Black Friday is one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, and these days the online shopping experience has become just as exciting as traditional midnight dash for in-store bargains. With countless deals and discounts on the horizon, it's important to have a well-thought-out strategy to make the most of your shopping list this year! Here are 6 essential tips to help you conquer Black Friday shopping online.
1. Plan Ahead
Before the big day, make a list of the items you want to purchase. Get granular! Write out each person on your holiday shopping list, what they may be interested in and any big ticket household items you've been saving for or things you typically stock up on. This will help you stay focused and avoid impulsive buying! Make sure to create a budget and stick to it to prevent overspending.
2. Follow Along
Subscribe to the newsletters of your favorite online stores as well as make sure to follow them on social media. Retailers often send and share exclusive Black Friday discounts to their email subscribers and followers, giving you a head start on the best deals.
3. Use Price Comparison Tools
Numerous online tools and browser extensions can help you compare prices across different retailers. Make use of these resources to ensure you're getting the best possible deal. Don’t forget to check cash back options through your credit cards as well as sites like Rakuten to get shopping rewards where you can!
4. Shop Early
Sales are starting earlier than ever this year! Don't wait for Thanksgiving to pass before you're on the lookout for early-bird discounts. Many deals will runout so sometimes it's best to grab them while you can. This is also a great time to fill your online carts and favorite items you want to shop so you can be alerted when they are discounted.
5. Stay Secure
Shop only on reputable websites with secure payment options. Check for the padlock symbol in the browser address bar, indicating a secure connection. Avoid suspicious pop-up ads and websites that ask for too much personal information.
6. Set Up User Accounts
Create user accounts for the websites where you plan to shop. This will save you time during checkout and ensure you're among the first to know about special offers. You can also sign up for text message alerts where applicable so you can get priority alerts and discounts.
Remember that Black Friday is not just about buying items you don't need because they're on sale. The goal is to save money on things you were planning to purchase anyway. By following these tips and sticking to your list, you can make the most of Black Friday shopping online without emptying your wallet. Happy shopping!