Smart Black Friday Shopping Tips - Don't Waste Money | RIHOAS
Black Friday is coming and you're probably thinking about all the deals you're going to get. Black Friday deals can be really good but they can also trick you into spending too much money on things you don't even need. I've made mistakes on Black Friday before and I don't want you to make the same mistakes.
This guide is going to help you shop smart on Black Friday. I'm going to tell you exactly what to do so you don't waste money on Black Friday. These tips really work and they're going to save you a lot of money.
Why Black Friday Can Be Dangerous for Your Wallet
Let me tell you something about Black Friday that stores don't want you to know. Black Friday is designed to make you spend money. The whole thing is designed to make you buy stuff you don't really need.
Stores use a lot of tricks on Black Friday. They use countdown timers that say "only 2 hours left!" They use big red signs that say "70% off!" They make everything feel urgent so you buy without thinking. This is why so many people spend way too much money on Black Friday and then regret it later.
But here's the good news. If you're smart about Black Friday shopping, you can actually get really good deals without wasting money. You just need to have a plan and stick to it. Let me show you how.
Make a List Before Black Friday Starts
This is the most important tip for Black Friday shopping. You need to make a list of what you actually need before Black Friday starts. I'm serious about this. If you go into Black Friday without a list, you're going to waste money.
Sit down a few weeks before Black Friday and think about what you actually need. Do you need new work clothes? Do you need winter clothes? Do you need a new coat? Write it all down on a list.
For example, if you need work clothes, your Black Friday list might look like this:
- 2 work dresses
- 1 blazer
- 3 blouses
- 1 pair of black pants
That's it. That's your list. On Black Friday, you only buy things that are on your list. If something is not on your list, you don't buy it. Even if it's 80% off. Even if it looks amazing. If it's not on your list, don't buy it.
This one rule will save you so much money on Black Friday.
How to Know What You Really Need
A lot of people make Black Friday lists but they put things on the list that they don't really need. Here's how to know if you really need something or if you just want it.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Have I been thinking about buying this for at least a month?
- Will I still use this in 6 months?
- Do I have something similar already?
- Would I buy this at full price if I had to?
If you answer no to any of these questions, take it off your Black Friday list. You don't really need it. You just think you need it because Black Friday makes everything seem like a good deal.
Check Prices Before Black Friday
Here's another trick that stores use on Black Friday. Sometimes they raise the price right before Black Friday so they can put it "on sale" and make it look like a good deal. But it's not really a good deal if the price is the same as it was a month ago.
You need to check prices before Black Friday starts. If you see something you want to buy on Black Friday, check the price now. Write down the price. Then on Black Friday, check if the sale price is really lower than the normal price.
There are some websites that track prices for you. CamelCamelCamel tracks Amazon prices. Honey can show you price history too. These tools are free and they're really helpful for Black Friday shopping.
But honestly, you don't need fancy tools. Just look at the RIHOAS website a few weeks before Black Friday. Look at the prices of things you want. Write them down. Then on Black Friday, compare the sale prices to the prices you wrote down.
If the Black Friday price is only $5 less than the normal price, that's not a good deal. Wait for a better sale. But if the Black Friday price is $30 less, that's a real deal and you should buy it.
The Truth About Black Friday Discounts
Not all Black Friday discounts are real discounts. Some stores show you a fake "original price" that was never the real price. They might show you a dress and say "was $100, now $40!" but that dress was never really $100. It was always $40. They just made up the $100 price to trick you.
This is why you need to check prices before Black Friday. You need to know the real prices so you can spot the fake deals.
RIHOAS actually has affordable prices all year round. A lot of their dresses are under $40 even when there's no sale. So when Black Friday comes and RIHOAS has sales, you know you're getting a real deal because their regular prices are already good.
Set a Budget and Actually Stick to It
You need a budget for Black Friday. I know everyone says this but most people don't actually do it. They say "oh I'll just be careful" but then they spend $500 on Black Friday and regret it.
Don't be like that. Set a real budget before Black Friday. Write down a number. That's how much money you can spend on Black Friday and not one dollar more.
Let's say you decide your Black Friday budget is $200. Write that down. Now when you're shopping on Black Friday, keep track of how much you're spending. When you get to $200, stop shopping. Don't say "oh just one more thing." Stop at $200.
How to Make a Black Friday Budget
Here's how to figure out your Black Friday budget. Look at your bank account. How much money do you have right now? How much money do you need for rent, food, bills, and other important stuff?
The money that's left over after all your important expenses - that's how much you can spend on Black Friday. Maybe it's $100. Maybe it's $300. Maybe it's $50. Whatever it is, that's your budget.
Don't use credit cards for Black Friday shopping unless you can pay off the credit card right away. Black Friday deals are not worth going into credit card debt. Trust me on this.
If your budget is small, that's okay. You can still get good deals on Black Friday with a small budget. RIHOAS has affordable clothes so even with a $100 budget you can get several nice pieces during Black Friday sales.
Start Shopping Early - Don't Wait Until Black Friday
A lot of people think Black Friday is just one day but that's not true anymore. Black Friday sales start way before the actual Friday now. A lot of stores start Black Friday sales in early November.
