To many Americans, Black Friday shopping is something like an Olympic sport; you hunt online to find the best deals, map out your game plan weeks in advance, and set your eyes on the prize.
Sure, you can show up at your favorite electronics store on Friday morning and hope to get a great deal on a 4K Ultra HD TV. Or you can do a little bit of prep work and know exactly when and where to shop to get the goods you want. Follow our guide to Black Friday shopping and tackle the task like a pro.
Get the Ads in Advance
The key to successful Black Friday shopping is in the preparation. You can wait for circulars stocked with ads to be delivered to your door the Sunday before Thanksgiving —or you can get a jump on Black Friday planning by downloading apps like Black Friday Ads 2019 to your smartphone.
Companies start uploading their ads to the web as early as a month before Black Friday. Sometimes, the ads are “leaked” and discovered by publishers of apps and discount websites. Put your Consolidated Communications Wifi connection to work to find all the insider info about the best Black Friday sales.
Download the Apps You Need
In addition to downloading a Black Friday ad app, consider using an app like Pricegrabber.com, which sorts through stores’ pricing to find the best deals on virtually everything.
Shopping centers may not always have the best 4G service or secure Wifi, so download any store-specific apps you’ll need to your phone using your secure, reliable Consolidated Communications Wifi before you set off on your shopping excursion.
Target and Kohl’s, for instance, house coupons on their apps. You might even want to take screen captures of coupon bar codes in case you’re stuck without any service at the store.
Print the Ads for Price-Matching Success
Many stores that offer price matching will not honor prices from websites or digital ads. If you’re viewing a circular online, download and print the ad to show store associates. If you can get a copy of the print ad, that’s even better.
If you find a lower price on a website, take a screen capture and print it. Some stores won’t even beat their own internet prices, but it always pays to ask. If they say no, you can always order it online when you get home.
Get Your Smartphone Ready
Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cord or portable battery just in case. There’s nothing worse than waiting in a long line, digital coupon in hand, as your phone’s battery indicator dips into the red.
Know Store Rules Before You Go
Are there quantity limits on the season’s hottest sellers? What’s the return policy for items purchased during Black Friday sales? Are there restocking fees if you need to return electronics? Store policies may differ during the holidays, so if you aren’t sure, ask.
Be an Early Bird
Getting to the store early pays off when many retailers carry only limited quantities of the best deals. You may be able to beat the crowds by making Black Friday shopping a Thanksgiving night tradition—not to mention, browsing aisles is also a great way to walk off all that turkey.
Keep in mind that “early bird” doesn’t have to mean 6 AM anymore when you’re talking about Black Friday shopping. Some retailers offer Black Friday deals right after Halloween, so it pays to watch the sales all month long.
Missed a Deal? Shop on Cyber Monday
Have the stores sold out of that must-have item? Don’t despair. You can always use your Consolidated Communications Wifi, along with a computer or smartphone, to shop the Cyber Monday sales from the comfort of your own home.
There are more ways to save money this holiday season than you might imagine. With a little planning and the right technology, you can finish your holiday shopping before December 1.