20 Ways To Win Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday is not for the faint of heart. You are either all in—or you should just get out. Otherwise, you are going to be one of the lost sheep trampled by the better prepared.

This shoppers’ holiday requires planning and preparation to get the biggest bang for your buck. And the earlier you can start, the better off you’ll be. Here are some insider tips that will help you be prepared to take on the frenzied masses.

1. “Black Friday” Is Actually Thursday Through Monday

In the past few years, Black Friday deals have been creeping up earlier and earlier. It may be necessary to make Thanksgiving dinner a lunch if you are going to be cleaned up and ready to shop by the time the stores open.

2. Do Your Research

Get on stores’ email lists at least two weeks in advance. This way you can double up on the savings by using coupons. When the day comes, you should know which stores you are heading to and what specific items you will be purchasing at each location. Sign up for Macy’s email list here, and get this 15% off $100+ coupon instantly!

3. Buy Discounted Gift Cards

If you have done your homework and followed step two, then you may be able to save even more. Check out Raise.com, where you can purchase gift cards for 5 to 20 percent off of face value. for the stores where you will be shopping.

4. Research While Shopping

Just because you are in a physical store, that doesn’t mean your research is done. With the Amazon app, you can scan bar codes to get real-time price comparisons. If you find the item happens to be cheaper online, go ahead and order it. Bonus: You’ll also save time waiting in line!

5. Scout It Out

By the time Thanksgiving arrives, you should have a pretty good idea of which items you will be picking up from each store. In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving Day, make a point to scope out the layout of your favorite stores. This will cut down on wasted time wandering through crowded aisles on Black Friday.

6. This Is A Time For Teamwork

This is a great night to enlist some friends as a support team. Not only will it make the trip more fun, it will streamline your shopping. Divvy up the sections of the store, and make on person responsible for grabbing the items on everyone’s list from that section (one person picks up electronics, another scours the toy section, etc.). Also consider bringing along a designated driver so you don’t have to waste time searching for parking spots.

7. Be Stealth

Ditch the bulky shopping cart for some oversized reusable bags. You’ll be able to navigate crowded aisles much more easily. Ikea bags are great for this! Amazon has a bundle of two for just $5.47!

8. Forget About Price Matching

Don’t waste your time. Price matching deals are off the table at most major retailers during the Thanksgiving season. From Amazon to Target to Walmart, many stores that usually price match won’t honor competitors’ prices on Black Friday.

9. Download The BFAds App To Keep All The Ads With You

Download BFAds app and leave the paper ads behind. The app will verify prices and promotions as you shop!

10. Save At Least $50

If you’re not saving at least $50, is it really worth your time to battle the crowds when you could be on the couch eating leftover turkey and mashed potatoes? Don’t subject yourself to the emotional turmoil and physical strain of Black Friday shopping to save $10. There are other sales in December, when the stores won’t be quite as chaotic.

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