You should start shopping early for Black Friday. Don't wait until the actual Black Friday because the best stuff might sell out by then. Good sizes sell out fast. Popular items sell out fast. If you wait until Black Friday, you might miss out.
Sign up for RIHOAS emails so you know when their Black Friday sales start. A lot of stores give early access to people on their email list. You might be able to shop the Black Friday sale before everyone else if you're on the email list.
Also, some of the best deals are before Black Friday, not on Black Friday. Stores want to get people shopping early so sometimes the early deals are actually better than the Black Friday deals. So pay attention to pre-Black Friday sales too.
What About Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday is the Monday after Black Friday. Some people say you should wait for Cyber Monday instead of shopping on Black Friday. But honestly, for clothes and fashion, Black Friday and Cyber Monday usually have the same deals.
If you see something you want on Black Friday and it's a good price, just buy it. Don't wait for Cyber Monday hoping the price will be lower. It probably won't be lower and the item might sell out.
The only time to wait for Cyber Monday is if you're buying electronics or tech stuff. Those things sometimes have better deals on Cyber Monday. But for dresses, pants, tops - just buy them on Black Friday if the price is good.
Buy Quality Things That Last
This is really important for Black Friday shopping. A lot of stores sell cheap low-quality stuff on Black Friday. They know people are looking for deals so they sell cheap things that won't last very long.
Don't fall for this trap. Don't buy something just because it's cheap. Buy quality things that will last a long time. A $15 dress that falls apart after one wash is not a good deal. A $40 dress that lasts for years is a much better deal even though it costs more.
When you're shopping on Black Friday, check the quality of things before you buy them. Read the product description. What fabric is it made from? Read the reviews. Do people say it's good quality or do they say it's cheap and bad?
RIHOAS clothes are good quality and their prices are already affordable, so when they have Black Friday sales, you're getting good quality clothes at even better prices. That's a real Black Friday deal.
How to Check Quality Online
When you're shopping online on Black Friday, you can't touch the clothes to feel the quality. So how do you know if something is good quality?
Here's what to look for:
- Read the fabric description - natural fabrics like cotton are usually better quality than 100% polyester
- Look at the product photos carefully - do the clothes look well-made or cheap?
- Read customer reviews - do people say the clothes are good quality?
- Check the stitching in photos - is it neat or messy?
- Look at the price - if something seems way too cheap, it's probably bad quality
Also look at the store's return policy. Good stores let you return things easily if the quality is bad. RIHOAS has clear policies about returns so you can shop with confidence on Black Friday.
Think About Your Whole Wardrobe
A lot of people make this mistake on Black Friday. They buy individual items because they're on sale but they don't think about their whole wardrobe. Then they get home and realize the new items don't match anything they already own.
Don't buy things in isolation on Black Friday. Think about your whole wardrobe. Will this new dress go with your existing shoes? Will this new top go with your existing pants? If you need to buy a whole bunch of new things to make one Black Friday purchase work, that's not a good deal.
Before Black Friday, look at your closet. What do you already have? What colors do you wear a lot? What style do you like? Then on Black Friday, buy things that fit with what you already have.
For example, if all your clothes are neutral colors like black, white, and beige, don't buy a bright pink dress on Black Friday just because it's on sale. You'll never wear it because it doesn't go with anything else in your closet.
Buy things on Black Friday that you can wear with multiple other things you already own. That's how you get the most value from Black Friday shopping.
Focus on Wardrobe Basics
Black Friday is a really good time to buy wardrobe basics. Wardrobe basics are things like black pants, white blouses, blazers, basic dresses - things you can wear all the time with lots of different outfits.
These basics are usually not the most exciting things to buy. They're not trendy or flashy. But they're the most useful things in your wardrobe. And Black Friday is the perfect time to stock up on basics because you can get them at good prices.
Instead of buying 5 trendy things that you'll only wear once, buy 2-3 really good basic pieces on Black Friday. You'll get way more use out of them.
RIHOAS has great basics that are perfect for Black Friday shopping:
These are the things you'll wear over and over again. These are the things that are worth buying on Black Friday.
Don't Ignore Trendy Things Completely
I'm not saying you should only buy boring basics on Black Friday. You can buy some trendy fun things too. Just don't make trendy things your main focus on Black Friday.
Maybe 80% of your Black Friday budget goes to basics and 20% goes to trendy fun things. That's a good balance. You get the practical things you need plus a few fun things to make you happy.
RIHOAS has trendy pieces too that are on trend but still wearable. Look for things that are trendy but not too trendy. Things you'll still want to wear next year.
Know the Return Policy Before You Buy
This is so important for Black Friday shopping and a lot of people forget about it. Before you buy anything on Black Friday, check the return policy. Can you return it if it doesn't fit? Can you return it if you change your mind?
Some stores have different return policies for Black Friday items. Some stores won't let you return Black Friday sale items at all. Some stores charge a restocking fee for returns. You need to know this before you buy.
If a store has a bad return policy, be extra careful about what you buy from them on Black Friday. Only buy things you're 100% sure about. Or just shop at stores with good return policies instead.
