12 Black Friday Tips

Do you want to save lots of money on your Christmas shopping? Well, then you’re probably planning to shop on Black Friday. We all have a love/hate relationship with Black Friday. It’s a day when too many people all crowd in stores to get the hot deals on gifts.

Sometimes the deals aren’t really that great or the size you need is sold out. There are pros and cons for braving the early hours and hoards of people. But, I’ve searched around to find the best Black Friday tips for you to make your shopping experience the best it can be.

Plan ahead (weeks ahead) – Sign up for newsletters from the stores you are interested in. Do this a few weeks before Black Friday, because the stores will send you emails with their Black Friday specials. This will help you to plan your purchases.

Research online – Using the newsletters and google searches you’ll be able to find out the real price and who has the best base price. This will help you to find the best deals and avoid paying too much.

Decide which store is the most important and go there first – If your top priority is to shop the DoorBusters at a certain store, then make a written plan to go there first. Then continue to write down your plan. You’ll save time.

Don’t shop with your children – Leave them at home with Dad or a sitter. It will be worth it, because children will slow down your shopping and they’ll be bored, tired, and hungry.

Use the Amazon App on your phone to do real-time price checks on your phone.

Take breaks when you need to. Stop for a quick lunch, snack, or coffee break when you need it. If you push yourself too hard, you’ll be exhausted. Smile at other shoppers and greet the person at the cash register. Everyone’s having a busy, stressful day and could use a little encouragement.

Get your local newspaper on Thanksgiving Day. It will contain tons of ads with all the special deals. You can use this to make your list and schedule. If you just drive to the mall and hope to find something good, you may not reach your goal of saving the most money.

Make sure to read the return policy for each store and ask for a Gift Receipt. This is especially true for clothing items, because they may not fit the recipient. Take an empty envelope with you in your purse to keep all the receipts and gift receipts together. Paper clips are helpful, too.

Using cash is the best way to stay on budget for each item. But, many credit cards are giving rewards and you’ll be happy to see that on your next bill! If you have different price amounts you’re willing to spend on each gift, take a list with this written down. When you make the purchase, write down the actual purchase price. Take the time to do this so that you’ll stay on budget.

Black Friday ads are available already from many stores. Check the stores circulars right now, to start planning.

If you’re like me, you would rather shop online. Most of the stores will offer the same sales online as are in the stores. DoorBusters may not be available, though. Check each store for details.

Grab my FREE Christmas Shopping Planner. It has pages for you to print and make as many copies as you need. It will help you to stay organized and on budget this year.

Have a wonderful Black Friday! Do you have any tips to share?

@2019, copyright Lisa Ehrman