November announces the unofficial beginning of the holiday shopping season. People start shopping online or head to the nearest malls. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prominent shopping days that fall on Friday and Monday next after Thanksgiving. But to get the most out of this period, there’s a lot you need to know.
From planning to execution, catching the best deals possible isn’t as simple as showing up on Friday morning and hoping a discounted smart TV lands in your cart.
There is nothing erroneous about enjoying a good sale from time to time. However, we’re assuming you’d rather prefer to take part in one without breaking your budget.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: what is all about?
Traditionally, Black Friday is the day immediately after Thanksgiving when stores begin the holiday shopping season.
The whole thing is based around retailers making such remarkable discounts that bargain-nuts customers will try to break the doors down before the store opens – although recent years have witnessed Black Friday convert into an online shopping phenomenon.
It is already well-known that online shopping is expected to win more terrain this year, as the COVID-19 pandemic means social distancing measures will be implemented in many shops while customers will be more reluctant to shop in person.
What’s the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Aside from the dates, the sole difference between Cyber Monday and Black Friday is that Black Friday deals can be found online as well as in brick and mortar types of stores, whereas Cyber Monday is entirely dedicated to online discounts.
Both sales events come up with a wide range of appealing tech deals, whether you’re looking for a new laptop or a pair of wireless headphones. With that said, there are some occasions where it might be worth waiting for November 30 to make your purchases.
For instance, if you’re more interested in fashion than you are in tech, some online shops are expected to offer website wide discounts during Cyber Monday, meaning it’s well worth waiting.
Not only that but Cyber Monday is also an ideal time to find at-hand deals on white goods and small appliances, so if you’re looking to replace your old dishwasher, it’s always a good idea to hold off until then.
How to make the most out of your Black Friday experience?
Have a Plan
Do you have a plan yet? Do you know what time you’re getting up that day? How about which stores you’re planning to go into, and in which order? If you assume that you’re just going to waltz into your mall on Black Friday and get out with a queen’s ransom of bargains, it’s probably time to get a more realistic strategy.
Once the sales are announced, you can start planning, make lists, and research what you’re buying and from where. If you set your eyes on something like a huge TV or a laptop, know that you’ll face plenty of competition from yellow shoppers, therefore you should opt for a store with a layout you’re acquainted with.
Check Deals while in Line
Just because you’ve decided to visit the store doesn’t mean you should neglect the internet. You might have compared all the prices and ads, but there will still be plenty of surprise deals and coupons that will pop up during that week, especially at large department stores like Macy’s Black Friday. How awesome would it be to discover online coupons and deals, so you can just get back home and enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers?
Set a shopping limit and stick to it
To avoid shopper’s guilt during a sale, make sure you at least establish a deadline on how much you can afford to spend. If you’re going to shop in person, we highly recommend you only bring cash with you. Try to keep your credit cards behind in a safe place, preferably in a locked compartment inside your car. In doing so, you can only spend a limited amount- but don’t forget your credit cards at home, especially if you’re cross-border shopping. There is a great chance to need them when an emergency appears while you’re on the go.
However, if you’re an avid online shopper, remember and stick to your well-planned budget. Try to log off as soon as you’ve touched your limit and finalized your purchases.
Shop for Big-Ticket Items First
Black Friday brings around some deep discounts on certain goods, but for others, there are better prices out there at other times. With that in mind, you can plan on the niftiest things to buy on Black Friday and what to dodge. Need winter boots and coats? Such items are usually discounted after the Holiday as the weather begins to change. Smaller items, like toys, will be discounted as well in December as the holidays get closer.
Then we have tech products, like laptops, which tend to be discounted when the new school year approaches in September. But to get the most out of this crazy shopping period, you need to prioritize the biggest goods on your shopping list, as these are typically the first to sell out.
Avoid Impulse Purchases
Avoiding impulse buys is easier said than done, and we know that very well. However, the best way to ensure you don’t overspend on Black Friday is by overlooking unplanned purchases. To put it simply, make sure you know what you’re shopping for and stick with it – don’t change your mind in the last couple of minutes.
Do you need a $20 folio case for a table that you don’t even have yet? Impulse-buy goods are generally neither brand name nor desirable in day to day circumstances – these products are mostly slightly more money-spinning goods that retailers hope you’ll purchase when you’re also shopping around for door handles.
The smartest choice is to avoid them at all costs because the chances are you don’t need them in the first place.
I had so much fun learning with you. Your lessons were very insightful and interactive, so thank you. I had so much fun learning with you. Your lessons were very insightful and interactive, so thank you.