Black Friday Shopping Strategies for First-Time Shoppers
My friend Lisa is very meticulous about everything she does. When she had her birthday at the park a couple of months back, she planned the event herself, meticulously going through every detail_ food, games, and decorations
Just as we were about to dig in at the party, a sudden gust of wind sent napkins flying and toppled some cupcakes onto the grass! Panic was written all over her face, as she rushed forward trying to pack them back up, we stopped her though and succeeded in salvaging what was left on the table. We quickly regrouped and turned the mishap into a game, asking everyone to come up with creative ways to enjoy the remaining snacks.
Just like Lisa adapted to the unexpected chaos of her picnic, being prepared for Black Friday can help you navigate the whirlwind of shopping and turn potential frustrations into victories. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation, nearly 70% of Americans plan to participate in Black Friday shopping each year. If you’re a first-time Black Friday shopper, don’t worry! With the right strategies, you can avoid the madness and walk away with the best bargains. This guide will arm you with practical shopping tips to ensure your first Black Friday experience is smooth and successful.
1. Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to It
The excitement of Black Friday can tempt even the most disciplined shopper into overspending. Before you hit the stores or start browsing online, set a realistic budget. According to a recent survey by Bankrate, over 53% of Americans tend to overspend on Black Friday, mainly due to impulsive purchases.
Jessica Smith, a financial advisor, suggests setting a maximum spending limit to avoid buyer’s remorse. “Decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend and focus on the items you actually need.”
To stay within your budget, make a list of the items you plan to buy and allocate a specific amount of money for each. This will prevent you from overspending on items that aren’t necessary.
Use budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB (You Need A Budget) to track your Black Friday spending in real-time. This way, you can monitor your purchases and ensure you don’t exceed your budget.
2. Research Deals Ahead of Time
One of the most important strategies for first-time Black Friday shoppers is to research deals ahead of time. Retailers often release Black Friday ads and discounts days or even weeks in advance, allowing you to compare prices across multiple stores.
According to NerdWallet, 40% of retailers release their Black Friday ads as early as two weeks before the actual event. By planning ahead, you can avoid the pressure of last-minute decisions and make sure you’re getting the best possible price.
Use websites like BlackFriday.com or the Flipp app to browse ads and compile a list of the best deals. You can even set up alerts for specific items you’re eyeing to get notified as soon as the price drops.
3. Know the Store Policies and Hours
If you plan to shop in-store, knowing the store’s hours and return policies is crucial. With so many stores adjusting their hours to accommodate early Black Friday crowds, it’s essential to know when doors open. Additionally, many retailers change their return policies for Black Friday deals. Some have shorter return windows or stricter rules about returning discounted items.
Karen Davis, a retail consultant, advises, “Make sure you’re aware of the store’s return policy, especially on big-ticket items. Some retailers charge restocking fees for electronics or special orders, so always read the fine print.”
4. Shop Online for the Same Deals (or Better!)
As a first-time Black Friday shopper, you might imagine crowded stores and long lines, but many of the best deals are also available online. In fact, online shopping during Black Friday has skyrocketed in recent years. According to Adobe Analytics, Black Friday online sales hit a record $9.12 billion in 2022.
If braving the crowds isn’t your thing, stick to online shopping. Many retailers offer early online sales or exclusive discounts for web shoppers. Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target often match their in-store prices online, allowing you to get the same deal from the comfort of your home.
One added benefit of shopping online? You can use browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten to automatically find coupon codes or cashback deals to save even more.
5. Sign Up for Newsletters and Loyalty Programs
Many stores reward their loyal customers with early access to Black Friday deals or exclusive discounts. If you’re a first-time shopper, now’s the perfect time to sign up for newsletters and loyalty programs from your favorite stores.
A Deloitte report from 2023 shows that 45% of shoppers sign up for retailer newsletters in the weeks leading up to Black Friday to get access to exclusive promotions. Many stores also offer new subscribers additional discounts, which can add up during Black Friday sales.
