6 Strategies for Black Friday Shopping

If you’re going to wake up early and battle crowds to score holiday shopping deals, you’ve got to make it count.

Consider these tips to maximize your savings:

1. Charge your smartphone

There are loads of websites and apps to help you track down deals. Money Crashers editor David Bakke recommends The Black Friday, which aggregates hundreds of Black Friday store ads. Or, use Fat Wallet to search for coupons and promo codes by category or product name. His favorite on-the-go app is Red Laser. “Scan the bar code of any item and it tells you if it’s available at another store nearby for a cheaper price,” he says.

2. Avoid retail traps

While plenty of merchandise is discounted on Black Friday, remember that not everything is on sale. In fact, some prices may be inflated that day, and retailers are counting on you getting caught up in the hustle and bustle. Bakke suggests staying away from toys, jewelry and small home appliances, which aren’t typically discounted on Black Friday.

3. Treat yourself

Casey Bond of financial news website Go Banking Rates says clothing and shoes tend to be on sale on Black Friday. So don’t feel guilty about picking up a few things for yourself–it could be the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe while everyone else scrambles for electronics.

4. Wait until Monday

Unless you’re really into the thrill of Black Friday shopping, Bond says it may pay to wait: “I think the deals on Cyber Monday are actually a lot better, especially for electronics.” Don’t forget to check for promo codes on sites like Retail Me Not before you complete online purchases, Bond says.

5. Shop local

Gina Speckman, executive director of Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau, says Winnetka and Evanston both have their own versions of Black Friday, but on less hectic dates. She says many boutiques and specialty shops offer discounts during local holiday shopping events and some stores may stay open late.

6. Beat the crowds

If waking up at dawn doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, start your shopping a few days (or weeks) before Black Friday, when you’ll find plenty of sales and shorter lines. “I think Black Friday was much more relevant when it really was the kick-off to holiday shopping,” Speckman says. “Black Friday has become late in the shopping cycle now. Online retailers are jumping ahead and brick-and-mortar stores have to match their prices.”

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