Black Friday and Cyber Monday: It’s Almost Time!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are two of the biggest shopping days of the year and can be a bargain-hunter’s dream… but it’s a game that has to be played right. Follow these hacks to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.

1. Do your research.

The first key to shopping success is starting your research ahead of time. Many stores release Black Friday and Cyber Monday ads well in advance, allowing you to preview the upcoming deals. By reviewing these ads early, you can compare prices across different retailers and make a plan for the items you want to buy. A great strategy is to create a list of must-have items and keep track of their prices in the weeks leading up to this major discount weekend.

2. Make a budget and stick to it.

With all the tempting offers during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s easy to overspend. That’s why it’s so important to set a budget before you start shopping. Decide how much you’re willing to spend overall and allocate amounts for specific items.

Impulse buys are one of the biggest dangers, especially when flashy discounts are involved. Sticking to your budget will keep you focused on the deals that matter most and help you avoid having post-shopping regret.

3. Get following.

If you aren’t already doing so, be sure to follow your favorite retailers on social media. Sign up for email and text alerts, too. This way, you’ll be the first to know about their upcoming sales and deals.

You may also want to join your favorite retailers’ loyalty programs. Many retailers offer exclusive early access to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for their subscribers or members. In some cases, loyalty program members can even get special “doorbuster” deals or free shipping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

4. Look for discount codes.

Don’t settle for the marked-down Black Friday and Cyber Monday prices. Look for discounts to bring the price down even further on sites like SimplyCodes and coupons.com. You’ll find discounts for designer retailers, restaurants and experience days.

5. Use apps and websites for price comparisons.

During this sales weekend, it’s important to compare prices from different retailers to make sure you’re really getting the best deal. Lucky for you, there’s an app for that!  Tools like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber and ShopSavvy let you scan barcodes or search for products to see how prices stack up at various stores.

6. Check an item’s pricing history.

Don’t just assume every price you encounter is actually being sold at a great discount. Check the price history of any product on price-checking websites like Keepa, Honey and CamelCamelCamel to see the item’s original price and whether it’s really being sold at a significant discount.

7. Stack coupons.

One of the lesser-known Black Friday hacks is coupon stacking. Some retailers allow you to combine multiple coupons or promotions on top of Black Friday discounts, which can lead to steep savings.

8. Focus on big-ticket items.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are often the best time to buy big-ticket items like electronics, appliances and furniture. Retailers tend to offer their steepest discounts on high-value products during this time, which means it’s your chance to save hundreds of dollars.

If you’ve been waiting to buy a new TV, laptop or kitchen appliance, now is the time to pull the trigger. Just be sure to do your research on these items ahead of time to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

9. Know the store’s return policy.

Before finalizing any Black Friday or Cyber Monday purchases, make sure you understand the store’s return policy. Some retailers have different rules for items bought during this extended weekend, including shorter return windows or restocking fees. Knowing the return policy can give you peace of mind if you’re unsure about a purchase or if the item ends up being defective.

Use our hacks this year to find the best bargains on the block! For more information on holiday shopping strategies, visit our article. Happy shopping!