Ahead of Black Friday, the savings experts at BravoDeal share ten important budgeting tips for shoppers.
“Black Friday kicks off the busiest shopping period of the year, with huge retailers like Amazon or Walmart offering online-exclusive discounts and free store pickup options.
“When purchasing items during a busy sale, it’s important to be strategic to ensure you’re getting the best deal and value for your money.
“Therefore, it is important to be prepared, monitor any items you are interested in buying, and compare prices to external websites to ensure you are getting a deal.
1. Set and stick to a budget
It is easy to get carried away while shopping online, as your next purchase is at the click of a button.
However, for those who do not want to overspend, setting and sticking to a budget will help you shop with discipline.
First, set a clear budget, factor in your financial situation, and avoid going over this amount.
If you’re buying multiple items, such as clothing, electronics, or groceries, divide your budget accordingly. This helps prevent overspending in one area.
BravoDeal’s top tip: Use budgeting apps like Mint, YNAB (You Need a Budget), or PocketGuard to track spending in real-time. These apps help you monitor your online shopping and alert you when you’re nearing your limit.
2. Research in advance
Before the sales start, check the current prices of any items you are interested in, so you know whether they are a good deal based on the standard price.
Other retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target often have competing sales during Black Friday and sometimes you can find better deals elsewhere
Tools including CamelCamelCamel or Keepa are good for tracking price history.
Reading up on product reviews and ratings on different websites such as TechRadar or Consumer Reports will help you know whether the products you are interested in are actually worth purchasing.
If you see any items you like in advance, add them to your Amazon wish list ahead of time. This will make it easier to spot deals when they go live.
BravoDeal’s top tip: If you have specifications in mind for items such as TVs, laptops or phones, make a list you want from the product, so you avoid any impulse purchasing.
3. Look for bundles
Purchasing bundles can often save you money. Electronics, including smart home devices, are often bundled with accessories or complementary products, which can be of great value.
BravoDeal’s top tip: For those sticking to a budget, ensure that you buy a bundle because you need the items, not just for the sake of it.
4. Keep an eye out for lightning deals
Lightning deals are time-limited offers that can save you extra money. However, they tend to sell out quickly.
Keep an eye on the countdown of a lightning deal, and if you do want the item, purchase it as soon as possible.
BravoDeal’s top tip: Always compare prices before purchasing an item, just in case the deal isn’t as good as you think.
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5. Check returns policies
Return windows are important, and some electronics may have shorter return windows or restocking fees.
Amazon and Walmart sale items typically have a return window, just like regular purchases, but the specific return period can vary.
The standard return window for most items is 30 days from the date of delivery.
However, this can change depending on the seller (if it’s a third-party seller), the item category or the specific terms of the sale, whether it be for clearance or holiday sales.
BravoDeal’s top tip: After purchasing items, test the product as soon as it arrives to ensure that it works properly and meets your expectations.
6. Look for coupons and discounts
Some products on Amazon will have additional coupons or promotion codes applied during checkout. You can also find extra coupons on product pages.
For products you regularly buy Amazon’s “Subscribe and Save” program offers discounts when you subscribe for monthly recurring orders of those items.
BravoDeal’s top tip: Bravodeal.com offers several Amazon discount codes from 85% off Amazon home deals, to 70% off beauty products.
7. Look at trade-in offers
Amazon will sometimes offer additional savings if you trade in an old electronic device or other item eligible for trade.
This is generally useful when upgrading smartphones, tablets, or e-readers.
Go to the Amazon Trade-In page and you will find a list of categories for eligible trade-in items. Electronics (smartphones, tablets, video game consoles), books and textbooks, video games, and smart home devices are all included.
BravoDeal’s top tip: If you agree to the offer of a trade-in, always ensure to confirm your items’ conditions legitimately, as misleading submissions can lead to problems.
8. Use a prepaid card or a separate account
Use a prepaid card or gift card with a set amount that aligns with your budget. Once the funds run out, you can’t spend any more.
Alternatively, you can create a separate bank account or e-wallet (like PayPal) just for shopping and transfer your budgeted amount into it. This keeps your personal finances separate and limits overspending.
9. Beware of fake reviews and manipulated ratings
Some sellers use fake or paid reviews to artificially boost their product ratings. They can also manipulate reviews to make poor products appear highly rated, tricking buyers into thinking they’re receiving a quality item.
To identify this, look for reviews that are overly positive without much detail or that repeat similar language.
BravoDeal’s top tip: Tools like Fakespot or ReviewMeta can help analyze the legitimacy of reviews.
10. Avoid fake websites and links
Fake websites and links are among the most common scams.
Scammers create fake websites that look identical to a retailer’s site. These fake sites often appear in ads or phishing emails and attempt to steal your personal and payment information.
How to Spot It: Check the URL carefully. The official website should be “https://www.walmart.com/” (with no additional words or symbols). Secure sites will also have a padlock symbol in the URL bar.
What to do: Avoid clicking on links from emails or social media. Always type “walmart.com” directly into your browser.
