How to Prepare for Black Friday Shopping

The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday and kicks off the beginning of the holiday shopping season in the United States. You can have a successful shopping experience on Black Friday if you prepare beforehand. Look for the best deals, compare prices, make a list of items you wish to buy, and stick to a budget. You should also read up on return policies, be prepared to wait in long lines, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring snacks and drinks with you.

The next Black Friday is Friday, November 28, 2025 .
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Finding the Best Deals

  1. Ads usually provide the most information about Black Friday specials. Get a newspaper, or visit store websites, and read through the advertisements to find out what items are being marked down. Look out for items you need that may be on sale, such as appliances like televisions. [1]
  2. Often, deals are advertised online through social media. Visit Facebook pages or Twitter feeds of your favorite stores, or do a search that includes the keywords "Black Friday" to find specific deals. Consider who you plan to buy holiday gifts for and look for hot deals on items they may like. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. Many stores have their own apps that showcase their Black Friday deals, so download a few of your favorite stores’ apps and enable notifications about deals. You can also download apps, such as "ShopSavvy" or "Black Friday Survival Guide," that will deliver Black Friday deals and updates to your phone. [3]
    • If you’re looking for a specific product, enable alerts on your phone when deals on that item are posted.
  4. You may be able to reduce the price of desirable items even further by using coupons in conjunction with sales. Many stores even release special Black Friday coupons, so do an Internet search to find them from retailer stores as well as manufacturers of specific items. [4]
  5. Search for a specific item on several stores’ websites, or compare their print ads. Find out where you can get the most bang for your buck by choosing the store that has the cheapest price on an item. [5]
    • Some retailers will price-match items from other stores, so you may be able to make it a one-stop trip if one company will match the prices of others.
    • Be sure to bring proof, in the form of a print ad or website price, of the item to be price-matched to the store where you plan to purchase it.
    Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Creating a Shopping Strategy

  1. Now that you’re aware of all the best Black Friday deals, make a list of items you wish to purchase. A list will help you stick to your budget, eliminate impulse buying, and avoid dealing with returns. Refer to this list multiple times throughout your Black Friday shopping experience. [6]
  2. Avoid falling into the trap of buying things you don’t really need or want just because they’re on sale. Calculate approximately how much money you will spend to purchase the items on your list, and allocate only that much money for Black Friday shopping. You could also set aside a small amount for a single impulse buy. [7]
  3. Many stores have special sale hours for Black Friday and may even be open on Thanksgiving. Call the store or visit their website to determine when the store opens and closes. You can also find out if camping or waiting outside the store will be permitted. [8]
    • Take note of “doorbusters” and other deals in which reduced prices are only good during certain hours (e.g., 6 to 10 a.m.).
  4. Find out about the rules regarding refunds and returns before venturing out into the crowds. Some Black Friday items may not be eligible for return or exchange, or you may have to pay a restocking fee to do so. [9]
    • Keep all your receipts of purchases made on Black Friday for returns as well as accounting purposes. [10]
  5. As you search for deals, cut or print out ads and coupons you find. This documentation will help avoid confusion or disputes that may arise from instances such as incorrect pricing or labeling. [11]
  6. If you dread the idea of braving the crowds, do your Black Friday shopping online. You’ll eliminate dealing with long lines or frantic shoppers and still be able to get great deals. Some companies may even offer free shipping or exclusive online deals on Black Friday. [12]
    Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Braving the Crowds Comfortably

