Black Friday Shopping Hacks for the Best Experience
My uncle’s four kids used to share everything in order of seniority while growing up. Whenever their dad went shopping, he bought a variety of items, and then the picking would begin. I remember a particular day when I was visiting, and we were all picking toys in the order of who was older. Phillip, the youngest child, wanted a toy car, but by the time it was his turn, his older brother had already picked that one. Phillip threw a tantrum, and in the end, the toy had to be given to him. From that day on, no one ever picked in order of seniority again!
Now, imagine standing at the entrance of your favorite store, heart racing, as the doors swing open on Black Friday morning. You’ve been eyeing that must-have item for months, and now it’s finally within your grasp—but so is everyone else’s. How do you ensure you get it before it goes out of stock?
Black Friday can feel like a whirlwind, but with the right shopping hacks, you can turn this chaotic shopping day into a smooth and successful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned Black Friday pro or a first-timer, these tips will ensure you get the most out of the biggest shopping event of the year.
- Start Early and Plan Ahead
The first step to mastering Black Friday is preparation. Retailers often release their deals in advance, allowing you to plan your purchases ahead of time. Expert shopper Amy Chase, a retail analyst, suggests making a list of what you need and setting a budget. “Impulse buying is one of the biggest mistakes people make on Black Friday,” she notes. “By sticking to your list and budget, you can avoid overspending.”
Recent studies back up this advice. According to a Statista report, in 2023, 29% of shoppers admitted to overspending on Black Friday, up from 23% the previous year. The primary culprit? Impulse buying. Shoppers often feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of deals and make unnecessary purchases. By crafting a clear plan, you can minimize the risk of falling into this trap.
Tip: Use apps like Flipp or RetailMeNot to find the best deals and track store ads. Many retailers offer previews of Black Friday discounts, and apps help keep everything organized in one place.
- Use Price Tracking Tools
How do you know you’re getting the best deal on Black Friday? Price tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey can be lifesavers. These tools allow you to track the price history of an item on platforms like Amazon, ensuring that the “deal” you’re eyeing is truly a discount. Recent research from Consumer Reports highlights that some Black Friday prices are artificially inflated before being “discounted,” so knowing the price history is key.
According to Consumer Reports’ annual shopping guide, 60% of advertised Black Friday deals aren’t actually the lowest prices of the year. Some retailers raise prices weeks before Black Friday, then lower them on the big day to create the illusion of savings. A study by Which?, a UK consumer group, found that 85% of Black Friday deals were cheaper or the same price in the six months before or after Black Friday in 2022.
Pro Tip: Set up price alerts a few weeks before Black Friday to receive notifications when the items on your list drop in price.
- Shop Online and In-Store Simultaneously
While some people enjoy the thrill of the in-store Black Friday experience, shopping online can save time and energy. Retail experts suggest using a hybrid approach. “Many retailers offer the same deals online as in-store, and you can shop from the comfort of your home,” says Lisa Harris, a consumer behavior researcher. However, she adds, “be ready for websites to crash due to heavy traffic.”
The trend of online Black Friday shopping has grown significantly in recent years. In 2022, Adobe Analytics reported that online Black Friday sales in the U.S. reached $9.12 billion, up from $8.92 billion in 2021. With more consumers opting to shop online, some retailers have introduced exclusive online deals to encourage digital sales.
- Tip: Keep multiple tabs open on your browser and be logged into your accounts before sales begin to avoid delays during checkout.
4. Leverage Credit Card Rewards and Cashback Programs
Your credit card can be a powerful tool on Black Friday. Many credit card companies offer special rewards or cashback during the holiday shopping season. Check with your provider to see if you can earn extra points or get cash back on Black Friday purchases. Recent studies show that shoppers who use rewards cards save up to 5% more than those who don’t.
