How to Save Money on Black Friday
Everyone wants to save money on Black Friday. I know I’m not alone when it comes to wanting to get my child something meaningful, yet reasonably priced. Let’s explore some of the ways to keep your budget in line.
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1. Start Shopping Early
Certainly, you want to start planning your options early, but there is no such thing as too early. Certain things are necessities throughout the year and make great little stocking stuffers such as socks and gloves. If you have the opportunity throughout the year, stock up on these items during end-of-season sales.
When my little man was still young, it was much easier to sneak a purchase in his presence, and I would pick up special toys throughout the year during clearance sales. The younger child really doesn’t care about getting last year’s Power Ranger toy as he just wants to play and pretend he is a hero for a while. If you must have the newest technology or clothing, your child will follow your lead even when it comes to toys.
2. Sign up for loyalty cards in advance
If you’re not already a member, sign up for them immediately. You’ll get exclusive alerts and early-bird savings just for signing up. Plus, you don’t want to be that person holding up the line during the Black Friday rush.
One of my favorites is Target’s REDcard
With this card, you automatically get 5% off purchases both instore and online. You get early notifications for special events and promotions, and you receive free shipping on online orders.
Frankly, it seems every retailer has a loyalty card now. So this may be a daunting task! However, if you are interested in the best loyalty programs, check out this article on thekrazycouponlady.com.
3. Sign up for Savings Apps
Brands will often contract to promote their products through savings apps in order to get their products seen. One of my favorite apps is Shopkick. You earn “kicks” for browsing product catalogs within the app, making purchases on specific items, walking into participating stores, and scanning certain items while in store.
Retailers will often attempt to boost sales through their own mobile app as well. Last year, Walmart started adding select Black Friday deals that could be purchased early (about 2 weeks) through the Walmart app.
Another great app is Paribus. While most retailers allow for a one-time price adjustment, usually within 7-14 days of purchase, who has time to do that during the busy holiday shopping rush? Paribus tracks prices and requests price adjustments on your behalf by scanning your inbox for receipts.
Checkout 51
Flipp
Groupon
Ibotta use code: UNRSUPW
Jet
Mobisave use code: DQKNQDSM
Paribus
Shopkick use code: GOAL525630
Wish
Woot
4. Sign up for Black Friday Alerts
There are several ways you can do this online. Many stores will notify you of upcoming Black Friday events simply because you have opted into their e-mail list. However, there are specific websites devoted to Black Friday and will alert you when a new ad is leaked to the press.
A few possible sites are https://blackfriday.com/ and https://bestblackfriday.com/.
These sites may also sort the deals into categories and subjects. For example, you can see which retailers may have opted to remain closed for the holiday or which retailer has the best deals on technology.
5. Use Amazon to get Product Ratings ahead of time
Since Amazon has pretty much everything, use this fact to your advantage and look up reviews, specs, and deals on items you’re browsing. Hot deals will go fast on Black Friday and you don’t want to be reading a zillion reviews for that 4K TV you’re considering while everyone else on the planet is hitting the “order now” button.
6. Shop Online
In previous years, several stores have offered the same deals available in-store to their online shoppers. In a few cases, shoppers could start buying Black Friday deals online before they were even available in the physical stores.
The convenience of online shopping certainly beats the long wait in line at the store and saves you from the temptation purchase. You know how retailers like put it in your face sales! Yep, we are suckers for a good deal, and people tend to overspend on the holidays.
7. Sign up for shipping notifications
Amazon offers shipping notifications including when you package leaves the warehouse and as soon as it’s delivered.
You can also sign up for UPS My Choice. This is a free service that alerts you when something is going to be delivered via UPS. It allows you the ability to leave instructions for the delivery person or opt to have your package delivered to a pick-up location if needed.
FedEx Delivery Manager is also available with similar features to UPS. Also a free service, it allows you the ability to have your package delivered to a pick-up location or a participating Walgreens.
8. Sign up for Ebates
Ebates is a site that earns a commission from retailers. When you use Ebates’ retailer links to shop, they’ll share a portion of their commission with you. The level of rebate varies by each retailer and may also vary by product line. However, whatever cash you earn back is extra cash in your pocket.
Ebates will send you a rebate check each month you have over $10.00 in savings. It’s so easy! Retailers will often double customer cash-back at key sales times such as Black Friday.
9. Remember to check Drug Store Ads
Drugstores like Rite Aid, Walgreens, and CVS will have some blockbuster gift items. However, the moneymaker deals like toothpaste, laundry detergent, hair care products, and snacks will allow you to save significantly as you come into the holiday. With coupons, you can often score quite a few free freebies. Since you cannot use most manufacturer coupons online, in-store purchases are the best deals at these stores.
10. Earn extra savings by using Gift Cards
Look for stores that offer bonus loyalty points on gift cards during the holiday season. Often time you can earn rewards for the store in which you purchased the gift card, while still using the gift card like cash on items in the store for which the card was purchased.
There are also discounted gift card sites like Raise.com and Gift Card Granny. These sites buy legitimate unwanted gift cards form consumers and sell them back to shoppers at a discounted rate. You will be surprised by the large number of retailers available on these sites. You can purchase cards for Best Buy, Game Stop, Target, Kohls, Lowe’s, HP, and many, many more.
Following these tips will surely help you save money on Black Friday. Remember though that retailers are always competing and your sanity is worth more than a few extra dollars you spent if you missed a particular sale.
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