10 of My Best Tips for Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday shopping isn’t for the faint of heart. The crowds, the chaos, the early wake-up times—it’s all a bit much, especially if, like me, you’re not exactly a fan of packed malls and endless lines.

But let’s face it, the allure of snagging incredible deals on items you’ve been eyeing all year can sometimes be too good to pass up.

After digging deep and doing plenty of research, I’ve put together 10 of the most effective strategies to tackle Black Friday. These tips will help you navigate the madness, score the best deals, and maybe even enjoy the process a little more.

Shop Early to Catch Deals

You might think the real action kicks off at midnight on Black Friday, but the truth is, bargains begin way before the leftovers from Thanksgiving are even cold. According to Consumer Reports, retailers are rolling out deals earlier each year, covering everything from tech gadgets to sweaters.

Places like Target offer a price adjustment if something you buy early in the season drops in price later—just hang onto those receipts.

Leverage Technology for the Best Bargains

Navigating Black Friday and Cyber Monday requires more than just fast fingers and an eye for deals; you need the right tools. Websites like Consumer Reports or apps like PriceGrabber help you track price trends and compare deals across different retailers without having to leave your home—or the Thanksgiving table.

Mobile apps can be a secret weapon too; they let you scan barcodes and QR codes in stores to instantly compare prices, snag coupons, and even get cash back. Don’t forget to sign up for alerts from your favorite deal-spotting sites to get real-time updates tailored to your shopping list.

Ensure Deals Are Actually Deals

Ever snag a Black Friday “bargain” that turned out to be a regular-priced item in disguise? It happens to the best of us. Before you commit to a purchase, take a moment to check out price comparison sites like PriceSpy or Google Shopping.

And if you’re eyeing something on Amazon, a quick look at camelcamelcamel can tell you if the price is genuinely a low point or just everyday pricing dressed up for the holiday rush.

Think Twice About “Buy Now, Pay Later”

“Buy Now, Pay Later” sounds like a game changer, doesn’t it? It lets you grab what you want now and spread the cost over a few months, all without interest—that is, if you pay it off in time.

But here’s the rub: miss that deadline, and you’re looking at some hefty fees that can really add up, not to mention a potential knock to your credit score if you slip up. It’s best to use BNPL only if you’re sure you can clear the debt quickly. Otherwise, it’s like borrowing trouble on sale.

Budget Like a Boss for Black Friday

We’ve all been there—walking into a store or logging online with one thing in mind, only to walk out with three bags full of “great deals.” Black Friday is designed to lure you into spending more with those eye-catching offers.

To keep your bank account happy, decide beforehand how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. Also, while using credit cards can offer perks like doubling your warranty, beware of those tempting zero-interest promotions on store cards. They’re fantastic if you pay off the balance in time, but if you don’t, the interest later could wipe out any initial savings.

Know the Return Policies

It’s a bummer to get stuck with something that isn’t quite right, especially after you’ve braved the Black Friday crowds or battled through pages of online deals. Always check the return policies before you buy.

These days, many stores, like Amazon, extend their return periods through January, giving you extra time to make decisions post-holiday rush. This little bit of homework upfront can save you a headache later if you need to make a return or exchange.

Save Your Receipts

Keeping track of receipts might sound like a small thing, but it’s crucial for Black Friday shopping. Whether you’re dealing with one store or ten, those little slips of paper are your safety net for returns, exchanges, or even tax deductions if you’re buying for business purposes.

Make it a habit to ask for a receipt with every purchase and store them in a safe place—you’ll thank yourself later when you need to pull one out for a return or to sort out your budget.

Think Before You Buy

We’ve all been there—seeing a deal that seems too good to pass up, but let’s keep it real: if it’s not something you need, it’s not really a saving, is it? Black Friday can tempt you to spend cash on things just because they’re cheap, not because they’re necessary.

This year, try to stick to your true needs—skip the spending spree on stuff that’s just going to impress people you don’t even like.

Check Out Grocery Store Steals

Think Black Friday is just for tech and toys? Think again. Hit up your local grocery store; it’s a surprisingly sweet spot for deals on high-end items like ribeyes—yes, the good stuff. With everyone else focused on turkeys and hams, many stores drop prices on beef to clear space.

I’ve snagged gourmet cuts for a steal during past Black Fridays. It’s a smart move to beef up your freezer while everyone else is chasing the latest gadget.

Prep Your Online Cart in Advance

If you’re eyeing certain items this Black Friday, here’s a tip: load them into your online shopping carts ahead of time. This little move lets you keep an eye on price drops without the hassle of searching through the chaos of Black Friday itself.

I have a few carts set up at different sites to monitor prices on items my family is interested in. When the sales hit, I can quickly see which items are actually on sale and streamline my purchases to just those—no unnecessary spending on non-sale items.

Maybe… Stay Home

Now, let’s be honest, is the frenzy of Black Friday shopping worth it? Sure, the rush of snagging a deal in a crowded store has its thrill, but think about the potential downsides—stress, long lines, and the possibility of impulse buys that you might regret later.

Many deals are available online, too, which can save you the hassle of dealing with crowds. Maybe this year, consider making a cup of your favorite coffee and shopping from the comfort of your own home. After all, avoiding the chaos can make your holiday shopping a much more pleasant experience.