Black Friday 2019 will be here before you know it! Are you prepared? We’ve got some tips to help you save money and have an enjoyable day!
Going out Black Friday shopping was a tradition in our family for years. Honestly, it wasn’t even about the deals for me. I thoroughly enjoyed partaking in the craziness with my kids, sisters, and nieces. We had SO much fun and made memories that will last forever!
If you’re heading out this year, I’ve got some tips to help you save money and have as stress-free of a day as possible. In fact, you can apply many of these tips to any big shopping day out!
Black Friday 2019
1. Bring these items:
- A phone, fully charged
- A portable cell phone charger order here
- Plenty of cash and debit/credit cards
- The ads for the stores you’re going to
- Snacks and drinks to keep you energized. order here
- Hand sanitizer – just sayin
2. Make a detailed list that includes:
- The stores you want to hit up and their addresses
- The store hours, including blockbuster times
- Must-have items at each store
- Note if you have a discount or coupon (it’s easy to forget in the madness)
I prefer to print my list rather than having it on my phone. I find it easier to read and see when I’m in the store. Plus, I’m using my phone for other things (like price matching Amazon) and keeping up with my family!
Have a plan of attack.
Plan A and Plan B. So, you’ve made a list, know what stores you’re going to, and exactly what you want to buy. But, inevitably some of the items you want will no longer be available, so have a Plan B. Maybe a similar item is at another store or it’s around the same price on Amazon. Check these things before you shop.
Start early.
If you’re shopping in the store, get an early start. The best deals will be gone early, and the early bird does truly get the worm.
Leave the kids at home.
This is a no-brainer. As much as you may enjoy shopping with your kiddos, they must stay at home. It’s chaotic out there and no place for kids.
Be hands-free.
I always wear a crossbody purse with wide straps when I’m shopping. It keeps your hand free, and the wide straps don’t hurt your shoulders. I also like big pockets in the front. It makes grabbing your phone to check prices quick and easy.
Clean your car.
The last thing you want to do is score a bunch of deals and then realize you have no room for them in your car. Seriously. Clean that car out out the day before!
Do not carpool!
Maneuvering the crowded parking lots is hard enough with one car, let alone two or three, and you’re likely to get split up. If you’re going with a group, load up in the car that’s the biggest and stick together!
Bring snacks.
You’ll work up and appetite shopping, so keep non-perishable snacks like nuts and jerky in your purse. Keep the car stocked with bottled water!
Have a GPS or Google Maps
You may think you know where you’re going, but if roads are closed or under construction, these will help you get back on track quickly.
Start tracking store sales in advance.
Follow your favorite retailers on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram well before Black Friday. Many stores offer exclusive discounts s a thank you for following them, especially on Black Friday.
Don’t use a cart.
You do not want to deal with a cart while in the store. It’s nearly impossible. Not to mention, you’ll be able to move about quicker and easier without it. Arm yourself with large shopping bags that are lightweight, durable, and can hold a lot – like these!
Dress comfortably.
Nothing is worse than being uncomfortable and hot while you’re shopping! Dress in comfortable, non-bulky clothes that are easy to get on and off in case you find something you want to try on. I like a big, lightweight sweatshirt, jeggings, and Toms!
Bring the ads.
You must have the print ads with you, preferably with the items you’re buying circled big so you can find them easily. If you need to price match or something rings up wrong, this is the quickest way to rectify the situation.
Get a gift receipt.
If the item you’re purchasing is for someone else, you always want to include a gift receipt. In the event of return or exchange, this will help make it easy for them – and they won’t know what you spent.
Map out where you want to go.
If you plan on going to the mall, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Petco in one day, you’re going to need a game plan. Start with the stores that have your must-have items and create your list in order of most-wanted items.
Shop online early.
Many sellers activate their online deals the day before, and it seems to be getting earlier and earlier. A lot of sale prices are valid through Friday, so be sure to know which ones you must grab on Black Friday and which ones can wait. Also, if you shop online, you can earn free cashback for your purchases.
Go for electronics.
Many of the deals on electronics are the best you’ll see all year. Television prices are usually their lowest, as well as computers and small appliances.
Purchase clothing on Cyber Monday.
If you want a new outfit, hold off until Cyber Monday. Soft goods like cosmetics, shoes, and apparel carry bigger discounts that day because retailers don’t want to compete with bix box stores on Black Friday.
On Black Friday, start online.
The prices on Friday can be awesome, but most Black Friday deals are also available online – and some of them early. You may be able to snag several of your must-have items early and save yourself some time in the store. Shop through Rakuten to earn free money for buying things you were going to buy anyway!!
Get the app.
Download the apps for your favorite store for exclusive discounts and coupons.
Speaking of coupons.
Don’t forget them! Most retailers allow you to use coupons in addition to sale prices. Follow your favorite stores on Facebook, Twitter, and sign up for their mailing lists well in advance of the big day.
If you miss Black Friday.
Don’t fret. For years I’ve been saying that the deals are just as good (if not better) the weeks following.
More money-saving posts you may enjoy:
- Save on Fresh Produce
- Lower Your Electric Bill
- Affordable Date Night Ideas
- How to Get Free Movie Tickets
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