Getting Ready for Black Friday: 10 Essential Steps to Take Now

Black Friday is still a few weeks away, but many retailers have already started building excitement for the big shopping day. Recently, Sears announced it’s opening at 8:00 PM on Thanksgiving and staying open for 26 hours straight. Meanwhile, Kohl’s plans to launch its Black Friday deals on Wednesday, Nov. 21, so that shoppers are ready when the doors open at midnight on Thanksgiving.

Eager shoppers are looking forward to snagging the best bargains of the season. But remember, getting great deals on Black Friday isn’t just about standing in long lines. A little planning can help you beat the crowd and make the most of your shopping spree, even if you’re stuffed with Thanksgiving dinner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create a foolproof shopping plan for Black Friday:

1. Set up a new email account. This helps you keep all your Black Friday receipts, alerts, and notifications separate, so your main or work email doesn’t get clogged.

2. Sign up for store updates. Newsletters from your favorite stores can provide important information about Black Friday hours, special deals, and other perks. Following your top brands on social media can also give you real-time updates and exclusive promo codes.

3. Buy discounted gift cards. Save even more on Black Friday by using discounted gift cards. Websites like GiftCardGranny.com offer gift cards for less than face value for well-known stores like Kohl’s, Target, Macy’s, and others, helping you save over 10% on average.

4. Sell unused items. Boost your holiday shopping budget by selling things you no longer need online or at consignment stores.

5. Set a realistic budget. Evaluate your finances by considering upcoming travel and holiday expenses, then create a budget for gifts accordingly. Check out tips from LearnVest, including a holiday budget calculator.

6. Make a list and research prices. Once your budget is set, list the gifts you want to buy and take time to compare prices. Knowing what items cost before Black Friday can help you avoid falling for misleading promotions.

7. Get your mobile device ready. Download the latest shopping apps for in-store savings. Use the Coupon Sherpa app for instant access to mobile coupons, which some stores offer on top of Black Friday deals. Keep track of all your loyalty cards with CardStar, and use RedLaser to compare prices and ensure you’re getting the best deals.

8. Choose the right credit card. If you use credit cards wisely, talk to your credit card company about any holiday promotions they’re offering. If your card doesn’t have added rewards for holiday shopping, think about getting one that does. This allows you to earn points on planned purchases and redeem them for gift cards.

9. Plan Thanksgiving dinner. If Black Friday shopping is a big deal for you, you’ve probably noticed the earlier store opening times on Thanksgiving. Inform your guests that Thanksgiving dinner will be served earlier, so you don’t miss out on family time.

10. Coordinate with friends and family. Start planning with your Black Friday shopping buddies early. Shopping in pairs or groups is not only more fun, but it also lets you split up the shopping list. Consider setting up Facebook groups where people can find shopping partners and plan shared trips.