If you’re a self-proclaimed deal guru, Black Friday is probably one of your favorite times of the year. Retailers all over the country put their best deals forward on just about any product under the sun —TVs, clothing, toys, games, appliances – you name it. But because the deals are so amazing, it can be a little intimidating. You just need to do your research, make a plan, and be ready to pounce on the right prices. Here are a few tips that help us out every year.
1. What should I shop for?
Just about everything goes on sale when Black Friday rolls around. It’s helpful to know what you want before you hit the stores so you can make a solid game plan for shopping. Sure, you can get deals on smaller gifts and add-ons, but some of the best Black Friday deals are on big-ticket items like appliances and electronics.
TVs
TVs of all sizes – and with all the latest and greatest features – go on sale for Black Friday. This can be the best time of year to pick one up, so keep an eye on those ads. Sale flyers, retailer emails, and TV ads are great places to check. (By the way, at Aaron’s, we have reallllllly great deals on Smart 4K/UHD TVs during Black Friday. Check ‘em out.)
Game Consoles
If you’re a gamer, you already know that Black Friday is pretty much the best time to buy a new gaming console, like an Xbox One S, Xbox One X, PlayStation 4, or a Nintendo Switch. Some stores even offer bundles that come with games and a TV. It’s hard to beat these deals! Start your shopping here. (Look how easy we made that. 😊)
Appliances
We can all agree that a new refrigerator isn’t nearly as fun or glamorous as a new 4k TV, buuuut if you need a new fridge, dishwasher, or range, Black Friday may still be the perfect time to buy. Many retailers, including Aaron’s, have awesome deals on appliances during Black Friday, so just keep that in mind when you’re planning your next big appliance purchase.
Clothing & Accessories
Need a wardrobe refresh? Black Friday is a good time to find a few more outfits for your closet. Whether you’re shopping for a new coat, boots, jeans or flannels, you’ll likely spend a fraction of the price you would any other time. (It’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for, though, because you won’t have time to try things on and decide.)
2. Honestly, why should I even shop Black Friday? It’s crazy out there.
For some people, fighting a crowd on Black Friday isn’t all that appealing. It can be a little bit stressful, so you might need a little extra motivation to stay up late, or get up early, and shop ‘til you drop. But if you can handle the crowds, Black Friday is pretty awesome.
You can’t beat the deals.
And if you know what you want and you’re on a mission, the deals are well worth it. Plus, nothing says group bonding like getting your friends together to divide and conquer. If you all know what you’re looking for, you can split up and make sure you get everything on your list. It’ll be fun!
You can stock up for the year!
Brother’s birthday in March? Anniversary in April? Graduation in May? Stock up on gifts for friends and family on Black Friday to save money later in the year.
3. How should I plan ahead?
Prioritizing is the first step to a successful day of Black Friday shopping. If you’re going in without a plan, you better believe someone else had one and is going to beat you to that have-to-have product you’ve been dreaming about. There are several steps you can take to make sure you’re ready to shop.
Make a list.
We’ve said this a million different times already, but seriously: you have to know exactly what products you want to buy before you head out. It’s easier to get what you want if you head straight for it.
Know which stores you’re going to.
It’s unlikely that everything you need is at the same store, so make a list of stores you need to visit and prioritize them by the item you plan to purchase from each one. Also, don’t forget to check their hours! Having directions and a game plan ahead of time can make your travel less stressful.
Stick to your budget.
If you see an unexpected deal, it can be pretty tempting to try and pounce on it. It’s important to set a spending limit for yourself ahead of time and stick to it. One way to do this is to bring the exact amount of cash you’ll need and pay with it. Not busting out the credit card is a great way to stay disciplined.
Get there early.
The best way to avoid fighting a throng of angry shoppers is to get there early and relax. It’s just shopping, after all. Sip on your coffee in the parking lot before the store opens and avoid the bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Divide and conquer.
Like we said before, make a plan with your crew on who’s getting what. A team with a mission makes Black Friday shopping a breeze.
4. How can I find the best Black Friday deals?
Half of the Black Friday battle is preparing ahead of time and knowing where to look. The sales are there — you just have to find them. It can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start, but learning the ropes will have you finding the best deals in no time. Whether you like to keep track of sale emails, check coupon codes, or watch the ads, there are a ton of ways you can find the best ones.
Check your emails.
One of the best ways to find Black Friday deals at the stores you love is to sign up for their email list. They’ll probably – okay, almost definitely – send an email out ahead of time announcing the products that will be on sale. The may also send out coupon codes or online-only offers.
Watch for ads.
Retailers will sometimes advertise their Black Friday sales on TV. Paying attention to the ads is a great way to take note when something you’ve had your eye on goes on sale.
Shop the day before.
Fun fact: Black Friday is pretty much the whole week at some stores. You can actually head to some stores as early as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to get the same deal you would on the actual day. (Hint: our deals start early, too.)
Scroll through your social media.
Retailers will often post up their deals on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram ahead of time. Checking social media is a great way to search for your favorite stores and see what’s on sale!
5. Where should I shop?
The right store for you really depends on what you’re looking to buy, but there are a few places you should avoid in general on Black Friday, like…
… don’t bring your kids to the crowded mall.
If you have to go to the mall for your deals, don’t bring your kids. Huge crowds are always fighting their way through the mall on Black Friday, and
you don’t want to lose anyone. If you can, avoid the madness.
Just shop online.
You don’t have to fight the crowds from the comfort of home. Some of the best Black Friday deals are online! You can find great coupon codes with
apps and other online deal-finders.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday at Aaron’s
Whether you’re more of an in-store or online shopper, we’ve got you covered for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Keep an eye out for our offers by signing up for our emails, following us on Facebook and Twitter, or – of course – reading our blog. 🙂
