Black Friday Planning Guide For Smart Shoppers

Black Friday is almost here, and you know what that means? Deals and discounts are upon us! But let’s be honest, if you’re not prepared, the whole process can get a bit overwhelming. Proper planning is the trick to shopping without stress during this period.

To help you avoid the chaos, I’ve compiled this guide to keep you focused and prepared for your best shopping experience yet.  

Step 1: Get Your Life Together AKA, Plan Ahead

Black Friday is not the time to be moving anyhow. It would be best if you had a game plan, bruh. 

You need an actual budget, Let’s be honest: Black Friday sales are tempting, and it’s easy to overspend. Before the day arrives, sit down and set a clear budget. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and on what. This will help you stay in control and avoid dipping into money meant for something else like your rent! ( Mine is due in January).

Make a list, write down what you need and the ones you want. Your list should come in order of priority.

Having a list will help you focus and avoid being distracted by every discount you see.

Step 2: Do Your Homework

Not all Black Friday deals are as good as they seem. Some stores increase prices weeks before Black Friday, only to slash them during the sale.

So you can check different platforms to see the price of a particular item you are looking to get. I usually go to Haayaa and Jumia to see the prices there, then move to Instagram to see how much vendors on IG are selling, and then check vendors on my WhatsApp to cross-check their prices before settling on who to buy from. This might seem stressful, but you need to put in the work to buy more for less. My friend said I am always so excited when I buy things at a cheaper rate I am more excited to buy at a discounted rate than to be gifted (sigh)

Step 3: Shop Smarter, Not Harder

Now let’s talk about strategy for the actual shopping day.

Online or In-Store shopping? Both options have their pros and cons. Personally, I prefer to shop online, I no get strength abeg. 

Just like me, if you’re shopping online, abeg add items to your cart early and check out quickly when the deals drop before you hear “sold out”

On the other hand, If you’re going to the store, dress comfy, wear sneakers, and carry a small bag. Ain’t nobody got time for tight jeans and big handbags. Put on something that would allow you to push back if anybody pushes (Awoof too dey sweet!).

Step 4: Stay Sharp and Avoid Scams

Black Friday is also the time when scammers like to flex, but not on my watch!

As a smart shopper, please shop only on trusted platforms like Haayaa, now here is the main tea. With Haayaa escrow, you can shop from a vendor, but the vendor receives your money only when you have received and confirmed your item. We call it buyer protection. 

For awoof people like me, please and please avoid deals that are too good to be true because you are not a criminal. Just be careful. Thoughtful, you must not exhaust your money or list. 

Final Thoughts: Shop Smart, Not Out of FOMO

Black Friday is not the time to let peer pressure take over. Shop because you need it or because it’s a planned treat for yourself and not because your friend is buying 10 items and you feel left out. Be intentional, stay sharp, and don’t let the hype mess with your head.

At the end of the day, Black Friday is supposed to be fun, so don’t let it stress you. Plan ahead, stick to your budget, and don’t forget to do a little happy dance when you snag that amazing deal.

Alright, that’s all the tea for now. Go forth and conquer. You’ve got this!