Black Friday is a great opportunity to score fantastic deals, but it can also lead to overspending if you're not prepared. To make the most of this shopping event, here are five essential tips to help you shop smarter, save money and get exactly what you need.
1. Create a wish list of what you need.
The Black Friday flash sales are designed to tempt you to make impulse purchases. To avoid spending money on things you don't need, plan by creating a detailed list of items you've been thinking about buying for a while.
Customize your products, add them to your cart and save them to your wish list.
Avoid impulse buys: write down exactly what you need before the sales start. If it's not on your list, don't buy it. This is especially helpful when you're faced with those tempting “limited-time offers”.
Prioritize long-term needs: focus on items you'll still appreciate months from now. Whether it's updating your winter closet, investing in quality work clothes or purchasing new electronics, always ask yourself, “Will I still need this in six months?”
Pro tip: keep your wish list handy on your phone so you can quickly refer to it when searching for deals online or in stores.
2. Check prices in advance to find real bargains.
One of the biggest mistakes people make during Black Friday is assuming that every discount is a real bargain. Many retailers raise prices just before Black Friday to make their discounts look more attractive. Here's how to make sure you get a genuine bargain:
Use price tracking tools: websites like CamelCamelCamel track the price history of Amazon items, and extensions like Honey can show you price changes over time. You can compare how much the item has fluctuated to see if the current “deal” is really worth it. Take advantage of the Wayback Machine: go to archive.org and use the Wayback Machine to view snapshots of product pages in the past. This gives you a visual price history, which helps you detect if a product was cheaper before the deal promotion. Simply enter the page URL and check your past listings.
Use price tracking tools: websites like CamelCamelCamel track the price history of Amazon items, and extensions like Honey can show you price changes over time. You can compare how much the item has fluctuated to see if the current “deal” is really worth it. Take advantage of the Wayback Machine: go to archive.org and use the Wayback Machine to view snapshots of product pages in the past. This gives you a visual price history, which helps you detect if a product was cheaper before the deal promotion. Simply enter the page URL and check your past listings.
Quick tip: you can also check August, September and October items, and see if e-commerce has year-round deals, so there's no need to rush for Black Friday.
3. Set a budget and stick to it
Black Friday can drain your wallet if you're not careful, so it's essential to establish a clear budget. Determine in advance how much you can spend without affecting your financial well-being.
Set a spending limit: divide your budget by categories (e.g., $200 for clothing, $150 for electronics). This will help you stay focused and keep spending under control. Use cash back apps and rewards points: Take advantage of cashback programs like Rakuten or apps like Shopkick for additional savings. You can also use rewards points accumulated on your credit card to reduce the total cost of your purchases.
BLACK FRIDAY
Tip: Monitor your spending as you go. Many retailers now allow you to track your online purchases in real-time through their apps, so you can see how much you spend and make adjustments as needed.
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4. Shop early to avoid crowds.
Pre-Black Friday deals: Many stores launch their discounts in early November. Sign up for your favourite retailers' newsletters or follow them on social media to get early access to these deals. Don't wait for the last wave of sales on Friday - the items you want may sell out early. Strategically time your shopping: If you're looking for a high-demand item, shop early to make sure it's available. However, for items such as clothing or home goods, consider waiting until Cyber Monday, as these categories often have additional online discounts.
Pro tip: Bookmark the items you want and check them daily. Some retailers even offer early access offers for loyal customers, so being part of a store's loyalty program could pay off.
5. Consider the environmental impact
Since Black Friday focuses on consumerism, it's easy to overlook the environmental consequences. Fast fashion and low-quality items that break after a few uses contribute to waste. Instead, try to make conscious purchases that respect sustainability.
Focus on durable, high-quality products: Look for items made of durable materials, especially when it comes to clothing or electronics. A well-made coat or a durable pair of boots, for example, can last for years, making them a better investment than fast-fashion alternatives.
Avoid waste by choosing sustainable brands: many companies now offer eco-friendly or sustainably produced products. Choose brands that prioritize ethical production and use recycled materials to reduce their environmental footprint.
Avoid waste by choosing sustainable brands: many companies now offer eco-friendly or sustainably produced products. Choose brands that prioritize ethical production and use recycled materials to reduce their environmental footprint.
Pro tip: Instead of buying a lot of cheap items, invest in a few high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
How can I avoid being overwhelmed by Black Friday deals? It's easy to get caught up in the frenzy of the sales, so the key is preparation. Create a wish list of items you really need and set a budget. This will keep you focused and help you avoid impulse buys. Also, shop ahead of time or take advantage of early sales.
Are Black Friday deals really better than other sales? Not always! While many Black Friday deals are great, some are not as deeply discounted as they seem. That's why it's important to track prices ahead of time using tools like CamelCamelCamel or Wayback Machine. Some items may even have better deals closer to the vacations or Cyber Monday, so it pays to shop around.
