Smart Shopping: How to Navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals

Two of the biggest shopping days of the year are coming up. Are you ready to score the best deals? Most Americans are.

Slickdeals polled nearly 1,200 Americans – 7 in 10 “plan to shop Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.” The online shopping platform says that nearly 3 in 5 (58%) view the sales as an opportunity to knock out their holiday shopping.

“Whether shopping for yourself or checking off your holiday gift list, navigating all the deals during this season can feel overwhelming,” said Neville Crawley, CEO of Slickdeals.

Crawley is right. That’s why we compiled this quick guide to navigate on November 29 and December 2.

Tips for finding the best deals without overspending

Credit bureau Experian previously released a survey showing 60% of respondents say they “typically spend too much during the holiday season.”

It’s easy to let emotions take over you during the “most wonderful time of the year.” But you can reel your spending in with a game plan. Set a spending limit for yourself. Plan exactly how much money you know is realistic for the winter holidays.

Friends and family won’t judge you based on what gifts you give. They care more about the thought and fact that you’re spending time together.

Creating a shopping list and sticking to a budget

Now that you have a number in mind, make a plan with a shopping list and spending budget.

Jot down everyone you plan to buy a gift for this year. Add the dollar amount you plan to spend next to their name. Be smart about how you’re spending, and be honest, too. You wouldn’t spend the same amount on your spouse as that coworker you never hang out with outside of the office.

When you hit the stores and online retailers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, make sure to stick to your allotted budget. There’s no reason to feel guilty or that you could spend just a little more.

Avoiding common pitfalls and scams during the shopping frenzy

Every year, scammers develop new grifts to steal money from preoccupied shoppers. Virtual Private Network technology company NordVPN released a study that finds “34 Million Americans scammed on Black Friday.”

The survey reports that more than a third (40%) were scammed specifically while shopping online. This is such a common occurrence that the Better Business Bureau publishes tips to avoid becoming another victim.

Do some research on what you’re buying. If a suspicious website advertises that item for far cheaper than other stores, it can be a red flag of a scam. The BBB says, “Scammers love to create ‘lookalike websites.’”

You can usually tell by simple changes in the spelling of the company name and customer service numbers. Stick to shopping on websites you know are legitimate. One way you can tell: Does the web browser say “HTTP” or “HTTPS”? The “S” means it’s a secure web browser.

HTTP browsers aren’t secure, and you risk identity theft by putting your credit card or personal information on that website.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are excellent ways to save money when done safely. Follow these tips, and you should score some great deals with peace of mind.