The date is set. Black Friday 2024 is on Friday, November 29th. This is the day after the Thanksgiving holiday. Get ready for the start of the holiday shopping season. This year, you need a smart plan.
Black Friday is not just one day of busy shopping. It is now a big event that starts many weeks before the holiday. Stores are starting their sales earlier than ever before. If you want to get the best items at the lowest prices, you must start getting ready now. We give you the simple guide to help you shop. Learn about new shopping ideas, see the top products to buy, and use our simple tips. You will buy smart things and skip the mistakes that cost shoppers money.
What is Black Friday and Why Does it Matter Now?
Black Friday began a long time ago. In the 1960s in Philadelphia, police used the name for the huge traffic jams and crowds that came after Thanksgiving. Later, stores used the name to mean the time when they started making a profit (getting “in the black”).
Today, Black Friday is a worldwide event. It is the most important time of the year for stores. For you, the shopper, it means very large price cuts. Stores make a lot of money during this time. This year, the holiday shopping time is shorter. This means stores will start and push deals even harder. You can find serious savings, but you must be fast and smart.
The Simple Facts About Shopping in 2024
Shopping changes every year. These facts help you know where to look for the best savings.
Sales Start Soon and Stay Longer
The busy single day is over. Stores will start having “early access” Black Friday sales in late October. Do not wait until November 29th to look. The best deals often sell out before the main date. A longer sale time helps you plan better and spend your money over time.
Shopping on Your Phone is Key
Your phone is your best shopping tool now. More people are buying things right from their phones. This means you must check that your shopping apps are up to date and your payment information is saved. This helps you check out fast and grab quick sales. If you do not shop easily on your phone, you might miss a fast sale.
People Check Prices More
You are a careful shopper now. People look at six or more things before they buy a brand or product. This means you check old prices, look at sales in many stores, and try to find low cost brands. Stores know this. They must offer real, clear deals that are truly good value. They cannot just put a high price tag on a bad product and call it a big sale.
Top Products to Buy
We always buy electronics and clothes. But new things are getting popular now. Expect big sales in these areas:
- Health and Beauty: People spend more on feeling good. You will see big price cuts on skincare, makeup, and health items.
- Clothes and Things: Clothes are still a top item, especially in stores where you can try them on.
- Fun Gifts: More people are giving fun things to do, like tickets to a show or a theme park, instead of stuff. Look for groups of fun gift deals.
Easy Payment Plans Are Popular
Ways to pay in a simple way help you buy more. You will find stores that let you split your payment into a few small, no interest payments. This helps you buy those big, high cost items now while keeping your cash. Use this option wisely. Remember, you must still pay the full price.
Your Simple Plan for Black Friday 2024
To do well on Black Friday, you need to plan. Follow these simple steps to save the most and avoid buying things you do not need.
1. Set a Simple Money Limit
This is the most important step. You must decide exactly how much money you can spend on gifts and things for yourself. Sales make you feel like you save money. But you only save money if you buy something you needed anyway. Do not let a big discount make you spend money you do not have. Make a simple list to check your spending and keep track.
2. Make a Simple List of Things You Want
Do not buy on a sudden whim. Start now to make a clear list of every item you want to buy. Write down the item name, the model number, and the price you want to pay. This list keeps your shopping on track. It stops you from looking at deals on things you do not need.
3. Learn to Check Prices
A good Black Friday deal is a real drop in price. It is not just a discount from a fake high price. You need to know how much an item cost before.
- Use Tools to Check Prices: Free tools on your computer can show you an item’s price for the last year. This shows if the Black Friday price is truly the lowest price ever.
- Look at Other Stores: Never think one store has the best price. Use a simple search to look at the sale price in three or four big stores before you buy.
- Read the Small Print: Some deals offer a huge percent off but do not include some items. Look closely at the rules.
4. Get the Deals First
The biggest sales often go to people who are ready. You can start before everyone else with these simple steps:
- Sign Up for Store Emails: Many stores send their best deals and secret coupons to email readers first. Use a separate email just for shopping to keep your main inbox clean.
- Join Store Clubs: Stores give rewards to people who shop there often. Joining the club often gives you early access to sales or extra money off.
- Look on Social Media: Stores often show their deals or tell about quick sales on places like Instagram.
5. Make Online Checkouts Easy
When you rush to get a popular item, every second matters. Do not lose your item because you are slow at paying.
- Check Payment Info: Make sure your address and credit card details are correct on all shopping sites now.
- Use Digital Wallets: Use tools like Apple Pay for a one tap checkout. This is faster and stops you from making typing mistakes.
- Know How to Get Your Items: Look for free shipping. Or choose to pick up your item at the store to save money and time.
6. Read the Return Rules
Black Friday sales can have strict return rules. You must know the store’s rules before you buy. This is very true for electronics or big items. Check for fees, the time limit for returns, and if the item is a “final sale” (cannot be returned). You want to know you can return things easily, especially when buying gifts.
Do Not Forget Cyber Monday
Do not miss the Monday right after Black Friday. Cyber Monday 2024 is on December 2nd.
Cyber Monday is like a second part of the sales. It is only for online deals. Do not think all sales end on Friday. If you missed a deal, or if you want tech items, you often find the lowest prices on Monday. Think of the whole four day weekend as one big chance to shop.
Conclusion
Black Friday is fun, but you must be smart about money. Remember, you do not “save” money if you buy something you cannot afford. You are the boss of your spending. Get ready now, shop smart, and you will not only get through Black Friday 2024 but also finish with true savings for the holidays. Use this simple guide to become a smart, planful shopper.
Simple Questions and Answers (FAQs)
When is Black Friday 2024?
Black Friday 2024 is on Friday, November 29th. It is the day after Thanksgiving.
Will the sales be online only?
The sales are both online and in stores. Many of the best deals start early on store websites. Shopping on your phone is very popular this year.
How long do the sales last?
The sales are not just one day. Stores start early deals in late October. The main sales go through the weekend and end with Cyber Monday on December 2nd.
What are the best things to buy?
You find the best prices on electronics, big home items, clothes, and home goods. This year, also look for good deals on health and beauty items.
How do I know the deal is good?
You must check the item’s price history to see if the price drop is real. Look at the sale price in many different stores. Stick to your list and money limit.