Black Friday has always been a significant event in the holiday shopping season, but this year it presents a different face. With the lines, crowds, and chaos of the past now a thing of the past, it still holds the promise of great discounts. Samantha Gordon, the deals editor for Consumer Reports, emphasizes that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are indeed the best times to get the biggest savings on a wide range of products. But what if you didn't find the deal you were looking for today or simply didn't feel like shopping? Don't worry, as there are still plenty of tips to help you save.
Utilize Browser Extensions
Kyle James, the founder of Rather-Be-Shopping.com, recommends using browser extensions like Honey, Capital One Shopping, or Camel Camel Camel. These extensions are like hidden shopping assistants that gather coupons for you while you browse online. For example, his parents in their 80s were amazed by how easy it was to set up the Honey browser extension on their computer. It automatically provided them with coupons, and they couldn't believe they had been missing out. These extensions are not only great for Black Friday but can be used all year round, helping you save a significant amount of money.Another useful browser extension is Capital One Shopping. It scans the web for price drops and coupon codes, ensuring that you get the best deal possible. With Camel Camel Camel, you can track the price history of a product, allowing you to make informed decisions about when to make a purchase. These extensions are essential tools for any savvy shopper.Leverage AI Tools
If you're looking for a starting point, using an AI tool like Chat GPT can be extremely helpful. For instance, when it comes to Black Friday, you can simply ask, "Hey, what are the best Black Friday deals on TVs?" And Chat GPT will quickly provide you with a list of the top deals. This saves you time and effort in searching for deals manually. AI tools can analyze vast amounts of data and provide you with relevant information based on your queries. They are becoming increasingly popular among shoppers and can give you an edge in finding the best deals.However, it's not always easy to find a good deal for an item on your shopping list. If you don't see a coupon or free shipping available, don't give up. You can try starting a live chat with customer service. More often than not, the chat bot will offer you a coupon code or free shipping to encourage you to make a purchase. This is a great strategy to take advantage of during the holiday season.Create an Online Retailer Account
Rather-Be-Shopping.com suggests creating an account with the online retailer and adding the item to your shopping cart. Then, close your browser or log out of the account. This simple action often triggers an email from the retailer saying, "Hey, we noticed you have this item in your cart. Here's a coupon code to come back and complete your purchase." It's a clever way to get an extra discount and complete your purchase at a lower price. By taking advantage of this strategy, you can save money and make the most of your shopping experience.Shop in Person with a Plan
If you prefer to shop in person, it's important to make a list and do your research ahead of time. Stephanie Carls, the retail insights expert at RetailMeNot, advises planning ahead and stacking your savings with cash back offers. This helps you stretch your budget and maximize your savings. By knowing exactly what you want to buy and researching the best deals in advance, you can avoid impulse purchases and make more informed decisions. In-store shopping also allows you to see and touch the products, which can be a great advantage.In conclusion, Black Friday may look different this year, but there are still plenty of ways to save. Whether you use browser extensions, AI tools, create an online retailer account, or shop in person with a plan, you can make the most of the holiday shopping season and get the best deals possible. Don't let the changes deter you from enjoying the savings and excitement of Black Friday.READ MORE