The Black Friday Deals Shopping Guide

Ever had that moment where you feel a sense of excitement mixed with anxiety when sales season rolls around? It’s that familiar buzz, knowing that the biggest Black Friday deals are just around the corner—but wondering if you’ll really snag the best offers before they’re gone. As more retailers jump into the game with pre-sales and exclusive offers, it’s easy to feel like you might miss out. But with a bit of strategy, you can confidently navigate the shopping chaos and walk away with exactly what you need at the best price.

1. Start Early – Set a Strategy Now

When you build a Black Friday deals wishlist early, you’ll be clear on what you want and avoid the noise of unnecessary promotions. Implementing this strategy ensures you stay on track.

  • Create a Wishlist: Focus on what you need—whether it’s electronics, fashion, or home appliances—and stick to it.
  • Set a Budget: Anchoring your spending to a clear budget ensures that every deal feels like a win, not a regret.

When you set a clear strategy now, you’ll notice how much easier it becomes to spot the right opportunities without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Use Deal-Tracking Tools & Extensions

One of the secrets to scoring the best Black Friday deals lies in leveraging technology. With the right tools, you’ll know whether the discount is genuine or just an illusion.

  • Price Tracking Websites: Tools like CamelCamelCamel, Honey, or PriceHipster show price histories, so you know if you’re getting a real deal.
  • Browser Extensions: Extensions such as RetailMeNot or Honey automatically find coupons at checkout, helping you save without extra effort.

Black Friday Sales isn’t just about discounts—it’s about finding value that aligns with your goals. These tools make the hunt easier by revealing the hidden gems.

3. Sign Up for Newsletters & Alerts

Some of the best Black Friday deals are hidden behind newsletters or exclusive early access. Getting in on these offers ensures you’re ahead of the game.

  • Retailers’ Newsletters: Many brands offer early access deals to subscribers. Sign up for your favourite stores to stay updated.
  • Alerts & Notifications: Set alerts using tools like Google Alerts or ShopBack to know when a price drops on your desired items.

Imagine how satisfying it feels to be notified the moment your favourite product goes on sale.

4. Check for Preview Ads and Early Deals

Some retailers release Black Friday deals preview ads weeks in advance, giving savvy shoppers a chance to strategise. This tactic helps you zero in on where to shop first.

  • Preview Ads on Platforms: Visit OzBargain (in Australia) or SlickDeals to find ads that show what’s coming.
  • Early Access Sales: Many retailers offer pre-Black Friday deals. Shopping early ensures you get what you want without battling the crowds.

5. Compare Prices Across Platforms

Smart shoppers compare prices before committing. With Black Friday, the stakes are high—prices can vary significantly across retailers.

  • Price Comparison Tools: Use Google Shopping to compare prices on the same product across multiple stores.
  • Price Match Policies: Look out for retailers like JB Hi-Fi or Amazon that offer price matching to ensure you get the best value.

6. Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs & Credit Card Offers

Loyalty programs and credit card incentives can boost your savings during Black Friday sales.

  • Membership Discounts: Programs like Myer One or Qantas Shopping offer cashback and additional perks during Black Friday sales.
  • Credit Card Incentives: Some credit cards offer extra rewards or cashback when used at participating stores.

7. Use Social Media for Insider Deals

Social media is a goldmine for exclusive Black Friday deals that you won’t find elsewhere.

  • Follow Brands & Influencers: Brands often post discount codes or insider deals on Instagram and Twitter.
  • Join Deal Communities: Platforms like OzBargain forums or Reddit’s r/Frugal feature exclusive and user-sourced deals.

8. Consider Bundled Deals and Gift Cards

Bundled deals and gift cards provide excellent value if used strategically.

  • Bundle Offers: Some retailers offer buy-one-get-one deals or bundle complementary items at a discount.
  • Gift Cards: Some stores include gift cards as part of their promotions—use them to save on future purchases or as holiday gifts.

9. Plan for Cyber Monday and Post-Black Friday Sales

Not every deal needs to be closed on Black Friday. Planning for Cyber Monday ensures you get a second shot at great prices.

