Black Friday can save you real money on things you were going to buy anyway, but it is also designed to make you spend more than you planned. Countdown timers, "doorbuster" headlines and endless emails all push quick decisions. The shoppers who save the most treat it like a project: they decide what to buy in advance, know what a good price looks like, and ignore the rest. These 15 Black Friday tips and tricks are sorted into before, during and after the sales.
Before Black Friday: plan your shopping
1. Set a total budget first
Decide how much you can spend in total before you look at a single ad, and write it down. If Black Friday is part of your holiday shopping, fold it into your overall plan; our Christmas on a budget guide shows how to set a total and split it by person.
2. Make a list with must-haves and nice-to-haves
List each item, who it's for and the most you're willing to pay. Mark which items you'd buy at full price anyway (must-haves) and which you'll only buy if the price is right. Anything not on the list is a no.
3. Research the exact model
Note the brand, model number, size and features you want. Some heavily advertised Black Friday TVs, laptops and appliances are special versions made for the sale with cheaper parts or fewer features. Comparing model numbers is the fastest way to tell.
4. Track price history
Start watching prices on your list a few weeks early. Free price trackers and browser extensions show an item's price over recent months, so you can see if a "sale" price is actually low or just back to normal. A big "was" price means little if the item never really sold for that.
5. Sign up for rewards and store apps ahead of time
Join free cashback sites and store loyalty programs before the sales, since some apps' best offers are for members only and signing up at checkout wastes time. The ScanSave rewards list collects free programs in one place. Unsubscribe from the extra emails after the holidays.
During the sales: buy smart
6. Compare at least three stores
The same item can be priced differently at big-box stores, warehouse clubs and online retailers on the same day. Check two or three before buying, and look at our store deals page for an overview of major retailers.
7. Ask about price matching
Many retailers match a competitor's advertised price on an identical item, though some exclude Black Friday weekend or online-only sellers. Read the store's price-match policy before you go so you know what to show at checkout.
8. Stack cashback, rewards and coupons
One purchase can earn a store discount, a cashback reward and credit-card points at the same time. Only stack on items already on your list, and pay off the card in full so interest doesn't wipe out the savings.
9. Check the return policy and price adjustments
Holiday return windows, restocking fees and "final sale" rules vary by store and item. Some retailers also refund the difference if the price drops again soon after you buy. Keep receipts and order emails together in one folder.
10. Don't fall for urgency tricks
"Only 2 left," flash timers and "today only" banners are designed to rush you. If the item is on your list and the price beats its history, buy it. If not, walk away; similar deals usually come back through Cyber Monday and later in December.
11. Shop online safely
Type store addresses yourself instead of clicking links in unexpected texts or emails, watch for look-alike sites and prices that seem impossible, and pay with a credit card for stronger fraud protection. Use a strong unique password and turn on two-step verification for shopping accounts.
12. Watch shipping costs and pick up in store
A small discount can vanish with shipping fees. Use free shipping thresholds only for items on your list, or choose free in-store pickup. Members can use the shipping benefits in our Amazon perks guide.
Know which deals are usually worth it
13. Focus on categories that typically discount well
Black Friday is often a good time for TVs and electronics, small kitchen appliances, toys, video games, tools and household basics you buy anyway, such as paper goods and cleaning supplies. Check grocery and household needs too, since discount stores run their own sales; see our Dollar General Black Friday page for that store's dates and what to expect.
14. Know what can wait
Winter clothing and coats often keep getting cheaper after the holidays, and things like holiday decor, wrapping and seasonal candy are usually cheapest right after Christmas. If you don't need it now, there may be a better time to buy.
After Black Friday
15. Review what you bought
Within a few days, compare your total to your budget, check whether any prices dropped further and return anything you don't truly need while the return window is open. Write down what worked so next year's list is even easier. For everyday savings the rest of the year, see our household swaps guide.
Black Friday shopping checklist
- Set a total budget and write it down.
- List each item, who it's for and your max price.
- Note exact model numbers and features.
- Track price history a few weeks ahead.
- Join cashback and loyalty programs before the sale.
- Compare at least three stores.
- Read price-match and return policies.
- Shop only on sites you typed in yourself.
- Pay with a credit card and pay it off in full.
- Keep receipts and order emails in one folder.
- Review purchases and return extras within the window.
Black Friday tips FAQ
How do you save money on Black Friday?
Make a list and a budget before the sales start, check the price history of each item so you know a real discount, compare at least two or three stores, stack cashback and loyalty rewards, and only buy what is on your list. Most overspending on Black Friday comes from impulse buys, not from the items people planned.
Is Black Friday or Cyber Monday better?
It depends on what you buy. Big-ticket items like TVs and appliances often see strong in-store and online Black Friday prices, while Cyber Monday tends to focus on online deals such as clothing, tech accessories and smaller items. Many retailers now run sales for the whole week, so tracking prices on your list matters more than the specific day.
Are Black Friday deals really worth it?
Some are and some aren't. Retailers sometimes compare a sale price to an inflated list price or sell special lower-spec models made for the holiday. A deal is only worth it if the item is on your list, the price is lower than its recent history, and the model and return policy check out.
How do I shop safely online on Black Friday?
Shop directly on retailer sites you type in yourself rather than links in unexpected texts or emails, pay with a credit card for stronger fraud protection, watch for look-alike websites and too-good-to-be-true prices, and track every order confirmation. Use a strong unique password and turn on two-step verification for your shopping accounts.
When do Black Friday sales start?
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, but many stores start early sales in early or mid November and some run them through Cyber Monday. Sign up for store emails or apps and check each retailer's official ad when it is published so you know exact dates and prices.
Store sales, policies and rewards program terms change. Check each store or program's own site and official ad before you shop. Last reviewed Nov 3, 2026.