black friday

Black Friday Shopping Guide to Maximizing Your Deals

Black Friday is almost here again, and the hype is real! With an abundance of marketing deals, there will be a frenzied fight for your dollar. However, with so many different offers, it’s easy to get lost in this shopping frenzy. Black Friday may be known as the day when retailers break even or go into the red, but consumers stand to gain quite a lot from this one-day shopping bonanza. If you’re ready to hit up stores on Black Friday 2018, we have all the insider details you need to make it worth your while.



What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, where retailers offer massive discounts to get people in the store or online to buy their products. This day is the biggest shopping day of the year, as many people go out and shop for their Christmas presents. The name Black Friday comes from the fact that retailers have to be in the black by the end of the day, or else they lose money. Despite being known as the day when retailers go into the red, it’s also a day when consumers stand to gain quite a lot from this one-day shopping bonanza. If you’re ready to hit up stores on Black Friday, we have all the insider details you need to make it worth your while.


Which Stores Have the Best Deals on Black Friday?

As with any other day, you’ll find that the best deals on Black Friday are from the stores that you’ve been seeing advertised for weeks now. Generally speaking, the stores that offer the best deals on Black Friday are the ones that are going for the most number of sales this season. As we’re in the midst of the holiday shopping season, which typically takes place between mid-October and mid-December, these stores are trying to rake in as much revenue as possible. So if you’re looking to maximize your own spending on Black Friday, it’s best to visit the stores that are trying to grab as many customers as they can.


What to look for on Black Friday

When you’re out shopping on Black Friday, make sure to keep an eye out for the following. The Price - This one is obvious. You’re hoping to save money, after all! So make sure to keep your eyes peeled for items that have a reduced price tag. The Expiration Date - While you want to keep an eye out for deals that further your savings, it’s also important to know when you can use those savings. Some items will have an expiration date, while others will have a set date that you can use them. Make sure to keep track of both of these dates so that you don’t miss out! The Limitations - Not all deals will be for everyone. Some items will have a purchase limit that you’ll need to abide by. Others may only be available online. Make sure to read up on what you need to do in order to be eligible for the price. The Stock - If you’re looking to buy something that has a sale price, make sure you purchase it as soon as it becomes available. Many of these deals will have limited stock, and if you don’t purchase it when the sale is on, you won’t be able to get the discount.


Tips When Shopping in-store on Black Friday

When you’re shopping in-store on Black Friday, you’ll want to make sure that you maximize your time. Here are a few tips to make your shopping trip a success. Know what you want to buy - Before you visit the stores, make a list of the items you want to purchase. This will help you make the most of your time since you’ll be on a mission to buy these items only.

Arrive Early - This may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t follow this tip. Get to the store as early as you can so that you don’t miss out on any deals.

Wear Comfortable Shoes - You’ll be doing a lot of walking. Be prepared by wearing shoes that are both comfortable and provide plenty of support. You don’t want to get to the end of your shift and realize that you’ve been walking around in shoes that are too tight.

Breathe - As you’re surrounded by hordes of people, it can be easy to lose your cool. Try to remain calm, even if you don’t get the deals that you want.


Online Shopping: Where to Find the Best Deals

When you’re shopping online, you have a lot more control over what you buy and when you buy it. This means that you can be strategic with your purchases in order to get the best deals possible. There are a few apps and websites that can help you find the best deals online throughout the holiday season. Here are a few of our favorites. Swan - Swan helps you find gift cards at a discounted price. This means that you can buy gift cards at a reduced price and then give them to your loved ones at full price. It’s a great way to save money while still giving someone a gift. CamelCamel - This app tracks the price history of certain items on Amazon. This is a great way to see if the deal that you’re being offered is actually a good one. RetailMeNot - RetailMeNot is the ultimate app for finding discounted gift cards. You can search for gift cards based on your favorite stores and then find deals on those gift cards online. The Hunt - The Hunt is a marketplace for second-hand items. You can find some great products at a discounted price, especially if you’re shopping during the holidays.


Final Words

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, and Black Friday has become its own holiday tradition. There’s no better way to kick off the shopping season than with a day full of sales, discounts, and savings. Just make sure that you know what you’re looking for and where you can find it. You don’t want to walk out of a store with something that’s not on your list; you’re only hurting your wallet. Get ready to shop and save because this shopping bonanza is here to stay.