Quote from savvy_one on September 19, 2024, 11:05 am

Welcome to the Black Friday Special Events forum! This is your central hub for planning, strategizing, and sharing the best deals for one of the biggest shopping days of the year. Whether you're a seasoned Black Friday veteran or a first-time participant, let's work together to make the most of this shopping extravaganza!

Black Friday Timeline

1. Pre-Black Friday (Early November)
   • Early bird deals start appearing
   • Retailers begin releasing ad scans
2. Thanksgiving Day
   • Many online deals go live
   • Some stores open for early in-person shopping
3. Black Friday
   • Main event with both in-store and online deals
4. Cyber Monday
   • Online-focused deals, often extending Black Friday sales
5. Cyber Week
   • Extended online deals throughout the week

Preparation Strategies

1. Research and Planning

• Study previous years' deals to predict this year's offers
• Make a wishlist of items you're hoping to find on sale
• Set a budget and stick to it

2. Ad Scans and Deal Alerts

• Check retailer websites and deal sites for early ad releases
• Sign up for newsletters from your favorite stores
• Set up deal alerts on deal aggregator websites

3. Account Setup

• Create accounts on retailer websites in advance
• Save payment and shipping information for faster checkout
• Download retailer apps for mobile shopping

4. Loyalty Programs and Credit Cards

• Sign up for store loyalty programs for early access or extra discounts
• Check your credit cards for cash-back offers or shopping portals

Deal Sharing Guidelines

When posting deals, please include:

1. Product Name and Model: Be specific about which item is on sale.
2. Sale Price and Discount: Mention the deal price and percentage off.
3. Retailer: Specify where the deal can be found.
4. Availability: Online-only, in-store only, or both?
5. Time Frame: When does the deal start and end?
6. Link: Provide a direct link to the product (use link shorteners if necessary).
7. Any Special Requirements: E.g., coupon codes, membership requirements.

Discussion Topics

• Deal Alerts: Share hot deals as you find them.
• Strategy Sharing: Discuss your plan of attack for Black Friday.
• Experience Reports: Share your Black Friday shopping experiences.
• Price Mistakes and Hidden Deals: Alert others to pricing errors or unadvertised specials.
• Inventory Tracking: Help each other find items that are selling out quickly.
• Alternatives and Comparisons: Suggest alternative products or retailers for popular items.

Tips for Successful Black Friday Shopping

1. Prioritize your purchases: Focus on big-ticket items for maximum savings.
2. Stay flexible: Have alternatives in mind in case your first choice sells out.
3. Check return policies: Understand the terms before buying, especially for big purchases.
4. Be wary of "too good to be true" deals: Some retailers may use misleading original prices.
5. Take care of yourself: Stay hydrated, dress comfortably for in-store shopping, and take breaks.
6. Keep your receipts: You might find a better deal later and want to price match.
7. Stay safe: Be aware of your surroundings in crowded stores and practice online shopping safety.

Ethical Considerations

• Consider the impact of overconsumption and impulse buying.
• Be mindful of retail workers during this busy time.
• Look for deals on sustainable and ethically produced products.

Remember, the goal is to save money on items you truly need or want, not to get caught up in the shopping frenzy. Share your finds, ask for help, and let's navigate Black Friday together!