It seems like every year the infamous Black Friday sales start earlier and earlier and 2012 is no exception! In fact, many companies have begun to not only advertise their fabulous sales to entice our wallets, but some have already put some of those sales in motion! Whether you’re going to be a trooper on the ground scooping sales or an online shopping wizard, there are great deals to be had. If you’re a product junkie like me, you’re in luck because there are bargains everywhere! Here are a few tips to make the most out of the Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday shopping bonanza.
Black Friday Deals
Use the Right Tools
Nowadays, checking out social media sources has become the best way to stay in the loop with all the upcoming sales and promotions. In fact, most companies post their sales or links to ads right on their Facebook and Twitter pages, and many even offer special codes and discounts to their loyal fans. There’s no better way to broadcast to millions of people at once. If you have a favorite brand or product, make sure you’re signed up for their newsletters, “Like” their Facebook pages and follow them on Twitter and Instagram to stay on top of the sales first.
My favorite resource for the scoop on Black Friday product shopping is Derby City Naturals blog. Every year they feature the sales and discounts from some of the top natural hair brands on the market. You can check back frequently to stay updated!
Check Your Stash
Black Friday is a great time to stock up on those staple products that you use up frequently. If you’re like me and are shopping for products for yourself, you’d be doing yourself a favor to check your stash first before making new purchases.
Natural hair products usually have a shelf life between 1-2 years so it makes sense not to buy more than you can use within that time frame. Some of the sales are pretty tempting, but it doesn’t make sense to either buy products you’re not going to use or to buy products that don’t work for your hair. Just because it’s on sale doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good deal.
Stay Focused
Probably one of the most valuable tips I can share for anyone shopping on Black Friday is to stay focused on what you’re looking for. Making (and sticking to”> a checklist will not only ensure that you don’t get sidetracked, but can help you stay within your budget. Set up your wish list according to needs and wants. Sure, it’s not always easy to differentiate between the two, but when you put it down on paper it should be more obvious! If you’re shopping for friends or family you might even want to ask ahead of time to make sure you get them something they’ll actually use. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a gift card. Giving the gift of choice is something that should make anyone smile!
To make this the most productive Thanksgiving holiday shopping weekend, be sure to utilize all your resources to prepare yourself before spending. Making a list, keeping a budget in mind and checking your stash before shopping will ensure you have an awesome shopping experience. Always remember the reason for the season — happy shopping!
