Black Friday 2024 is just around the corner. It’s a great time to find deals on electronics, clothes, and holiday gifts. Preparing for Black Friday is key to avoid overspending and getting what you need before it sells out.
Use our simple tips to plan ahead. Shop smart and ensure a stress-free experience during the 2024 Black Friday sales.
What is Black Friday
Black Friday is a huge shopping event that takes place the day after Thanksgiving. It offers big sales both online and in stores. Originally starting in the U.S., Black Friday has now become a global phenomenon.
This event kicks off the holiday shopping season with massive discounts on a wide range of products. Retailers around the world participate, making it a prime time for shoppers to snag great deals.
How to Prepare for Black Friday
Get ready for Black Friday 2024 by following these key steps. You’ll save time, money, and avoid stress. Make sure you’re prepared for one of the biggest shopping days of the year!
Make a Black Friday Checklist
Not sure how to get ready for Black Friday? Start with a solid shopping list.
List the items you want to buy. Focus on high-priority products like electronics, home appliances, or clothing. Research prices ahead of time to ensure you’re getting the best deals. Note which stores have the items you need.
Many stores release their Black Friday deals weeks in advance. An organized list helps you track which deals to follow. Include both online and in-store options for flexibility.
Your Black Friday checklist should include:
- Desired products with current prices
- Store opening times (if shopping in person)
- Websites offering early access or exclusive deals
- Backup options for sold-out items
What to Get on Black Friday
Looking for insights on what to snag this Black Friday? Here’s a quick overview of the biggest discounts we saw:
- Electronics: Electronics like smartphones, laptops, and TVs usually see the biggest price drops. In 2023, the average discount was 26.9%. The best deals were on Black Friday itself. Computers often get even better discounts around November 27th.
- Clothing: Clothing is another great category for Black Friday deals. In 2023, clothing prices dropped by 24.2%. The best discounts were on November 24th. It’s the perfect time to buy winter clothes and accessories at lower prices.
- Toys: Toys had big discounts in 2023, with prices dropping by 28% on November 23rd. Brands like LEGO and Barbie offered special deals. Keep this in mind for Christmas shopping!
Use a Black Friday App
A Black Friday app is a must-have for tracking and snagging the best deals. These apps help you stay ahead of the rush by keeping tabs on discounts and sales.
Download apps from your favorite stores or general deal-hunting apps to monitor deals as they go live. Set alerts for specific products to ensure you don’t miss any flash sales or limited-time offers.
Here are some popular Black Friday apps:
- ShopSavvy: For price comparisons
- RetailMeNot: For coupon codes and cashback offers
- Amazon and Walmart apps: For early deal access and notifications
Set a Budget
Setting a budget is crucial for Black Friday shopping. With so many tempting deals, it’s easy to overspend. Plan ahead to stay on track.
Here’s how to manage your spending:
- Determine your overall budget: Set your spending limit before the sales begin.
- Allocate your budget: Allocate your budget to each item on your shopping list.
- Prioritize must-have purchases: Prioritize the items you need most and allocate your budget to them first.
Leave some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected deals or impulse buys. Setting price limits for each item can help you stay on track and avoid overspending.
In 2023, 46% of shoppers spent between $75 and $300 during Black Friday, and 57% managed to stick to their budget.
Being prepared for Black Friday can save you time and help you get what you want. Follow these steps:
- Use a Black Friday checklist
- Leverage a Black Friday app
- Set a clear budget
You’ll be ready to navigate the sales and score the best deals.
- Also Read: Four predictions for Black Friday 2024
Shopping on Black Friday Week: When and Where?
Black Friday isn’t just a one-day event anymore – many stores roll out deals all week long. To score the best bargains, it’s crucial to know when and where to shop. Here are some tips to help you prepare for Black Friday week.
When to Shop
- Start early: Some stores kick off their sales as early as Monday, while others hold out for the biggest discounts on Friday.
- Spread out your shopping: Spreading your shopping over several days can help you dodge the crowds and reduce stress.
Black Friday Store vs. Online Shopping
- Online: Shopping online is convenient and makes price comparisons easy. Plus, many online stores offer exclusive discounts.
- In-store: While it can be crowded, some stores have special Black Friday deals only available to in-store shoppers.
In 2023, 72% of shoppers preferred online shopping, driven by free delivery and easy price comparisons. This trend is expected to continue in 2024.
Good Black Friday planning helps you avoid the rush and get the best deals. So, take advantage of the entire week, not just the one day.
Black Friday Online Shopping Tips
Shopping online during Black Friday can be overwhelming with so many deals to choose from. Here are some simple tips and best practices to help you make the most of it.
Use Price Comparison Websites
Use price comparison websites to find the best deals. These sites compare prices from different stores, helping you get the lowest price.
Popular sites like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber, and ShopSavvy make it easy to check discounts. You can set price alerts to get notified when prices drop.
This is a top Black Friday tip to avoid overpaying.
Finding the Best Deals Online
To find the best deals, sign up for store newsletters. Many retailers send special discount codes and early access to sales via email. This lets you shop early and grab popular items before they sell out.
Follow brands on social media too. Stores often post flash sales and extra discounts on Instagram, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter). Check for free shipping and other perks to sweeten the deal!
Safe Online Transactions
Shop safely by sticking to well-known websites. Use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online purchases. Ensure the website address starts with “https://” to confirm it’s secure.
- Also Read: Best Black Friday Fire TV Stick Deals
The Black Friday Scams to Avoid
Black Friday offers great deals, but it also attracts scams.
Here are some common frauds to watch out for and tips to stay safe:
- Fake sales and websites: Scammers might create websites or emails that mimic real retailers. These fake sites can trick you into sharing personal or payment information.
- Too-good-to-be-true deals: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true or push you to act fast. If something feels off, it’s safer to skip it.
- Phishing emails: Scammers often send emails that look real but are designed to steal your data. Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links or sharing sensitive information.
In 2023, 1 in 4 people were targeted by online scams during Black Friday. 46% of fraud attempts happened through social media.
To stay safe, stick to trusted retailers and check reviews before buying. Verify deals by visiting official websites or apps. Make online safety part of your Black Friday planning!
Black Friday Strategies (For Retailers)
If you’re a retailer looking for Black Friday ideas, this article is for customers. But don’t worry, you can read this guide to help you prepare your business for Black Friday. Check it out!
The Bottom Line
Black Friday is a goldmine for deals, but you need a game plan. Preparation is your secret weapon to save money and dodge stress. Start with a checklist of must-have items, compare prices, and set a budget. Use a Black Friday app to track deals and stick to trusted retailers to avoid scams.
Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, planning ahead is your ticket to the best deals and a smooth experience. Get ready early, enjoy the sales, and keep your spending in check!
FAQs
When should you start preparing for Black Friday?
Start getting ready a few weeks before Black Friday. Many stores share their deals early, so it’s a good idea to make a list of what you want and start comparing prices. Using Black Friday apps can help you follow price drops and stay updated. When the sales begin, you’ll be prepared to snag the best deals.
How can I protect myself on Black Friday?
To stay safe while shopping online, stick to trusted websites and opt for secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal. Watch out for emails with suspicious links and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Stay smart and shop safely!
Do you actually save money on Black Friday?
Absolutely, you can score some serious savings, especially on electronics and clothing. For instance, in 2023, electronics saw an average discount of 26.9%, while clothing prices dropped by 24.2%. Happy shopping!
How to plan your Black Friday shopping?
Create a shopping list of your must-haves, set a budget, and prioritize your top picks. Leverage apps and price comparison sites to track deals and get alerts for early sales. Happy hunting!
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