This year’s Black Friday, on November 24th, is expected to be the best yet. Retailers are preparing to offer the best deals and discounts until the end of the shopping season. However, searching for the best deals across different stores and online platforms can be daunting. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of 10 tips to help one get the most out of this year’s Black Friday sale.

Look for the early-bird deals
Black Friday sales begin much before the actual day. Most retailers share their best deals early in virtually every category to jump-start their sales. If one comes across a good deal, it is best to lock in now to avoid shipping delays or out-of-stock issues. Some retailers also announce flash sales throughout the day, so keep the smartphone handy to check on popular retailers.

Make a wish list and research
Grabbing the best deals requires a little effort. Make a list of the products to buy and research before the deals are live. One must consider the brands or the features one is looking for and know their actual costs. This way, one can compare deals across retailers when shopping online and opt for the one that interests them.

Set a budget
Shopping events like Black Friday are hard to resist; if one shops without a budget, the tendency to spend more will naturally arise. Once a wishlist is prepared, determine how much those items might cost and fix a specific amount to spend. While shopping, it is best to stick to the budget. Also, before making any impulsive purchase, ask if there’s any need for the product and whether it is affordable to avoid overspending.

Follow brands on social media
Following the most favorable brands on social media lets one know about upcoming deals and helps one shop more efficiently. Brands often share posts related to Black Friday and early bird deals. Before going on a shopping spree, one can sign up on the brand’s website to access exclusive deals via email or text.

Sign up for store loyalty programs
Signing up for store loyalty programs gives early access to Black Friday sales. These store loyalty programs also allow one to earn cashback rewards on purchases and other rewards such as free shipping, gifts, etc.

Look for free delivery
Ordering from retailers that offer free delivery is one of the best hacks for shoppers. There is no point in buying a product at a big discount and paying for hefty shipping charges. Instead, one may order the product online and schedule for pick up later, which can help save considerably on delivery fees.

Make use of apps
Using apps such as Vouchercloud, ShopKick, and others can help save time and money to find deals and coupons. Some apps also use location to send offers when they are close to participating retailers while others may help one find and compare the best shopping deals for Black Friday.

Use a credit card
Credit cards offer more robust protection from fraud than debit cards. Credit cards are also an ideal way to pay for more significant purchases. Also, save credit card information on trusted and secured sites ahead of time to complete purchases quickly. This hack can save time and help one grab the deal before it is gone.

Stick to online shopping
Both stores and online retailers participate in the year’s biggest shopping event. Instead of heading to the streets from one store to the other, sit back on a comfy sofa and shop from a phone or laptop. One may have more luck when browsing the numerous online retailers offering deals, doorbusters, and more.

Buy discounted gift cards
Black Friday gift card hack is another excellent way to significantly reduce your holiday shopping expenses. Several websites sell these discounted gift cards to consumers for bigger savings. One can use these gift cards to buy products and enjoy additional savings on the already available deal. These discounted gift cards also make for great gifts for loved ones.

Turn the Black Friday shopping into a great one by saving some serious cash with the above hacks. Lastly, remember to stay relaxed and enjoy Black Friday shopping without regrets.