Black Friday is almost here and we thought it would be helpful to share some tips to help consumers score the best deals this shopping season.
With changing economic conditions, inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, and budget consciousness, holiday shopping requires a smart plan. Take advantage of this time and save money using our insider secrets!
1. Create a Shopping List
Make a comprehensive shopping list split between must-haves and nice-to-haves:
- Note the current market retail price of your target items so you can recognize genuine markdowns.
- Research past discount history to benchmark how much you can expect to save.
- Having a disciplined plan reduces impulse buys and keeps your holiday budget intact.
2. Subscribe to Emails & Social Media Alerts
Brands reserve their deepest promotions and early-access codes for direct subscribers:
- Join email newsletters for your favourite retailers at least 2–3 weeks before Black Friday.
- Consider setting up a dedicated email folder to track promotional announcements.
- Follow brands on Instagram and enable post notifications for limited-run product drops.
3. Use Browser Extensions and Discount Portals
Don’t buy at full price without verifying active promo codes and price histories:
- Honey: Automatically tests discount codes during checkout and surfaces historical pricing curves.
- CamelCamelCamel: Tracks historical Amazon prices to identify if a “sale” price is genuinely discounted.
- Rakuten: Earn cash back on top of existing retailer site discounts.
- RedFlagDeals: Check community forums for real-time flyers and coupon stacking hacks.
4. Start Shopping Early
Black Friday is no longer limited to one single day—it is a month-long event:
- Brands launch pre-Black Friday sales throughout late October and November.
- Starting early gives you access to full inventory before popular sizes and colorways sell out.
- Pro-Tip: Add items to your cart and abandon them a few days before a sale. Brands often send automated abandoned cart emails with extra discount incentives.
5. Prepare for Inventory Stockouts
Supply chain friction and high holiday volume mean popular SKUs sell out quickly:
- If an item is on your must-have list and the price is fair, don’t risk waiting until Cyber Monday.
- Check shipping cut-off dates to guarantee your gifts arrive before the holidays.
- Explore our updated 5 Ways Consumers Can Win on Black Friday for the latest shopping strategies.
