Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, the mere mention of those two words is enough to send even the most seasoned shoppers into a tailspin and it can be a little overwhelming if you're not prepared.
It is the perfect time to snag some amazing deals on holiday gifts and to spend some time partially completing the Holiday shopping. Others might be able to buy all their holiday gifts and complete their shopping list at Black Friday Sales just to save money or stay within the budget. But if you're not careful, it can also be a great way to rack up some serious credit card debt. We're here to help you make it through the craziest shopping day of the year! So whether you're a Black Friday veteran or a first-timer, read on for everything you need to know to make it through the day unscathed. Follow these simple do's and don'ts, and you'll be able to score some amazing deals without blowing your budget:
Before you head out to the stores, take some time to make a list of the items you're hoping to buy. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse buys. Not sure what you want? Do some research online ahead of time to get an idea of what's available and what's within your budget. Decide which stores you want to hit up and what items you're hoping to score at each one. By doing your homework ahead of time, you can avoid getting caught up in the frenzy and spending more than you intended. Save yourself some money (and some headache) by mapping out your game plan before hitting the stores.
The best way to survive Black Friday is to go into it with a plan. Wandering aimlessly around the store will only lead to frustration, a recipe for disaster—and probably overspending. Know what you want before you go, and map out a plan of attack so you can hit all the stores on your list efficiently. Once you have your gameplan, make sure to stick to it! It can be tempting to veer off course when you see a great deal on something you weren't planning on buying, but trust us, you'll be glad you stuck to your guns when you get home and realize that half of your purchases were impulse buys that you didn't really need (or want). And don't forget to factor in time for breaks! Shopping can be exhausting, so make sure to give yourself a few minutes to rest and recharge every now and then.
One of the best things about Black Friday is all the great deals that are available. But with so many sales going on, it can be hard to know if you're really getting a good deal. Our advice? Compare prices ahead of time using an app like ShopSavvy or Amazon Price Check. That way, you'll know for sure whether that "discount" is really worth it. Most stores have price matching policies in place during Black Friday, so if you find a better deal at another store, you can usually get the same price at the store where you're shopping. Just make sure to bring proof of the lower price with you (a printout or screenshot will do), and ask a sales associate for help. They should be able to adjust the price for you right then and there. Easy peasy!
Speaking of discounts, beware of fake sales—they're more common than you think! Stores will sometimes inflate their regular prices so they can offer "deals" that look bigger than they actually are. Don't be fooled—do your homework ahead of time so you know how much an item should cost, and only buy it if it's truly discounted.
Speaking of spending, it's important to set a budget before you start shopping. Once you know how much money you have to work with, you can make a list of the items you need and allocate your funds accordingly. This will help you stay on track and avoid overspending. Shop with Cash - If at all possible, try to shop with cash instead of using your credit card. This will force you to stick to your budget and avoid impulse purchases. Plus, it's always nice to have some extra cash on hand in case you come across a great deal that's too good to pass up. Nothing is worse than getting all the way to the checkout only to realize that you left your wallet at home. To avoid this nightmare scenario, make sure to either bring cash or have your credit card ready before you even step foot in the store. That way, when you finally find that must-have item, you can pay for it quickly and move on to the next store on your list.
This may seem like an obvious one, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless. You're going to be doing a lot of walking (and maybe even some running/racing) so it's important to wear comfortable shoes. And while we're on the subject of clothes, make sure to dress in layers so that you can easily take off or add on clothing as needed. After all, there's nothing worse than being too hot or too cold while trying to shop.
Black Friday can be chaotic, so it's important to keep your cool. If you get frazzled, you're more likely to make rash decisions and overspend. If the crowds are too much for you, try shopping online instead. You can often find just as good of deals—if not better—without having to battle the masses.
If you want to score the best deals, you'll need to get up early and hit the stores as soon as they open. Most Black Friday sales start bright and early, so sleeping in is only going to cost you money in the long run.
A whole day of shopping will surely get your energy at lowest level and your temper higher as you go through and hop on different shops and encounter different types of shoppers and crowds. Make sure you are actively capable and still on the go even with long walks, long lines and saturated places at the malls or stores so it wouldn’t hurt to prepare a little workout routine days or weeks before the Big Black Friday sale, eat healthy and hydrate more!
Bringing your own Iconic 20oz Sports Bottle will definitely save you a lot of time and money by having to line up or buy drinks instead of keeping your own and drinking immediately when you’re famished from shopping. In that way, you’ll have more time on picking items you might like and can focus more on the shopping game! Plus, it’s very handy, and has detachable handles too so you can attach it in your backpack, shopping bag, and anywhere you like so you don’t lose it!
Get your Iconic 20oz Sports Bottle here: https://www.liveelemental.com/collections/iconic-20oz-sport
Black Friday doesn't have to be a nightmare if you go into it prepared. With these tips in mind, you're sure to score some amazing deals—and have a great time doing it. Just remember to stay organized, plan ahead, bring your payment method of choice, and dress for comfort and success, compare prices ahead of time, and watch out for fake sales. And most importantly, have fun! By following our simple guide of do's and don'ts, you can make it through the day without any major mishaps. After all, 'tis the season! Happy Black Friday shopping!
