I have to admit, for being the best shopping day of the year, Black Friday is my least favorite day to get out! I typically stay home and checkout the online deals. I honestly think they are better. But, if you like getting out and it is tradition, below are some helpful tips to make your shopping more efficient and easier.
Remember…HAVE FUN!!
1. Have a list – I would be prepared with a list of what you are looking for and at what price. Think through the presents your are needing for each person and how much you are willing to spend on each before you leave to shop. This will keep you from picking up extra items you don’t really need. And this saves you lots of money.
2. Research pricing – Know what is a good price for the items you want to purchase. I will be highlighting some of the bigger stores and their deals on my Black Friday page, but be sure to know what price you want to pay for the items on your list.
Just by researching prices ahead of time, you can save yourself tons. Knowing a good sale price on your favorite item, may mean the difference in where you place your shopping efforts.
Tip: Some stores will be price matching on Black Friday deals too! Rumor is Walmart and Target will be participating again, but call first to verify. They will price match the price offered by other retailers on identical items. You may bring other stores’ Black Friday circulars to your local Walmart or Target store and reduce the number of stores you shop that way.
3. Know your promotion details and store policies– Some door-buster sales are only for a certain time frame during that day, or only certain styles/colors of items are on sale. In addition, be clear on return policies and price matching criteria for these days.
4. Use Coupons! – There are lots of coupons out there for the items you will find on sale, so do a little research before you head out. Have them printed and ready to go! Don’t forget to look for the $10 off a $50 purchase types of coupons too. Those can really help bring down your total cost, when you combine with manufacturer coupons and the Black Friday sales.
5. Have a shopping partner – Two are better than one, so have a shopping partner when getting out there. Preferably someone who has the same items in mind as you, so you can help each other snag the deals! Split up and tackle separate items on your list to be sure to get what you want.
BEST TIP: Wait for Cyber Monday!
I know many of you love to be out on Black Friday and you find it the ultimate challenge. But, for many it is just plain stressful and frustrating. That would be me! I will be highlighting all the great deals for Cyber Monday here on Faithful Provisions. I have found in years past that I can find deals that are just as good–if not better–online. And that’s with me never leaving my home or my pajamas.
Do you shop on Black Friday? Be sure to share your shopping tips in the comments.
I completely agree, Kelly. My husband and I thought we’d make a go of Black Friday last year, and as soon as I walked into Target, saw the check out line was completely wrapped around the outer perimeter of the store, I knew it was for people more hard core than me. I’ll be sipping Hot Cocoa in front of my computer this year, as that’s where I found my best deals last year.
Hi,
I have looked over almost all the ads that are out and about for Black Friday…does anyone know where I will be able to find good deals on gift wrapping supplies like shirt boxes, wrapping paper and such? If so, please let me know! Thanks!
Kaitlin, I usually find the best deals on those right after Christmas. But, I was at Joann’s the other day and they had all their wrapping paper 50% off, I didn’t happen to see any shirt boxes, but you can usually get those at places like Stein Mart of mall stores.
I wish I would have thought about stocking up last year, but I wrapped all my gifts once we got to Mississippi where my family is (and used my Grandma’s stuff). I realized that that wasn’t such a good idea because we got there on Christmas Eve and rushed to wrap everything that night…not fun! So I will definitely look at those stores and see what I can and will also be sure to stock up after Christmas!
Thanks,
Kaitlin
Hi Kelly,
I am looking to score some great deals on baby items. My son is about to outgrow his 3 month clothes, so I was wondering where I might be able to find some deals on baby stuff. I am also looking for a Bumbo seat on the cheap. I didn’t know if stores do any good sales for baby stuff on Black Friday weekend. I normally purchase most of my baby things from Target, but I don’t want to pay full price. Any advice? Thanks!!
Sarah Daugherty
I would keep an eye out for Babies R Us, but also on Cyber Monday see what Amazon has. They usually run some amazing deals. Any online store you think might carry your items would be a good bet to check on Cyber Monday. I’d start checking them out now and see if Black Friday and Cyber Monday ads for those stores show you some discounts. Hope that helps.
Hey, Kelly!
I’m with you….last year I stayed in and surfed the web and found great deals! But, this year I really want a netbook/notebook and a blue-ray player. Do you think I should brave it for electronics….or do you think Cyber Monday will offer good deals on that stuff, too?
I found great electronics deals online last year. As long as you know what you want, and have previewed your options in store before you buy, you are good. I went before Black Friday to the store to look around and ask sales associates about the products. On Black Friday it will be impossible to get questions answered. Then I stayed at home found the store with the best price for what I wanted and got free shipping!
That’s what I was hoping you’d say:) Happy Thanksgiving!