A 2023 study by NerdWallet found that nearly 70% of shoppers could benefit from using cash back programs or rewards cards during Black Friday shopping. Not only do these programs offer financial incentives, but some credit card companies also provide extended warranty coverage and purchase protection on Black Friday deals, giving you added peace of mind.
- Tip: Sign up for cashback programs like Rakuten or TopCashback to earn money back on purchases from participating retailers.
5. Take Advantage of Early Access Deals
If you’re a member of loyalty programs or have store credit cards, you may get early access to Black Friday deals. Many retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, offer exclusive early shopping periods to their members. “Early access gives you a head start on popular items that are likely to sell out quickly,” says Martin Weber, a retail consultant.
A survey conducted by Deloitte in 2023 found that 45% of shoppers planned to take advantage of early access sales during Black Friday. These early sales, often called “Black Friday Preview Sales,” allow customers to shop for high-demand items before they’re available to the general public. This is especially beneficial for securing items like electronics, which are among the first to sell out.
- Pro Tip: Sign up for email notifications from your favorite stores to get early access to sales and exclusive discount codes.
6. Stay Safe and Secure Online
With the increase in online shopping during Black Friday, it’s important to protect your financial information. Cybersecurity experts advise using secure payment methods like PayPal and avoiding public Wi-Fi networks when making purchases. “Hackers are particularly active during the holiday shopping season,” warns Jessica Moore, a cybersecurity analyst. “Use two-factor authentication and strong passwords to protect your accounts.”
A report by Checkpoint Research showed a 178% increase in phishing attacks targeting shoppers during the Black Friday season in 2022. Cybercriminals often create fake websites or send phishing emails disguised as Black Friday deals, so it’s essential to remain vigilant and stick to trusted retailers.
- Tip: Stick to well-known retailers and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
7. Know the Return Policy
Before making any Black Friday purchases, familiarize yourself with the store’s return policy. Some stores have stricter return policies for Black Friday sales or may charge restocking fees for returns. Recent surveys reveal that nearly 30% of Black Friday purchases are returned after the holiday season, so it’s essential to know your options.
A 2023 report by National Retail Federation (NRF) found that over $428 billion in holiday merchandise was returned post-holiday season. Many retailers have responded by offering extended return windows or eliminating restocking fees, but policies vary by store. Always check before you buy to avoid any post-Black Friday headaches.
- Pro Tip: Keep your receipts and packaging intact, as some stores won’t accept returns without them.
8. Shop Smarter with Bundles and Multi-Item Discounts
Instead of hunting for individual deals, consider shopping for bundles or multi-item discounts. Many retailers offer discounted packages, especially for tech products like gaming consoles, headphones, and home appliances. A report by TechRadar shows that shoppers can save an average of 20-30% more on bundled items than buying them separately.
In 2023, gaming bundles were among the most sought-after deals, with bundles like PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X packages selling out within minutes. The added value of bundles — including games, accessories, or extra controllers — makes them an excellent option for shoppers looking to maximize their savings.
- Tip: Keep an eye out for “buy one, get one” deals, as they can offer great value, especially for gifts.
Conclusion
Black Friday can be overwhelming, but with a well-thought-out strategy, it can also be your ticket to major savings. Start by planning early, using tools to track prices, and taking advantage of online deals and loyalty programs. Keep your personal information secure and always check return policies before making purchases. With these Black Friday shopping hacks, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the frenzy and come out with the best deals.
What’s your Black Friday shopping strategy? Share your tips in the comments, and don’t forget to share this post with friends who could use a little extra help snagging the best deals!
Citations:
- Statista Report on Black Friday Spending, 2023
- Consumer Reports Annual Shopping Guide, 2023
- Adobe Analytics: U.S. Black Friday Online Sales Data, 2022
- NerdWallet Study on Credit Card Cashback Programs, 2023
- Checkpoint Research: Cybersecurity Threats During Holiday Shopping, 2022
- National Retail Federation (NRF): Holiday Return Statistics, 2023
- TechRadar: Black Friday Bundle Discounts, 2023
