I wasn’t planning on writing a post for Black Friday, but my inbox has been filled with tempting discounts and sales since the weekend so I thought I’d talk you through my 5 tips for preparing for black Friday so that you’re all ready to go before the big day!
Over the years, more and more retailers have started to launch their sales early and release discounted products throughout the week rather than saving everything for the actual Friday, so right now we’re in the midst of this build up with so many items and options to look at. As much as I would usually tell you to wait until Black Friday itself, it has to be said there are definitely some advantages to getting in there early as well as some major bargains to be found.
That said, here’s some advice that will hopefully see you through this crazy week of sales unscathed and with your favourite items in the bag for a fraction of their usual retail prices.
1. Plan your wishlist
If there’s something specific you have your eye on, download that retailers app and add the item to your wishlist now so you have every item, in the size you need, all in one place. That way, you can keep an eye on any automatic discounts that get applied and move the things you want straight from your wishlist into your shopping basket without searching for hours on end. I generally use wishlists throughout the year anyway and think they are an absolute life-saver, but I find them especially useful coming up to the big mid-year or end of year sales.
2. Make the most of Social Media
If you’re not already following them, this is a good time to find your favourite retailers on social media and follow them, as well as signing up to their newsletters. It’s a five-minute job and will mean that you get notifications and alerts when they add any sales to their sites, sometimes you might even get early access or extra discounts as a benefit for signing up.
3. Don’t go mad in the build-up
So as I touched on above, it’s only Wednesday and we’re already overwhelmed with discounts and sales offers which are all SO tempting. I mean, treat yourself by all means but don’t completely spend up as most retailers save the best until last. Black Friday (which is Friday 23rd November) is the main event, so of course, the best and biggest sales are going to take place then. However, don’t also forget CYBER MONDAY. From what I can remember last year, so many retailers increased their discounts on Monday so if you miss out over the weekend, you’ll still have a chance to nab some bargains afterwards.
4. Be sensible with what you actually need, as opposed to what you want
Easier said than done, but every year so many people go absolutely crazy and spend hundreds of pounds on things they would have never bought in a million years or that they absolutely don’t need and won’t use more than once. Recently, shopping less has been on my mind and I don’t think Black Friday should be seen any different. Shopping less but shopping better is definitely my mantra moving forward, my advice would be to use this event to your advantage, don’t overspend and leave yourself short for the festive month ahead.
5. Take advantage for your Christmas shopping
Christmas day is creeping closer by the day and most people that I know have started their Christmas shopping already or have at least written a good list, detailing bits they are planning to buy for each person. So, why not use the sales to help your Christmas shopping along and save some money along the way. Electrical items are usually massively discounted, especially on places like Amazon so if you’re planning on gifting any electric items, now is the time to get them.
Let me know if you have any other tips/advice around Black Friday shopping and if you’ve already made any purchases in the build-up!
K a y l e i g h R e b e k a h 