Shop till you drop with these Black Friday, Cyber Monday hacks
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become two of the biggest shopping events of the year, offering students a chance to take advantage of great deals on everything from electronics to room essentials. But diving into these sales without a plan can leave you overspending or missing out on the best offers.
Fear not, as The Daily Targum's guide will help you navigate the frenzy, shop smart and come away with the items you need.
Create a wishlist
Before you even glance at the deals, make a list of items you genuinely need or plan to purchase as gifts. Prioritize essentials like laptops, textbooks or winter clothing over impulse buys. A wishlist not only keeps you focused but also helps you avoid distractions that lead to overspending.
Set a budget
A clear budget is essential to keep your finances in check. Decide how much you can spend and allocate portions of your budget for specific items. For instance, if you're buying a new phone, set a limit for that purchase. That way, you won't drain your savings or rely on credit for unnecessary splurges.
Research ahead of time
Many discounts during these sales events aren't as good as they seem. Take the time to research the original prices of items you're interested in. Use price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel or Honey to see if a discount is truly worth it. Being informed lets you confidently spot real savings.
Shop early
If you're eyeing high-demand products like laptops, headphones or gaming consoles, be prepared to act fast. Many of the best deals sell out within hours or even minutes of going live. Plan to shop as soon as the sales start, and consider signing up for retailer newsletters to receive early alerts about discounts.
Verify retailers
The surge in online shopping means scammers are more active than ever. Stick to well-known retailers and double-check URLs to avoid phishing scams. Look for secure payment options and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true — they often are.
Leverage student discounts
Being a student comes with perks, especially during sales events. Many retailers, including Apple, Amazon and Adobe, offer additional discounts for students on top of Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals. Use platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans to access these savings and stretch your budget further.
Use free shipping offers
Shipping costs can quickly eat into your savings, so look for retailers offering free shipping during sales. If a store requires a minimum purchase for free shipping, bundle your items to meet the threshold, or split orders with friends to save on costs.
Don't overlook Cyber Monday
If you miss out on Black Friday, don't worry — Cyber Monday has you covered. Many retailers offer online-exclusive deals, often focused on tech, software and subscriptions. Prepare a separate wishlist for Cyber Monday, and check for new deals that weren't available on Black Friday.
Organize receipts and tracking information
After your purchases, keep all receipts and order confirmations in one place. This makes it easy to track shipments and process returns if necessary. Digital folders or apps like Google Drive can help you stay organized and avoid unnecessary hassle later.
Avoid impulse buying
Sales are designed to tempt you, but it's important to stick to your plan. Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item or if it's just the excitement of the sale. Avoid buying just because something is heavily discounted — it's only a deal if you'll actually use it.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are golden opportunities to save on items you need, but they can also lead to overspending without proper planning. By following these 10 tips, you'll not only stretch your dollar further but also avoid unnecessary stress. Remember, the key is preparation: Make a plan, stay organized and shop smart. Happy shopping!