Sign up for newsletters from major retailers like Best Buy, Kohl’s, or Target a few weeks before Black Friday. You’ll get early alerts on sales and sometimes even sneak peeks of the best deals.
6. Use Credit Cards Wisely
Credit cards can be a helpful tool during Black Friday, but they can also lead to overspending. To maximize your savings, use credit cards with cashback rewards or promotional offers. Some cards offer extra cashback on Black Friday purchases or bonus points in certain categories.
According to credit expert Megan Larson, “If used wisely, credit cards can give you significant returns on your Black Friday purchases. Many cards offer bonus rewards during the holidays, but always pay off your balance to avoid interest charges.”
Check with your credit card issuer to see if they’re offering any special promotions. Additionally, consider using cards that provide purchase protection or extended warranties, especially when buying electronics or large items.
7. Track Prices with Price Comparison Tools
How can you be sure you’re actually getting the best deal on Black Friday? Price comparison tools like CamelCamelCamel, ShopSavvy, or Honey can help you track the price history of an item, ensuring that the “deal” you’re excited about is truly a discount.
Consumer Reports revealed that nearly 60% of Black Friday deals aren’t the lowest prices offered throughout the year. Some retailers raise prices in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, then offer “discounts” that aren’t as good as they seem.
Set up price alerts for items you want to buy weeks in advance. That way, you’ll know when the price drops to a true bargain.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away
One of the biggest traps for first-time Black Friday shoppers is feeling pressured to buy something just because it’s on sale. Remember, just because an item is discounted doesn’t mean you need it. If a deal doesn’t seem worth it, walk away.
“Don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out) drive your Black Friday purchases,” says consumer psychologist Dr. Olivia James. “Retailers design Black Friday sales to create urgency, but staying calm and focused will help you avoid overspending.”
Stick to your list, and don’t feel pressured to buy items outside of it. There will always be more sales throughout the year!
9. Take Advantage of Price Matching
Many major retailers, such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, offer price matching during Black Friday, ensuring you get the best possible price without running from store to store. If you find a lower price at a competitor, you can request a price match, as long as you follow the retailer’s guidelines.
RetailMeNot reports that nearly 30% of shoppers who used price matching during Black Friday in 2022 saved an additional 10% to 20% on their purchases.
Bring ads or screenshots of the deals you find online to the store and ask if they’ll match the price. Some stores only price match identical items, so double-check the details.
10. Be Aware of the Best Times to Shop
Timing your shopping can significantly impact your ability to score the best deals. While many people wait for Black Friday itself, some retailers offer better deals during the week leading up to the event. This is especially true for online sales.
Research by The Checkout indicates that retailers often have limited stock for hot items, so shopping early—either on Thanksgiving evening or early on Black Friday—can improve your chances of getting what you want.
If you have your eye on specific items, keep an eye on their availability in the days leading up to Black Friday. Don’t hesitate to pull the trigger if you find a good deal early!
Conclusion
Black Friday can be an overwhelming experience for first-time shoppers, but with the right strategies, you can navigate it with ease and come out ahead. From setting a budget to leveraging loyalty programs and using price comparison tools, these strategies will help ensure you get the best deals without overspending.
By employing these pro tips and staying calm amid the excitement, you can transform Black Friday from a chaotic shopping spree into a rewarding financial opportunity. Remember to stay focused, shop smart, and enjoy the thrill of finding those once-a-year bargains!
Are you ready for your first Black Friday shopping adventure? Share your thoughts or any additional tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this guide with fellow first-time shoppers!
Citations:
- Adobe Analytics: U.S. Black Friday Online Sales Data, 2022
- Bankrate Survey on Holiday Spending, 2023
- Consumer Reports: Black Friday Price Analysis, 2023
- Deloitte Holiday Shopping Report, 2023
- NerdWallet: Black Friday Shopping Habits, 2023
- RetailMeNot: Price Matching During Black Friday, 2022
- National Retail Federation (NRF): Black Friday Spending Trends, 2023