  1. Take care to go to sleep early on Thanksgiving day if you plan to start shopping at the crack of dawn. You should also eat a good breakfast and drink plenty of water while shopping. Stretch in the morning to loosen your muscles and joints and prepare for a busy day.
  2. Check the weather before deciding what to wear to avoid cutting your trip short due to being too cold or hot. Wear layers of comfortable clothes, such as loose shorts or pants with a cotton shirt and sweater. You may also need a coat and/or an umbrella. [13]
    • Wear comfortable shoes for standing in long lines and doing lots of walking. Make sure your shoes are waterproof if rain or snow is in the forecast.
  3. Snacks and drinks will keep your energy and hydration levels up throughout the day, preventing you from feeling sick, tired, or dizzy. However, be sure that the stores you visit allow outside food and drinks, as some may make you toss them out before heading into the store. [14]
  4. Black Friday crowds can get a bit wild, so take the time to calm your mind before you go shopping. Try a few deep breathing exercises or engage in yoga or meditation before heading out into the crowds.
  5. Shopping with a friend or family member has many advantages. You can keep each other company, hold each other's places in long lines if restroom breaks are needed, or split up briefly to take advantage of deals that may occur at the same time. [15]
  6. Expect to wait in long lines on Black Friday, as thousands of other customers are also out there looking for the best deals. To help you pass the time, create a new music playlist, bring a book to read, or plan to catch up on emails. [16]
  7. If an item you want is popular with other shoppers, you’ll want to get in line early to make sure you get one before the store runs out of them. Some stores also give freebies to a certain number of the first customers in line or through the door. [17]
  8. 8
    Take advantage of the Black Friday ticket system. Select retail stores will hand out tickets to people waiting in line for popular sale items. The number of tickets will correspond with the exact quantity of the product. Get in line early to make sure you can get a ticket for the item you want to buy. Then, when the doors open, locate your item and take it and the ticket to the register to check out. [18]
    • The ticket system is only used at certain stores on Black Friday, so if you plan to take advantage of this, be sure to find out if the store(s) you will be going to plan to use this system.
    Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I figure out if I'm getting a deal or not?
    Kalee Hewlett
    Image Consultant
    Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’
    Kalee Hewlett
    Image Consultant
    Expert Answer
    Honestly, it's probably better to ask yourself if you want the item in the first place than it is to worry about getting the deal. People tend to buy things just because they think they're getting a discount without considering whether they really want that thing in the first place.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    How do I shop with parents?
    Community Answer
    Make sure all family in the group has a charged phone on them, as Black Friday is very chaotic. In each store, select a meet-up place in case you get separated. Agree in advance what you're going to purchase, and formulate a plan on getting through the store as quickly as possible. If you need to separate (to select and/or purchase gifts for your parents, for example), keep tabs on one another via phone messaging, and if the phones are for some reason not working (or go unheard), return to the predetermined meet-up spot and wait for them.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How much money should I bring?
    Jinxxy
    Community Answer
    Bring enough money to be able to buy the stuff you need. Don't be a lot of extra cash, as you don't want to waste money on impulse buys.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Dress Modestly for a Mormon Church (for Females)
      How to
      Make Mother's Day Gifts
      How to
      Do Hairstyles for Curly Hair
      How to
      Become Taller Naturally
      How to
      Get into Real Estate
      How to
      Improve Your Alexa Ranking
      How to
      Style Shoulder Length Hair
      How to
      Prepare a Raised Bed Garden
      How to
      Get Rid of Blackheads on Your Nose
      How to
      Do a Natural Everyday Makeup Look in 10 Minutes
      How to
      Build Good Credit
      How to
      Slim Your Face
      How to
      Make Sourdough Starter
      How to
      Dress on a Cruise
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://tiphero.com/17-ways-to-prepare-for-black-friday-sales/
      2. ↑ http://tiphero.com/17-ways-to-prepare-for-black-friday-sales/
      3. ↑ http://tiphero.com/17-ways-to-prepare-for-black-friday-sales/
      4. ↑ http://tiphero.com/17-ways-to-prepare-for-black-friday-sales/
      5. ↑ http://www.moneycrashers.com/black-friday-shopping-tips/
      6. ↑ http://tiphero.com/17-ways-to-prepare-for-black-friday-sales/
      7. ↑ http://www.moneycrashers.com/black-friday-shopping-tips/
      8. ↑ http://tiphero.com/17-ways-to-prepare-for-black-friday-sales/
      9. ↑ http://www.moneycrashers.com/black-friday-shopping-tips/
      1. ↑ https://dealnews.com/features/Black-Friday-Strategies-12-Ways-to-Prepare/1162595.html
      2. ↑ http://www.moneycrashers.com/black-friday-shopping-tips/
      3. ↑ http://www.moneycrashers.com/black-friday-shopping-tips/
      4. ↑ https://chicshopperchick.com/2010/11/how-to-prepare-for-black-friday/
      5. ↑ https://chicshopperchick.com/2010/11/how-to-prepare-for-black-friday/
      6. ↑ https://chicshopperchick.com/2010/11/how-to-prepare-for-black-friday/
      7. ↑ https://dealnews.com/features/Black-Friday-Strategies-12-Ways-to-Prepare/1162595.html
      8. ↑ https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2016/11/18/your-thanksgiving-black-friday-shopping-survival-guide/94077340/
      9. ↑ http://www.freecoupons.com/blog/how-to-save/what-is-the-black-friday-ticket-system/

      About this article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 55,865 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement