How to Black Friday for Noob: Proven Hacks to Score Big

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Black Friday, it’s like the Super Bowl of shopping! Right after you finish your turkey and pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, stores roll out tons of mega sales and crazy discounts.

Some folks can’t wait to dive in and grab all those sweet deals. But, if you’re a Black Friday noob, it can feel pretty wild and even a bit scary.

Your mailbox is bursting with ads, your TV blares about “must-have deals,” and don’t even get me started on social media!

How can you tell the real steals from the tricks? How can you navigate those packed stores without losing your cool? No worries, buddy.

This guide has got your back. I’m here to turn you from a Black Friday newbie into a pro. Get set for an epic shopping adventure with these easy-to-follow and super-cool tips. Let’s do this!

Table of Contents

Beginner-friendly Checklist for Black Friday

Make a list of exactly what you want to buy
Research deals ahead of time using ads, websites, and apps
Track prices to separate real deals from duds
Sign up for email alerts and brand social media
Map out which stores to hit and when they open
Prioritize your list from most to least important
Set up accounts and payment info with retailers
Use apps and cashback sites for exclusive discounts
Pack supplies like chargers, water, and snacks
Wear comfy layered clothing and shoes
Bring ads to avoid confusion in crowded stores
Shop with a buddy to divide and conquer
Take breaks to recharge and reassess

Follow these tips for Black Friday success! Now let’s explore each step in detail.

Become a Deal Detective

Welcome to the world of bargain hunting! It might seem like a lot of work, but doing some homework before the big day will save you a lot of time, money, and headaches.

1. Searching Deal Websites and Store Ads

Imagine knowing where the best deals are before everyone else! Websites like Slickdeals, BlackFriday.com, and even our website are like your secret weapons.

They list the hottest deals on all sorts of stuff. Just find the items you want from the different categories they have, and compare prices.

Also, check out those Black Friday ads from your favorite stores. They’re usually out a few days before the big day. It’s like having a treasure map!

2. Be a Price Pro by Using Price Tracking Sites

Sometimes, stores can be sneaky. They might jack up the original price of something, so the discount looks bigger than it really is.

But you’re not gonna fall for that? Price tracking sites like CamelCamelCamel are like your super spy tools.

They show you the price history of products on Amazon and other places. So you’ll know if that “mega discount” is really a mega deal or just a mega rip-off.

3. Stay Ahead of the Game with Email Alerts

You ever wish you had a crystal ball that could tell you about sales before they happen? Signing up for email alerts from your favorite stores is almost as good!

Stores love to reward their subscribers with exclusive coupons, early access to sales, and sneak peeks of their Black Friday deals. It’s like being part of a secret club that gets all the best stuff!

4. Tap into Social Media

Who says scrolling through Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok is just for fun? Brands love showing their followers love by posting exclusive deals or giveaways on their social media.

Following your favorite brands and turning on notifications means you’ll be the first to know when they drop a hot new deal.

It’s like having your cake and eating it too! And in this case, the cake is your dream item at a rock-bottom price.

Your Roadmap to Black Friday Success

So, you’ve done your research. You’ve scoped out the deals, spied on prices, signed up for alerts, and followed all the cool brands on social media.

Now, it’s time to plan your attack. Going into Black Friday without a plan is like entering a maze without a map. But don’t stress! Here are a few tips to help you navigate this shopping extravaganza.

1. Choose Your Stores

You’ve seen the deals, so you probably know which stores are worth your time. Just like planning a road trip, you must map out your shopping journey.

Use apps like Google Maps to dodge traffic and find the best way to hop from store to store. Also, peek at the store layouts online or in-person, so you know exactly where to sprint to snag those deals.

2. Prioritizing Your Must-Haves

Imagine you’re going on a treasure hunt, and your shopping list is your treasure map. Write down the exact items you want and rank them by priority.

It’ll keep you laser-focused on your mission and help you avoid getting sidetracked by shiny things not on your list. And you can make it fun with apps like Evernote, Google Keep, and stores apps to organize your list!

3. Noting Store Opening Times

Timing is everything on Black Friday. So, check out when your chosen stores open and close. Some might open their doors earlier than usual, while others might have online sales starting at the crack of dawn.

Keep an eye on the store websites or ads for their opening times and online sales schedules. It’s like being a secret agent, knowing when to strike for the ultimate win.

4. Controlling Your Black Friday Spending

Ever gone to the carnival and spent all your tickets in one go? That’s what Black Friday can feel like if you’re not careful. Decide how much you want to spend on each item or category.

It’s like putting on spending armor that keeps you safe from overspending. Some nifty apps like Mint or YNAB help you track your budget, too. It’s like having a personal finance coach in your pocket!

Getting Ready for the Big Day

Black Friday can be a big football game, so having the right tools can be the difference between winning big and missing out.

1. Account Set-up: Saving Time and Effort

Remember when you practiced your signature a zillion times before you needed to sign your name for real? That’s like setting up your accounts and saving payment info on your favorite retailer websites.

Doing this ahead of time saves you the trouble of typing in all that info when you’re in a hurry to grab your deal. Use PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay for a swift and secure checkout.

2. Apps and Loyalty Programs: Your Ticket to Exclusive Deals

Think of your favorite stores and brands as your best friends who can’t wait to share their secret savings with you.

