7 Out-of-the-Box Black Friday Shopping Tips to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

Black Friday madness is just around the corner. For shoppers who like to run rampant on a shopping spree, it can be a daunting task to find the best shopping deals and make the most prudent buying decisions this holiday season. When it comes to making the most of Black Friday, research is the key. If you don’t do your diligent research, chances are that you will miss out on some great deals. Whether you are looking for online Black Friday shopping deals or in-store shopping deals, the key is to carefully research products you want to buy in advance instead of splashing out on a whim.

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To make Black Friday shopping a wonderful experience, here are some out-of-the-box Black Friday shopping tips to help you get the best deals on the products you want this Black Friday.

1. Plan in Advance

Start your Black Friday research and planning as early as possible to avoid stress. Creating a shopping strategy early will allow you to make the most of Black Friday shopping spree than those who are waiting till the last minute. Whether you shop online or in-store, create a shopping list so that you can spend wisely on items that you actually need.

2. Decide Budget for Black Friday Shopping Spree

Before you hit the stores on Black Friday shopping, all geared up for battle, it is important to stay tuned with your wallet. While creating your shopping list, it is vital to take an in-depth look at your budget and stick to it. Doing so will make it easier for you to make a ballpark estimate of what you can afford to spend on the items that you are actually looking to buy. Reign in your shopaholic instincts on impulse buying, especially if you are not sure about the deal.

3. Use Discount Cards and Coupons

It is always a great idea to use discounted gift cards and coupon codes to cut down on your holiday shopping expenditures. Before you head out for in-store shopping, visit different sites that offer discounted gift cards, such as CardCash and Raise. There are some Black Friday sites that allow you to compare prices, get discount vouchers and store coupons.

4. Research Black Friday Pricing

Once you have uncovered the perfect deals and you are ready to pull the trigger, it is a sensible idea to check price-comparison sites before making a buying decision. Google Shopping, NexTag, PriceGrabber, Shopzilla, and Pricewatch are a few reliable sites to compare prices of different retailers. This will ensure that you are getting the best price on the product you want to buy. It is important to know which stores are offering Black Friday price matchings, so that you can get the most bang for your buck.

5. Use Loyalty Programs

Many online retailers and ecommerce sites offer loyalty programs to their first and repeat customers so that they can earn rewards on what they buy. To stay on top of all the latest promotions, coupons and discounts, it is advised to sign up for Black Friday shopping alerts. Start paying attention to Black Friday newsletters a couple of weeks  in advance, so that you will be able to find out whether the item is in stock that eventually saves you on shipping.

6. Follow Retailers on Social Media

It is a worthwhile idea to follow your favorite retailers on social media to stay on top of all the latest deals and promotions. Retailers offer exclusive discounts and incentives to those who actively respond to their posts. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram tend to be the most active platforms for retailers where they share secret coupon codes and discount deals for their fans. So, start following your favorite retailers on social media to get a leg up on the latest Black Friday deals and discounts.

7. Check Retailers’ Price Matching Policy in advance

It is always a sensible approach to stay up-to-date with the price matching and return policies of your favorite retailers so that you can find a better deal. Nearly every big retailer has some sort of price match policy, but there are some stores that suspend their price match guarantees during Black Weekend on a number of items, so be sure to stay on your toes. Some top retailers and online stores have Black Friday matching policies that will help you find the best deals on your big purchases.

For instance, if you check Best buy price match policy, Walmart price match policy or any other top retailers’ price matching policies, you will be able to know the price of the product you are thinking of buying from them. When you carefully check the return and exchange and price matching policies for Black Friday sales, you will be sure that you won’t be charged any restocking fee for any product you bring back. There are many apps such as ShopSavvy, that allow you to price match products directly from your phone.

Closing Thoughts

Black Friday is not a one-day event. The earlier you start shopping, the greater are your chances of finding the best items you want on sale. If you haven’t created a budget and shopping list for the bargain weekend yet, now is the right time. With a little foresight and following the above-mentioned tips, Black Friday can actually be a pleasant experience.  Good luck!