Top 10 Tips for Black Friday Shopping

Tip 1 – Know before You Go

• Ads will be printed and online, so check them all out, wherever you're used to looking.
• Make a list of your gift priorities to compare prices and plan your day
• Since many advertisements will begin before the actual sale, build up a coupon collection as soon as possible, and bring ads with you on Black Friday to check prices

Tip 2 – Don’t Fall for False Advertising Advertisements that are untrue, misleading, deceptive, or plain fraudulent come with red flags: prices too good to be true, bait and switch offers, fine print return policies, final sales, and deals that end before the day is done

Tip 3 – Maximize Advance Alerts
Sign up for favorite retailers' email alerts and “like” their Facebook page; you may get a jump on special offers.

Tip 4 – Set up Your Reward Cards

• Black Friday deals may have strict restrictions with no sharing allowed, which means you could be out of luck if you don't have one with you.
• Check your credit card rewards program as well for special points that could add up on Black Friday.

Tip 5 – Shop with Trust

• If you find a deal – don’t just jump at the first chance to get it. Do your research on the business – know how long they’ve been in business, look into their customer service track record, check them out at bbb.org.
• If you have concerns about the type of gift or the right fit – make sure you ask about their return policy too.

Tip 6 – Comparative Shop Online
Check out the dozens of Black Friday websites that claim to capture the best deals around with the BBB first to make sure their claims are reputable. The good ones can really help you do your comparative shopping online. 

If you decide to buy online there are a host of security measures to abide by; confirm that the site is secure and be certain you have a phone number and physical address should problems arise with your order.

Tip 7 – Look for QR Codes
They’re square, black-and-white and funny looking – but they can take you straight to a deal. QR stands for Quick Response codes and they’re popping up in many ads and print materials. (Before you can scan one and view the offer - you’ll have to install a QR app reader. Most newer smart phones are equipped to scan QR codes and if you’re a mobile shopper you could really have some fun.)

Tip 8 - Shop Small
Save gas money and time when you stay close to home. Support small businesses in the community on Small Business Saturday, the day after Black Friday, and gain some goodwill by knowing you’ve done your part to help them thrive during the holidays.

Tip 9 - Check Return and Exchange Policies
These can change for Black Friday deals which means the store policies can change too. Make sure you know what the return and exchange policy is for your Black Friday special and that a return is even possible – especially if you’re buying online. Final sales, a very short return window (like before Dec. 25) or in-store or online only credit could leave you with a deal gone wrong.

Tip 10 – Shop Safely

• Make a list and prioritize where you should go and when.
• Bring friends into the mix to help sort through your options, two cars can go in two directions making it easier to get limited quantities and some pals will even wait in line as you trade off shopping in the stores.
• Remember to get gift receipts and keep them organized for those moments when the thought wasn’t quite enough.

For more information or further inquiries, please contact the Wisconsin BBB online or by phone 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), or 1-800-273-1002.