Just download their apps and sign up for loyalty programs, and you’ll have VIP access to exclusive offers and discounts. Honey or Wikibuy can be super helpful to find and apply coupons automatically – it’s like magic!

3. Cashback Sites: Saving Money while Spending

Cashback sites like Rakuten and Ibotta are your super cool pals who always got your back. They give you a portion of your purchase back, which means you’re saving money while spending!

Just sign up, find the cashback offers, and watch your savings pile up. And with their browser extensions or apps, it’s super easy to activate cashback while you’re shopping online.

4. Keep Your Phone Charged: Staying Powered Up for the Long Haul

If Black Friday were a sports event, your smartphone would be your MVP. It helps you check prices, scan barcodes, use coupons, and even make payments.

So, make sure it’s fully charged before you start shopping. If you’re in it for the long haul, bring a portable charger or power bank to keep your phone powered up all day long.

It’s like having a never-ending supply of energy drinks for your phone!

Your Outfit Guide for Black Friday

Think of Black Friday as a shopping marathon. You wouldn’t run a marathon in tight jeans and high heels, right?

You want to be as comfy as possible to make the most of the day. Here’s how you can gear up for the big event.

1. Layer Up and Step into Comfy Shoes

Imagine you’re getting ready for a day at an amusement park – lots of walking, lots of standing, lots of different weather. That’s Black Friday!

You’ll want to wear layers you can add or remove depending on the temperature. And remember, you’ll be on your feet a lot. So, pick your comfiest shoes. Your feet will thank you!

2. Fueling Your Shopping Adventure

Just like you’d pack snacks and water for a hiking trip, do the same for your Black Friday shopping. Busy stores might not leave time for food court breaks.

Pack a water bottle to stay hydrated and some healthy snacks like granola bars, nuts, or fruit to keep your energy high.

3. Go Hands-Free with a Crossbody Bag

Shopping on Black Friday is like being on a crowded school bus – lots of people, and not a lot of space. Bulky bags can be a hassle, and also an easy target for pickpockets.

A crossbody bag is the perfect solution. It’s light, it stays close to your body, and it’s super easy to access. Keep all your important stuff – wallet, phone, keys, and those precious coupons – secure and at your fingertips.

Shop Smart in the Store

Black Friday shopping can feel like navigating through a maze. But keep your cool and stick to a well-planned approach, and it’s possible to make it through successfully.

1. Have Advertisements at Hand

To avoid mix-ups, it’s wise to bring along ads displaying the exact items you want. Stores often carry multiple variants of the same product with different features and prices.

Having the ad as a reference helps avoid disappointment or disputes at the checkout. Plus, showing the ads to store employees can sort out discrepancies in pricing or availability.

2. Timing is Key

It’s true that the early bird catches the worm, but in Black Friday shopping, you don’t have to be too early. While arriving before the store opens might secure sought-after items, waiting all night can be grueling and unnecessary.

Interestingly, later in the day can be an opportune time. The morning rush dissipates, allowing for a more relaxed shopping experience in the afternoon or evening.

3. Keep Impulse Buys in Check

Bright sale signs and enticing displays might distract you from your shopping list. Resisting these tempting items that aren’t on your list is crucial.

These seemingly good deals might not be as great as they appear or might not find use once bought. Stay focused on your plan, keep your budget in check, and avoid getting side-tracked by other shoppers or salespeople.

4. Make Good Use of Shopping Carts

Heavy shopping loads can be a literal pain in the arm. If you plan to buy many items or larger products, opt for a shopping cart or basket.

It’ll prevent strain, reduce the risk of damaging your purchases, and help keep tabs on what you’ve picked up and how much room you have left.

Use Shopping Strategies

Black Friday shopping can be quite a competitive sport. Navigating through the rush, limited stock, and long lines might seem intimidating, but with the right shopping strategies, you can score big and save time.

1. Team up for Shopping

Consider shopping with a friend or family member. It’s not just about companionship, but it’s a smart way to cover more ground in less time.

While one of you holds a place in the line, the other can scour through aisles. Shopping together also makes carrying bags easier and price-checking more efficient.

2. Size Doesn’t Matter, for Now

When you’re on the hunt for clothing or footwear, you may not always find your size, or have the time to try them on.

Here’s a tip: grab what’s available, and you can always exchange them later for the right size. Just ensure you retain the tags and receipts and are aware of the store’s return policy.

3. “Doorbuster” Doesn’t Always Mean Best Price

You’ll often see stores advertising “doorbuster” deals. While these may seem like the biggest bargains, don’t be quick to assume.

There’s a chance these items may go on sale later in the season for even lower prices. Utilize price-tracking websites as mentioned above to determine if the deal is as good as it seems.

4. Know When to Pause and Wrap Up

Black Friday shopping can test your stamina and patience. It’s crucial to take breaks and take a step back when you need to.

Find a quiet spot to rest, hydrate, refuel, or reassess your shopping list and budget. It’s equally important to recognize when it’s time to call it a day.

You want to avoid shopping till you’re physically drained or going over your budget.

Wrap Up

And there you have it, a complete guide to navigate your first Black Friday experience. With these Black Friday hacks and tips in your arsenal, that initial feeling of overwhelm will quickly turn into one of confidence and excitement.

It’s all about thoughtful preparation and using smart shopping strategies. Don’t forget to take your water bottle and wear your most comfortable shoes, and remember – it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Happy deal hunting! You’ve got this!

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