When discounts present themselves, something goes "ping!" in our brains, encouraging us to buy them because we'll save a lot of money in the process. It's easy to get too excited and end up buying more than you should.
There are ways you can shop responsibly, and make sure that your Black Friday purchases are worth every penny. So, pace yourself, and read ahead, because we have tips for you.
1. Allot Your Black Friday Budget
Once you really get into the rabbit hole that's full of discounted items, you will probably get carried away. Ergo, you have to set a spending budget to make sure that you won't go overboard. As mentioned by IGN, retail stores design their page in a way that makes you want to buy more. Don't fall for the trap!
2. List Down the Things You Plan to Buy
Once you set aside the budget for Black Friday, you can start looking at items you want to buy. That way, you can plan ahead of time and prevent overspending.
Just keep in mind, this won't work if you don't have the discipline (like me) and add more to your cart, saying "I deserve this." Stick to your list, and you won't have to feel the shopper's guilt afterward.
3. Don't Stick to Just One Shop
Believe it or not, several retailers sell the same things. Shocker, right? Well, one of the good things about them selling the same items, is that they will try to set the price lower than the other. Scan through different deals and make sure that you buy from the retailer that offers a bigger discount.
4. You're Not the Only One Who Wants to Buy It
If you're waiting for Black Friday so you can buy the thing you want cheaper, you're not alone. If you plan on buying a product that is hot on the market, you should prioritize it, as suggested by The Balance Money. If you're not quick enough, there won't be any left for you, and you'll have to buy it at the list price after all the waiting. Bummer.
Read also: Black Friday Tech Deals: Tips to Remember in Buying Laptops, Gaming Gadgets With Huge Discounts
5. Don't Use Your Credit Card as a Gift Card
The thing about using a credit card is that you won't really get a sense of how much you spend. How can you, when you can buy an item with just the swipe of a piece of plastic? It's important to be careful and take note of your purchases.
Calculate as you add things to your cart so you won't overspend. That way, you won't be surprised at your credit card bill once it arrives.
6. Price Matching is Your Friend
Price matching is very useful if the retailer you planned on buying from, runs out of the item you want to get. It's also convenient if you don't feel like app or store hopping. Price matching is when a retailer lowers their price to match its competitor.
A lot of retailers offer this, so it's best to come prepared. However, you should look the store up first to make sure they actually offer it. No need to embarrass yourself when a few clicks will save you from an awkward encounter.
