Ahhhh Black Friday, the annual deal extravaganza that can be both overwhelming and exciting at the same time. There’s no doubt about it, Black Friday signifies the start of the festive period, but how do you know if you’re actually getting a bargain on that device you’ve had your eye on for weeks? Well, with a little patience it’s not hard to score big this holiday season, keep reading and we’ll show you exactly how to spot a real bargain this Black Friday!
Even though Amazon just wrapped its fall Prime Day event, Black Friday and Cyber Monday still remain the two biggest shopping days of the year. This year we decided to create a blog to help you spot the best deals throughout the sales-packed week, whether you plan to shop in-person or online!
Quick sidenote: the last two years saw more online-exclusive deals than previous years, this was more than likely due to the fact that many people were still shopping online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While in-person shopping isn’t as popular as it once was, it’s possible that we may see the return of exclusive in-store deals in 2022, so be sure to keep an eye out for those!
Check the Ads and Apps
Many retailers start pushing their Black Friday ads weeks before the actual shopping day, which gives you plenty of time to start shopping for the best deals. Checking out the ads early will help you get organised so you can save time as you take advantage of early sales. Consider downloading your favorite retailers’ apps for early information on deals such as Black Friday discounts. Some apps offer push notifications, giving you instant notice of sales. You can also join retailers' email lists or follow them on social media to keep tabs on their offers as they announce them.
Compare retailer prices to make sure you're getting the best price, especially for higher-priced items where the savings can be significant. You can use price comparison apps such as RedLaser and ShopSavvy, both of which pull price information from multiple retailers to help you find the lowest price.
Do Your Research Well Before Black Friday
As you spot items you want to buy, research reviews of different brands in advance so you won't get a nasty surprised by poor quality etc. Knowing the original prices of products in advance of black Friday will help you identify the significant markdowns versus a promotion for just a minor discount, making it much easier to identify an actual bargain.
While you're researching the product itself, be sure to research the return and exchange policies for each retailer you're considering shopping with. Understand the time limit for returns (some retailers have extended return periods for the holidays), and whether you'll need to provide a receipt. You’ll also want to know whether you can return the product for a full refund, or whether you'll have to get store credit or a gift card instead.
Come Prepared
Many retailers offer price matching, which means they'll lower their marked price to match or even beat a competitor's price. Price matching gives you a chance to get an item for the lowest price at your favorite retailer, or get an item that has sold out at a retailer with a lower-priced advertisement. Be sure to look up the store's price-match policy ahead of time, so you won't be surprised if a retailer doesn't match prices. When you're asking for a price match, you'll typically need to bring proof that you can get a lower price on the same item, such as a print ad or a screenshot of a competitor’s offering. Bear in mind that the products must be the exact same to get the lowest price, this includes size, model, and even color.
Ask for Gift Receipts
Gift receipts make it easier for your gift recipient to return or exchange the item. They typically include a description of the purchase, but not the price. You can request a gift receipt for online and in-store purchases so your loved one can make a hassle-free exchange or return. Some retailers, including Amazon, even make gift receipts available online or through their app after your purchase.
Be Careful When Charging Black Friday Shopping
Using your credit card may offer benefits like rewards points, an extended warranty, or purchase protection, but be careful about overspending with credit. High credit card balances may take longer to repay, which could mean you will pay more in interest. Set a budget and make a list in advance, then keep an eye on your balance as you spend. Some card issuers offer apps that help you easily track your spending while you're shopping. You'll be able to check your balance and available credit in real time. Be aware that the season’s significant markdowns may tempt you to buy impulsively. However, remember that spending money you didn't plan to spend isn't really "saving”!
Finally, don't hesitate to return things you don't need even if you think you got a good deal on them. You can lower your credit card balance by taking unplanned purchases back to the store. Some retailers are offering extended return periods, which give you a little more time to make your return.
Key Takeaways
- Use ads to plan your shopping day so you have a better chance of getting your most-wanted items.
- Many retailers start running Black Friday deals at the end of October, so you can start shopping early.
- Consider subscribing to retailers' emails to get notified of savings opportunities immediately.
- Check return and price-match policies in advance to help you decide where to shop.
- Starting early gives you a better chance of getting your items on time if the retailer runs out of stock due to recent issues with shortages or higher-than-expected demand.
- Expect retailers to advertise different deals throughout November and December, so keep a close eye on the price trends for your top items. Deals may be limited to a specific day or time period, and products may sell out quickly.