coupons. Not only will you earn Cash Back on already discounted items, but the rewards from your credit card will provide an extra layer of savings—giving you even more money back from Black Friday. This double-dipping savings strategy helps you make the most out of every transaction.
Check Return Policies
Before you commit to buying a big-ticket item, ensure you understand the store's return policy. Some retailers have more lenient return policies during the holiday season, while others stick to stricter rules. If you are buying gifts, make sure the return and exchange windows allow time to change your mind or fix an error in your purchase.
For high-priced items like electronics or appliances, it’s a good idea to read reviews and ensure the product is up to your standards.
Stay Safe
Black Friday is a prime opportunity for scammers who target eager shoppers hunting for the best deals. Whether you're shopping in stores or online, it's essential to stay vigilant. Be skeptical of deals that seem too good to be true, as these could be bait for scams. Stick to well-known, trusted websites, and always use secure payment methods, such as credit cards or trusted payment platforms, to minimize the risk of fraud.
Additionally, beware of phishing emails or fake websites designed to steal your personal information. These fraudulent sites often mimic legitimate retailers or offer unrealistically low prices to lure you in. Before entering any payment details or personal information, double-check that the website is secure—look for "https://" in the URL and a padlock symbol next to it. Taking these precautions will help you protect yourself from scams and ensure your Black Friday shopping experience is both safe and rewarding.
Black Friday is a golden opportunity to save big on gifts and personal items, but it’s important to have a solid strategy in place. Will you be adapting any of these strategies this Black Friday? Let us know in the comments below.
by Destiny Chatman
Destiny Chatman is a Public Relations Coordinator at TopCashback. After graduating and diving headfirst into the world of PR, she found her niche as a consumer expert, fueled by a passion for writing. When not crafting the perfect pitch, you can find her lost in a book, hunting for treasures at thrift stores, or mastering the art of TikTok scrolling.
