[A collaboration post – all thoughts are my own.]

Everyone has their own shopping survival guide! And who doesn’t love shopping, especially during the Black Friday sales?

I really look forward to Black Friday sales and plan to buy my favorite skincare brands and some household items before the end of 2022. After all, there will be at least a few great deals, and you can do all your holiday gift shopping in one crazy sprint.

Black Friday Shopping Survival Guide

eCommerce usually has a great deal every month like 10.10 deals in October or 11.11 deals in November, and so on. That’s why I like to put things I need in the cart and check out during the special deal. A great way to save extra money, right?!

In order to make it out of Black Friday with your sanity—and your wallet—intact, there are a few tips I’d like to share.

Make your shopping list

Since I was young, I have had a habit of purchasing items that I rarely or never use. So, I compile a list of the things I want in particular before I even start checking through the sales information. It may seem easy, but doing this is the key to getting the most out of your Black Friday shopping.

Make a thorough list of everything you need to buy, including sizes and color preferences, for everyone on your list (including yourself). I remembered that I had set aside some money this month in my budget to purchase my parent’s gifts. Victoria’s Secret was offering a great discount for just 3 days, so I also bought myself two perfumes there! A successful shopping spree requires that you know your spending limit.

Once your shopping list is complete and you have a general sense of your budget, make sure you make a commitment to only purchasing the items on your list. This will be difficult, but if you stick to your shopping list, your bank account will appreciate it.

Check the online deals

On Black Friday, several retailers offer deals online. Online deals are even better when you take into account the cost of gas and the possible time spent waiting in line on a Friday morning. As an introvert, I’m not really good with crowds. If you’re like me, check out your favorite brands and the stores you are planning to visit before you brave the crowds.

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No matter how early you plan to stand in line at the nearest big-box retailer, you will be able to check because many sales start at midnight. For some stores, you can place an online order, pay the Black Friday price, then pick up the items from your local store.

Set a budget

You should decide how much money you have to spend on Black Friday sales before it begins. If money is tight, a budget is essential to keep you from overspending. Set a limit on the amount of money you can spend overall and/or per person, and then stick to it. This will also help you reduce impulse buys.

Make sure you don’t go above these limits while shopping. You wouldn’t want to get into debt over the holidays because you overspent. Using the Black Friday sales will let you give more gifts. Read the return procedure for any product you buy. You don’t want to be unable to cancel it and be stuck with it.

Pick a shopping buddy

My mother loves shopping for clothes so much! She has a keen sense of style, therefore it can take her hours to choose just a few items of clothing or extra time at a store to search out the perfect outfit. I respect her passion, but her shopping will take much longer than mine. But I’m going to go with a different shopping buddy because I like to shop at a more comfortable pace.

Having a buddy does, in my opinion, make the process much easier; one person can stand in line while the other gets whatever is on the list. Having a shopping buddy with similar tastes makes it easier for me to share advice. Even better, a buddy can help you to stick to your budget and shopping list, preventing impulsive buying.

Skip it entirely

It’s okay to skip the Black Friday sales. Why bother shopping if there isn’t anything you’re interested in?

Because I have nothing pressing to buy, I have decided to skip the 11.11 deals. Moreover, there is no wiser choice for your money than in your wallet or bank account. Stay at home, unwind, and maximize your leftovers. Even if you end up making a few full-price purchases later on, you will still be saving money.

Are you preparing to buy a lot during the Black Friday sales? What’s your shopping survival guide to saving more money? Let me know your tips below.