What is the best way to find out about early Black Friday deals? The best way to gain early access to offers is to subscribe to store newsletters and loyalty programs. Many retailers offer members early booking discounts. Also, follow your favorite brands on social media and keep an eye out for flash and limited-time offers.
Is it safe to shop online during Black Friday? Yes, but you should take precautions to avoid scams. Always check that the website is secure by looking for the padlock icon in the address bar and making sure the URL begins with “https”. Also, avoid clicking on unknown links in e-mails or advertisements, as these could be phishing attempts. Use trusted websites and use virtual credit cards or services such as PayPal for added security.
Which is better, to buy in-store or online for Black Friday? It depends on what you're looking for! In-store shopping can give you access to special deals that might not be available online, but you'll have to deal with crowds. Online shopping is more convenient and often offers a wider selection, especially on Cyber Monday. Plus, online deals often start earlier, allowing you to shop from the comfort of your home.
Can I return items purchased on Black Friday? Return policies vary by retailer, so it is important to check return and exchange policies before you buy. Some stores may have stricter policies on Black Friday items or may charge restocking fees. Always ask about warranties and save your receipts just in case.
Should I wait for Cyber Monday instead of shopping on Black Friday? Cyber Monday usually offers better deals on technology, electronics and online-only items, while Black Friday may have better in-store deals for clothing, home goods and appliances. If you're shopping specifically for technology, waiting for Cyber Monday may be a good option. However, if you see a good deal during Black Friday, don't hesitate to take advantage of it!
How do I know if an offer is really sustainable or environmentally friendly? Look for brands that prioritize sustainable practices or participate in Green Friday initiatives. Look for certifications such as Fair Trade, organic materials or eco-friendly packaging. You can also research brands ahead of time to see if they donate to environmental causes or use ethical production methods..
Are Black Friday deals really better than other sales? Not always! While many Black Friday deals are great, some are not as deeply discounted as they seem. That's why it's important to track prices ahead of time using tools like CamelCamelCamel or Wayback Machine. Some items may even have better deals closer to the vacations or Cyber Monday, so it pays to shop around.
What is the best way to find out about early Black Friday deals? The best way to gain early access to offers is to subscribe to store newsletters and loyalty programs. Many retailers offer members early booking discounts. Also, follow your favorite brands on social media and keep an eye out for flash and limited-time offers.
Is it safe to shop online during Black Friday? Yes, but you should take precautions to avoid scams. Always check that the website is secure by looking for the padlock icon in the address bar and making sure the URL begins with “https”. Also, avoid clicking on unknown links in e-mails or advertisements, as these could be phishing attempts. Use trusted websites and use virtual credit cards or services such as PayPal for added security.
Which is better, to buy in-store or online for Black Friday? It depends on what you're looking for! In-store shopping can give you access to special deals that might not be available online, but you'll have to deal with crowds. Online shopping is more convenient and often offers a wider selection, especially on Cyber Monday. Plus, online deals often start earlier, allowing you to shop from the comfort of your home.
Can I return items purchased on Black Friday? Return policies vary by retailer, so it is important to check return and exchange policies before you buy. Some stores may have stricter policies on Black Friday items or may charge restocking fees. Always ask about warranties and save your receipts just in case.
Should I wait for Cyber Monday instead of shopping on Black Friday? Cyber Monday usually offers better deals on technology, electronics and online-only items, while Black Friday may have better in-store deals for clothing, home goods and appliances. If you're shopping specifically for technology, waiting for Cyber Monday may be a good option. However, if you see a good deal during Black Friday, don't hesitate to take advantage of it!
How do I know if an offer is really sustainable or environmentally friendly? Look for brands that prioritize sustainable practices or participate in Green Friday initiatives. Look for certifications such as Fair Trade, organic materials or eco-friendly packaging. You can also research brands ahead of time to see if they donate to environmental causes or use ethical production methods..
Sumissura and Hockerty are the leading e-commerce for customized women's and men's clothing. Since 2013, they offer customers total freedom to customize their clothing through a variety of customization options, fabrics and styles. Sumissura and Hockerty believe that a unique closet should be accessible to everyone. Founded by three young entrepreneurs who discovered a gap in the custom clothing market when they were in their early 20s, Sumissura and Hockerty have been developed to take on the challenge of offering custom clothing at affordable prices. Their start-up story begins in their own living room without much savings. The support of friends and family was of great importance. Sumissura and Hockerty's mission is simple: to give people the freedom to choose their own style and reveal their personality through their style. Daily. At an affordable price. Tailored. With a meticulous focus on quality, the Sumissura & Hockerty team in Zurich, Barcelona and Shanghai works to offer new tailor-made products. Together with their customers, Sumissura and Hockerty are helping to build a world based on a global society that buys less, buys better and buys clothes that last and fit perfectly.
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