Some people think Black Friday earned its name because it represents the worst shopping experience imaginable, waking up early, fighting crowds, and stressing over deals. In reality, Black Friday refers to the point when retailers move “into the black,” meaning profitable, thanks to massive post-Thanksgiving sales.
Retailers often generate 30% or more of their annual revenue between Black Friday and Christmas, and U.S. Black Friday sales are projected to exceed $1 trillion. For shoppers, that means serious opportunities for Black Friday savings but only if you shop strategically.
With the right planning, you can take advantage of Black Friday deals, avoid traps, and score the best Black Friday offers without blowing your budget.
1. Plan Your Strategy Before You Shop
Black Friday shopping without a plan is a recipe for overspending. With thousands of retailers competing for your attention, preparation is essential.
Before shopping:
- Set a firm budget
- Create a shopping list
- Decide which items are priorities
Knowing exactly how to save money on Black Friday starts with discipline. A clear plan helps you focus on real value instead of flashy discounts.
2. Start With Black Friday Ads
Retail ads are your roadmap to Black Friday discounts. Many retailers release deals weeks in advance through:
- Store websites
- Email newsletters
- Mobile apps
- Social media
Bookmark or save deals that match your list. Old-school shoppers can still rely on Thanksgiving and Sunday newspaper flyers, which remain packed with offers.
3. Watch Out for Fake Deals and Doorbusters
Not every “sale” is a real bargain. Some retailers inflate prices before Black Friday so discounts appear larger than they are.
Two common traps:
- False sale pricing – Always compare with historical prices
- DoorbustersDoorbusters – Ultra-low prices on limited quantities
Doorbusters are designed to pull shoppers in, not guarantee savings. Unless it’s a must-have item, skip the gamble and focus on guaranteed Black Friday savings elsewhere.
4. Plan Your Shopping Route
Divide your list into:
- Online purchases
- In-store purchases
Online shopping can be done anytime, even while standing in line. For in-store shopping:
- Map your route
- Start with the closest store
- Bring ads and coupons
- Ask for price matching
Smart planning saves time, fuel, and stress, key Black Friday shopping tips that many shoppers overlook.
5. Shop Smart, Not Fast
Before buying:
- Check return policies
- Ask about restocking fees
- Request gift receipts
Some Black Friday items have stricter return rules, and knowing them upfront protects your wallet after the holidays.
6. Don’t Limit Yourself to One Day
Black Friday is no longer a single event. Many retailers launch deals:
- Early November
- Thanksgiving Day
- Entire Black Friday week
Retailers like Amazon offer early sales and free shipping, expanding opportunities for the best Black Friday offers beyond just Friday.
Stretch Your Budget Even Further
Black Friday savings help, but so does reducing everyday expenses. If you want extra room in your holiday budget, let Billshark help you save money on your bills so your seasonal spending feels far less stressful.
FAQs:
A: The best ways to maximize Black Friday savings include setting a budget, reviewing ads early, price-comparing items, and avoiding impulse purchases driven by limited-time offers.
A: Black Friday deals can be worth it if shoppers research prices in advance and focus on items they already planned to buy. Not all discounts are genuine, so preparation is key.
A: You can avoid overspending by sticking to a shopping list, setting spending limits, ignoring doorbusters, and comparing prices before purchasing.
A: The best Black Friday discounts often begin weeks before Thanksgiving, with many retailers offering early access deals and extending sales through the weekend.
A: Both online and in-store shopping can offer strong Black Friday savings. Online shopping provides convenience and easy price comparisons, while in-store shopping may offer exclusive doorbuster deals.