Black Friday is an exciting time of the year, but it can be overwhelming. It doesn't have to be. With a little prep, the right tools, and a few clever tricks, you can score major savings without impulse buys or any chaos. Our guide breaks the whole thing down into simple steps: what to do before, during, and after Black Friday so you shop smarter and keep more money in your pocket.

Pre-Black Friday, Preparation (The part most people skip)

1. Make a priority wish list
Pick 6–10 items you actually want, or better yet need. Rank them by priority (must-have, nice-to-have, maybe). Avoid “see it, buy it” decisions.

2. Research regular prices now
Record the current prices for priority items so you can spot a real discount. Save product pages/screenshots and note model numbers.

3. Sign up for emails & loyalty programs
Many retailers send early access codes to subscribers or members.  Many programs, like the BlenderBottle Shaker Club, even offer larger discounts combined with the Black Friday discount.

4. Create accounts and save payment/shipping info
Pre-create retailer accounts and enter shipping addresses and payment details so checkout is fast.

5. Set up price alerts & trackers
Use price-tracking tools/extensions/apps to monitor price history and get alerts the moment an item drops.

6. Plan device & connectivity strategy
Decide whether you’ll shop on desktop (easier for research), mobile (fast checkout), or multiple devices simultaneously.

7. Budget & payment strategy
Set a hard budget and consider using a rewards credit card, store card incentives (if safe), or cashback portals — but be cautious with new store cards (interest rates).

Day-Of Hacks (Black Friday/Doorbusters)

8. Use multiple channels at once
Open product pages on desktop, mobile, and the retailer app — sometimes one will let you check out faster.

9. Stack discounts cleverly
Combine promo codes, store coupons, credit card offers, and cashback portals when allowed. Test coupon codes at checkout quickly.

10. Put items in cart earlier
Add high-priority items to your cart or wish list before the sale starts — you’ll be ready the instant the price drops.

11. Be ready to refresh, but refresh smart
Refresh only when needed. If a site times out more than once, try a different browser or the app. 

12. Use autofill & saved cards
Autofill and saved payment methods shave crucial seconds off checkout, but only if your device is secure.  Do not save your information on a public device!

13. Watch social & Discord channels for flash drops
Brand channels and dedicated deal communities often post flash or restock info faster than newsletters.

Follow-up & Protection

14. Track your order & screenshot confirmations
Keep order numbers and confirmation emails. If the price drops more later, you’ll have proof for price adjustment requests.

15. Check for post-purchase price adjustments
Some retailers offer a price adjustment window. If the item drops more within that period, request a credit.

16. Use rewards portals to confirm cashback
Check that cashback shows in your portal within the timeframe stated. Keep receipts until cashback pays out.

Safety & Scam Prevention

- Only buy from reputable sites — double-check URLs and look for HTTPS.
- Avoid suspicious links & texts, type the retailer’s address yourself.
- Enable two-factor authentication on major retailer accounts.

Timelines & Checklist 

- 2–4 weeks before: Build wish list, sign up for emails, create accounts.
- 1 week before: Set price alerts and confirm return policies.
- 24 hours before: Add items to carts, verify payment info.
- Sale day: Open multiple devices, apply coupon stacks, checkout fast.
- 1–7 days after: Track orders, request price adjustments if eligible, log cashback.