Black Friday: How to Get the Most

Shoppers will have to deal with product shortages, longer delivery times, and higher demand this year. This could mean that you may not be able to get all the items you want, especially if your order is made later. Many retailers offer holiday sales earlier than Black Friday, a win for shoppers.

Look at the Apps and Ads

Black Friday is a big day for retailers. Many start circulating their ads weeks in advance, giving you ample time to shop for the best deals. You can save time and take advantage of early sales by reviewing the ads before you start shopping. When retailers require that you be present in-store or online during a specific time, this will help you plan.

To keep up with their announcements, you can join retailers' email lists or follow them on Twitter. You can compare prices to ensure you get the best price, particularly for high-priced items. Price comparison apps like RedLaser or ShopSavvy can help you locate the lowest price by pulling price information from multiple retailers.

The apps can locate the lowest prices before you go, or they can be used while you shop in the store. You might want to inquire about a price match if you shop in one store but find a lower price at another retailer.

Do Your Research before Friday

Research reviews about different brands to ensure you aren't surprised at the quality of products you find. You'll be able to identify the hottest items of the season so that you know which ones will be more difficult to find. This will help you prioritize your purchases. You can identify significant price drops versus promotions that offer a small discount.

You should research the exchange and return policies of each retailer you shop with. You should know what products you can return, the return time limits (some retailers extend return periods for holidays), and whether you will need to provide a receipt. It is important to find out if you can return the product for cash or store credit. You should also find out if the item can be returned to a physical store or if it was returned by mail if you plan to shop online. If you are unsure about purchasing the product, it is best to avoid stores with strict returns policies.

Take advantage of Early-Bird Shopper Discounts

Many retailers offer early-bird discounts, so you don't need to wait until Black Friday. Some retailers offer early-bird discounts so you can complete your Black Friday shopping before Thanksgiving.

You will also have a greater chance of receiving your items in time if stock runs out due to shortages or high demand. Retailers will advertise different deals throughout November, December, and January. Keep an eye out for price trends for your most-sold items. Products may sell quickly, and deals may only be available for a limited time.

Plan Where You Want To Shop

You can make the most out of Black Friday by mapping your day. You might want to prioritize the season's most popular items as they will likely sell quickly. You may need to line up at the door to get your hands on the top priority items. You may need to plan your day around sales hours. Visit the store's app or website to check if the item is in stock. You don't need to spend too much time looking for the item in the store.

Remember that many retailers are experiencing product shortages due to the pandemic. This could impact the availability of certain items. Since the pandemic, "out of stock" messages have increased significantly, particularly in apparel, sports goods, and electronics. This trend has not slowed down as of July 2021.

Visit the website of your shopping center to find out where a particular store is located. You'll be able to find the right parking spot quickly and without spending time scanning signs or circling the lot. A parking app can be useful depending on where you shop. It will help you find (and pay) parking. If the retailer offers curbside pickup, you can also use it. This will allow you to avoid parking problems and store crowds.

Get Prepared

Price matching is a service that retailers offer to lower the price of their products to match the price of a competitor. You can get the item at a discounted price from your favorite retailer or an item sold out at a retailer selling at a lower price. You can check the price-match policy of your favorite retailer before you go so that you don't get surprised if they don't match your prices.

You will be required to provide evidence of lower pricing to honor your request for a price match. This may be in print advertising or a screenshot taken from a product offered by a rival. The items must be similar in every way, including the size, the model, and the color, to qualify for the lowest price.