Black Friday is the perfect chance to buy what you’ve wanted all year but it’s also the easiest moment to overspend on things you don’t need. To help you shop smarter, here’s a practical guide to preparing for Black Friday so you can make the most of the discounts without draining your wallet.
1. Start With a Clear Shopping List
Don’t go into Black Friday “just to look.” Create a list of items you genuinely need or have been planning to buy: gadgets, winter clothes, gifts, home essentials, etc. This list will become your anchor helping you avoid impulse purchases. Prioritize high-value purchases. If you want a new phone, laptop, or household appliance, Black Friday is usually the best time for it. Focus on electronics, large home appliances, smart devices, seasonal items (heaters, vacuum cleaners, etc.) These are the categories where discounts tend to be the biggest and most genuine.
2. Set a Budget (and Stick to It)
Black Friday is designed to make you feel like everything is urgent.
Before the sales start, decide how much you’re willing to spend overall and split it by categories (gifts, electronics, clothes, home). Black Friday is the best time to purchase gifts in advance: Birthday gifts, Christmas and New Year presents before the festive rush starts.
Beware of impulse deals. The “only today,” “last chance,” and “5 items left” tricks exist for one reason – to push you into buying fast. Before adding something to your cart, ask yourself: Would I buy this if it weren’t on sale? If the answer is “no,” skip it.
Use one simple rule: If it’s not in your budget, it’s not a deal, it’s an expense.
3. Add Items to Cart Before the Sale Starts
Many “-50%” labels look impressive, but the original prices may have been increased right before the sale. A week before Black Friday, check normal prices for items on your list, save links or screenshots, and, most important, pre-fill your cart. Doing this helps you:
- Save tim
- Avoid out-of-stock disappointments
- Compare the final price instantly when discounts go live
At midnight, you’ll only need to press “Buy,” not search through hundreds of pages. Pro tip: Subscribe to Newsletters and Alerts. Brands often share the best deals with subscribers first.
4. Plan Your Deliveries
Black Friday means a record traffic for logistics companies. If the purchase is from the “urgent to receive” category, order early and choose a reliable logistics services provider. Black Friday shopping can feel overwhelming, but the delivery part shouldn’t.
With Meest, you get fast, reliable shipping even during peak season. While everyone else worries about delays and lost parcels, you can simply shop, click “order,” and relax Meest will handle the delivery. From timely updates to convenient pickup points and a proven international network, we make sure your purchases arrive safely and on time, no matter how busy the season gets.
So Black Friday doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a plan, a list, and a budget, you can turn it into the most efficient shopping day of the year and actually enjoy the process.