Here's a list of tips to help you survive Black Friday sales without overspending or being overwhelmed:
1. Set a Budget:
- Determine how much you can afford to spend before you start shopping.
- Stick to your budget to avoid impulse buys.
2. Make a Shopping List:
- Identify what you really need and who you need to buy Christmas presents for.
- Prioritise items so you’re focused and less likely to be distracted by other deals.
3. Research Ahead of Time:
- Compare prices online before Black Friday.
- If you’re time poor, use apps or websites that track price changes and alerts for the items you plan to buy.
4. Create a Game Plan:
- Plan which stores you’ll visit and when.
- Consider starting online to save time.
5. Sign Up for Newsletters:
- Receive exclusive deals and discounts directly from your favorite brands.
- Register early for pre-sale deals.
6. Use Coupons and Discounts:
- Collect any relevant coupons in advance.
- Consider cashback apps and rewards programs on your purchases.
- I use ShopBack - here’s my code if you want to use it and get some money straight away https://app.shopback.com/vYEBW8xbUOb
7. Stay Updated with Social Media:
- Follow brands and retailers to get insider tips and early notifications about sales.
- Follow influencers who share Black Friday tips
8. Shop Online:
- Most Black Friday deals are available online.
- Saves you time, energy, and helps avoid the chaos in physical stores and it may even be sold out at the physical store
- Who even has time to go to physical stores these days when you can be on your phone, in your pyjamas, when the kids are asleep and you're shopping without interruption!
9. Be Mindful of Doorbusters:
- Recognise these deals are limited in quantity.
- Have a backup plan if the item is sold out.
10. Don’t Shop Alone:
- Bring a friend or have a lunch date with a friend, to help you stick to your plan and share deals.
- They can also help you manage multiple stores or sites, and ultimately save on delivery fees too.
11. Take Breaks:
- Avoid burnout by scheduling breaks and keeping hydrated.
- Have snacks ready to maintain your energy levels.
- This includes if you’re shopping online, because if you can’t think clearly or hungry, this may cause you to make impulse decisions like overspending!
12. Check Return and Exchange Policies:
- This one is so important but ensure you understand the return policies before purchasing, especially for big-ticket items.
- Keep all receipts for easy refunds or exchanges.
13. Stay Organised:
- Keep track of your purchases and spending.
- Use an app or notes to check off bought items.
14. Avoid Emotional Spending:
- Don’t let FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) dictate your purchases.
- Stick to rational buying—your budget and list are guides. This was me last night - I spent about $500 on items last night after a long week at work. This morning looking at the tax invoices, I made some emotional spending mistakes....
- Big brands in particular are SO good at marketing, they use psychology to help market their products. Even the music and lighting at Coles and Woolies are intentional. Crazy right.
15. Give Yourself a Cooling-off Period:
- Wait 24 hours before major purchases to prevent impulse buying. So look at it today (Black Friday), and then sleep on it. If you still want and think it is necessary, then order it during the Black Friday sale.
- This helps consider if it’s a necessary purchase so that you don't do what I did last night!
16. Secure Your Information - cyber security is a real thing:
- Use secure payment methods and keep an eye on your accounts.
- Monitor for identity theft and unauthorised transactions.
- Brands like Temu spent $386 million in advertising in their first four months of 2024. How did they gain such popularity? Temu’s data collection policy states that it collects user data including photographs, shopping history, social media and government issued identification. Moral of this story is to ask yourself whether this unsafe data collection practice of your information is worth saving that extra $10….
Bonus Tip: Plan for Cyber Monday:
- If Black Friday is overwhelming, wait for Cyber Monday for similar or better deals online.
By planning ahead, staying organised, and being mindful of spending, you can enjoy Black Friday shopping without stress. Happy shopping!