Things You Should Know Before Shopping on Black Friday

Hey savvy shoppers, brace yourselves – Black Friday is around the corner, and you know what that means. It’s the Super Bowl of shopping, the Olympics of deal hunting. But before you dive headfirst into the sea of discounts, there are a few things you should know to make sure you come out on the other side with both your sanity and savings intact.

1. Plan Your Attack: It’s a Battlefield Out There

Black Friday is not for the faint of heart. It’s a retail battlefield where the fittest shoppers survive with the best deals. Before the big day, have a battle plan. Know what you’re looking for, where to find it, and what time the stores open. Check out online deals too – some of the craziest discounts might be just a click away. Make a list and check it twice. Seriously, Santa wasn’t the only one onto something. Knowing what you want helps you avoid being swayed by flashy discounts on things you didn’t even know you needed.

2. Research, Research, Research: Don’t Dive in Blindfolded

Sure, Black Friday is all about spontaneity and snagging deals on the fly, but a bit of pre-game research can save you from post-shopping regret. Prices might drop, but not all that glitters is gold. Some discounts are as real as a unicorn – non-existent. Check prices ahead of time. Websites like CamelCamelCamel can track the price history of products on Amazon. This way, you know if that jaw-dropping deal is truly a steal or just a mind game. Also, read reviews. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it’s worth owning. You don’t want to end up with a gadget that’s more trouble than it’s worth.

3. Set a Budget: Don’t Let the Deals Hijack Your Finances

It’s easy to get carried away on Black Friday. The discounts, the excitement, the sheer adrenaline of the shopping frenzy – it’s a heady mix. But, and it’s a big but, don’t let it turn into a budget-busting spree. Set a spending limit before you start, and stick to it like glue. Sure, that 70-inch TV might be calling your name, but is it really worth sacrificing next month’s grocery budget? Be realistic about what you can afford, and resist the urge to overspend just because the price tag is slashed. 

4. Online vs. In-Store: Choose Your Battlefield Wisely

The age-old debate – should you brave the in-store madness or surf the cyber waves for deals? Well, it depends on your tolerance for crowds and your love for pajama shopping. In-store deals can be epic, but you’ll be elbow-deep in a sea of bargain hunters. Online shopping, on the other hand, lets you snag deals without putting on pants. No judgment here – it’s a legitimate factor. Plus, online retailers often offer exclusive deals that can rival or even beat in-store discounts. The key is to know where to look. Check out both options, weigh the pros and cons, and decide which battlefield aligns with your shopping style.

5. Be Wary of Impulse Buys: They’re Sneaky Little Devils

Ah, the allure of the impulse buy. It whispers sweet promises of happiness and fulfillment, only to leave you with buyer’s remorse. Black Friday is the impulse buy’s playground. Everything is discounted, and it’s oh-so-tempting to throw random items into your cart because, well, why not? Here’s the thing – those random items add up. Before you know it, your cart is a chaotic mix of things you didn’t plan to buy. Take a deep breath and ask yourself, “Do I really need this?” If the answer is “no” or even a hesitant “maybe,” put it back.