Black Friday is on its way, and we’ve got some tips to help you prepare for your holiday shopping.
Stick to Your Budget
With so many great deals, it’s important to create a budget so you don’t get into long-term financial trouble. Make a list of items you need to buy followed by items you would like to buy. Order this list by priority. Come up with a spending limit and stick to it.
Do Your Research
There’s no point in finding a TV at a great price if the quality isn’t great. Remember, this is something you’ll probably have for at least the next few years. In the weeks leading up to Black Friday, start doing some research on various product brands you may be interested in purchasing. While you shouldn’t completely disregard brands you’re not familiar with, make sure you do a little digging before making your purchase. And you know those promotions you get in your email inbox? Use them to as a helpful guide in the lead-up to Black Friday.
Consider the Fine Print
Make sure you read the fine print on any deals you’re interested in taking advantage of. With all of the shortages we’ve experienced in these past couple of years, there may be limits to how much you can purchase or how many will be available. Find out if an offer is limited or if rainchecks will be available. Know exactly what you're getting yourself into beforehand.
Be Wary of Extremely Low Prices
If a deal seems too good to be true, that may mean it is. Check the specifications of a product to make sure you’re not getting an older model or substandard version of what you're truly looking for. Utilize websites that track prices to ensure you’re getting a good deal and not just falling victim to the Black Friday hype.
Price Matching
Price matching often isn't honored during the holiday shopping season. This means you’ll need to do most of the legwork to figure out which retailer is offering the best deals on Black Friday.
Check Store Policies
Make sure you know the store’s return policy, especially if you are making a big-time purchase. This will help you avoid any potential restock fees or getting stuck with a product you’re not happy with. Though you might be able to price match if you find a better deal elsewhere, check the policies of the individual stores you shop at.