  • Cyber Monday Sales: Electronics and clothing often see deeper discounts after Black Friday.
  • Post-Black Friday Discounts: Stock levels are often replenished, and additional deals might appear the following week.

10. Have a Backup Plan – Prepare for Cart Sniping

On Black Friday, popular items sell out fast, sometimes while they’re still in your cart. Being prepared ensures you don’t miss out.

  • Multiple Retailers Strategy: Keep tabs open with several stores offering the same product in case one sells out.
  • Enable Auto-Fill & Quick Payment: Speed matters—set up auto-fill and save your payment details to ensure quick checkout.

What day is Black Friday sales in Australia?

Black Friday sales in Australia occur on the fourth Friday of November, aligning with the global shopping event that originates from the United States. In 2024, Black Friday sales will fall on November 29th, right after the American Thanksgiving holiday. Australian retailers have embraced this sales tradition, transforming it into one of the biggest shopping events of the year, with discounts across categories like electronics, fashion, beauty, and home appliances.

Interestingly, Australian retailers have expanded Black Friday sales beyond just a one-day event. Many stores launch early access deals days or even weeks ahead, creating a month-long shopping frenzy. The sales typically run through the weekend, culminating in Cyber Monday—a digital shopping day focusing on online-only discounts. This extended format makes Black Friday in Australia a significant opportunity for those hunting for early holiday gifts and big-ticket items.

What date are Black Friday deals?

The date for Black Friday deals varies each year, depending on the timing of Thanksgiving in the U.S., but it always takes place on the fourth Friday of November. In 2024, Black Friday will be held on November 29th, followed by Cyber Monday on December 2nd. However, many Australian stores start their promotions earlier, with pre-Black Friday sales kicking off in mid-November to maximise the excitement.

With retailers adopting a more strategic approach to Black Friday, expect deals to drop gradually over several weeks, especially in competitive categories like electronics, fashion, and appliances. To avoid missing out on the best Black Friday deals, savvy shoppers should start researching offers early, as the most popular items, including high-end tech and gaming consoles, tend to sell out fast.

What is the discount on Black Friday Sales?

The discounts on Black Friday deals vary widely depending on the category and retailer. In Australia, discounts can range from 20% to 70% off, with some flash sales or exclusive offers going even higher. Retailers in categories like electronics and fashion often provide the steepest price reductions. For example, expect up to 40% off laptops, smartphones, and televisions, while fashion brands might offer between 30% to 50% off storewide.

In addition to standard discounts, many retailers offer bundle deals—combining multiple products at a reduced price—and gift card incentives for future purchases. Online marketplaces like Amazon Australia or eBay also feature limited-time Black Friday deals, where shoppers can grab heavily discounted items if they act fast. The key is to watch out for early releases of Black Friday ads to ensure the best deals don’t pass by unnoticed.

When should I start looking for Black Friday deals?

To take full advantage of Black Friday deals, it’s wise to start preparing as early as the beginning of November. Many retailers in Australia launch pre-Black Friday sales or tease early access offers throughout the month. Starting early allows shoppers to compare prices across different stores, use price-tracking tools like PriceHipster or CamelCamelCamel, and set up alerts for their most-wanted items.

Another reason to start early is that the best deals often sell out quickly. If you plan your purchases ahead of time, you’ll be better positioned to act fast when the discounts go live. Retailers such as JB Hi-Fi, The Iconic, and Amazon Australia sometimes provide exclusive discounts to newsletter subscribers before the official event starts. Therefore, monitoring these opportunities ensures you won’t miss out on the best bargains.

Now is the perfect time to get ready for Black Friday. Implement these strategies, and you’ll not only find the best deals but also shop smarter, ensuring every purchase is a win.

This guide ensures you’re fully prepared for Black Friday deals, using technology and strategy to your advantage. With early planning, loyalty programs, and a smart backup plan, you can turn this year’s Black Friday sales into your most successful shopping event yet.

About the Author

Crom Salvatera is a digital marketing and mindset mentor who helps businesses and individuals maximise their potential through strategic thinking and transformational growth. Crom shares practical insights that empower people to unlock hidden opportunities, whether in business or life.

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