How To Spot The Black Friday Discounts That Are Actually Good Deals

Black Friday deals seem to have gotten more and more frequent, and with that, less and less lucrative. Nonetheless, there are some great deals on items you've been eyeing up. Even though they might have gone on sale earlier this year, it seems as if nearly everything you want to buy gets discounted the day after Thanksgiving. But, before you blow your budget, make sure you shop smart and do Black Friday the right way.

One of the best ways to get good deals is shopping before the day itself. Long ago, when retail reigned supreme, the event only spanned 24 hours in stores. Today, Black Friday includes the week before and, sometimes, the week after as well, DealNews explains. This year, it even started the month before! Since many retailers are attempting to drive sales throughout the pandemic, they've extended their sales beyond just the day itself. So, monitor the deals throughout the day, of course, but stay tuned for other deals after Black Friday.

Before you head to the computer on Friday, have a list of everything that you want to buy, the outlet suggests. Beforehand, do your research on what each item is going for at various outlets. Then, when it comes time to buy, you'll know which deals are worth your money.

Because Black Friday has now transformed into a week-long event, many may overlook small businesses this year and, after 2020, they need shoppers. These businesses also have deals of their own that may be better than the savings at bigger stores. You can buy gift cards from shops like these while they have deals going on as a way to save and support, CNBC explains.

Another way to spot the best deals is by waiting to buy certain items. Since the best savings on things like coats, linens, and outdoor gear come in January, the outlet notes, use Black Friday to stock up on items such as electronics, beauty products and phones. Even the biggest sale of the year can leave money on the table if you don't plan ahead and see what's going on sale when.

In order to make sure you're getting the best deal, check out price-comparing tools, such as PriceGrabber.com, The Balance Everyday suggests. Doing the right research can make or break your budget, so when you're about to add items to your cart, make sure that you aren't overspending. You can start doing this now, as many sites can pick up on deals that are taking place or are about to launch, according to the outlet.

Clearly, the name of the game is researching before you buy this Black Friday. Have your budget set, your deal finder at the ready, and prepare to save.