Always keep your receipts from Black Friday shopping. Don't throw them away. You might need them if you want to return something.
Black Friday Shopping Tips for Different Items
Let me give you some specific tips for different types of things you might buy on Black Friday.
Black Friday Tips for Dresses
Dresses are a great thing to buy on Black Friday because you can get good deals on them. But here's what to watch out for:
- Check the length - make sure you know if it's a mini, midi, or maxi dress
- Read the size chart carefully - sizes can be different between brands
- Look at what other people say about sizing in the reviews
- Check if it has pockets (this matters to a lot of people)
- Make sure you know what fabric it's made from
RIHOAS has a lot of dress options so Black Friday is a good time to stock up on dresses for different occasions.
Black Friday Tips for Pants
Pants can be tricky to buy online because fit is so important. Here's what to do:
- Always check the inseam length
- Read reviews about whether they run large or small
- Check if they have stretch - this affects fit and comfort
- Look at the rise (low rise, mid rise, high rise)
- Make sure you know if they're true to size
RIHOAS pants come in different styles so you can find the right fit for you.
Black Friday Tips for Work Clothes
If you're buying work clothes on Black Friday, think about your office dress code. Don't buy something just because it's on sale if it's not appropriate for your office.
Also think about versatility. Work clothes should be things you can wear multiple times per week with different combinations. Don't buy work clothes that are too specific or too trendy if you want to get a lot of use from them.
RIHOAS has professional work clothes that are appropriate for most office environments and they're versatile enough to mix and match.
Don't Feel Pressure to Buy Everything on Black Friday
Here's the truth about Black Friday. You don't have to buy everything on Black Friday. Black Friday is not the only time you can get good deals. There are sales all year round.
If you don't find what you need on Black Friday, that's okay. Wait for the next sale. Don't force yourself to buy something on Black Friday just because you feel like you should take advantage of Black Friday.
Only buy things on Black Friday if they're actually good deals on things you actually need. If the deals aren't that good, or if you don't really need anything, it's perfectly fine to skip Black Friday shopping.
Also remember that RIHOAS has affordable prices year-round. Their regular prices are already pretty good, so if you miss Black Friday, you can still get nice clothes at decent prices later.
Black Friday Red Flags - When NOT to Buy
Let me tell you about some red flags to watch out for on Black Friday. These are signs that you should NOT buy something even if it seems like a good deal.
Red Flag 1: The discount seems too good to be true If something is 90% off on Black Friday, ask yourself why. Is it last season's stuff that nobody wanted? Is it poor quality? Is it a scam? Real Black Friday deals are usually 20-50% off, not 90% off.
Red Flag 2: You've never heard of the brand Black Friday is when scam websites pop up to trick people. If you've never heard of a brand and they're advertising huge Black Friday deals, be careful. Stick to brands you know and trust, like RIHOAS.
Red Flag 3: The website looks sketchy If the website has spelling errors, bad photos, or looks unprofessional, don't buy from them on Black Friday no matter how good the deals look. You might never get your items or they might be terrible quality.
Red Flag 4: No return policy If a store won't let you return Black Friday items at all, that's a big red flag. It means they know their stuff is probably bad quality and they don't want to deal with returns.
Red Flag 5: You have to act RIGHT NOW Yes, Black Friday has time limits on deals, but real stores give you at least a few hours to think. If someone is pressuring you to buy RIGHT THIS SECOND or the deal is gone, that's a manipulation tactic. Don't fall for it.
Make a Black Friday Strategy
Okay, so now you know all the tips for smart Black Friday shopping. Let me put it all together into a Black Friday strategy that you can actually use.
Two Weeks Before Black Friday:
- Make your list of what you need
- Check current prices of things you want
- Set your budget
- Sign up for RIHOAS emails to get early access to sales
- Clean out your closet to see what you really need
One Week Before Black Friday:
- Start watching for pre-Black Friday sales
- Add items to your wishlist on websites
- Double-check your budget
- Review your list - do you really need everything on there?
Black Friday Week:
- Shop early to get the best selection
- Stick to your list and your budget
- Check prices against the prices you wrote down earlier
- Read return policies before buying
- Keep all your receipts
After Black Friday:
- Track your packages
- Try everything on when it arrives
- Return anything that doesn't work
- Don't beat yourself up if you overspent a little - learn for next year
Common Black Friday Mistakes to Avoid
Let me tell you about the biggest mistakes people make on Black Friday so you don't make them.
Mistake 1: Shopping without a plan This is the biggest mistake. People just start shopping on Black Friday without thinking about what they need. They buy random stuff because it's on sale. Then they regret it later. Always have a plan before Black Friday.
Mistake 2: Buying things just because they're on sale Just because something is 50% off doesn't mean you need it. If you wouldn't buy it at full price, don't buy it on sale either.
Mistake 3: Forgetting about shipping costs A $30 dress is not a good deal if shipping costs $15. Always factor in shipping costs when deciding if something is a good Black Friday deal. RIHOAS offers free shipping on qualifying orders, so that's something to keep in mind.
Mistake 4: Not reading reviews Don't buy something on Black Friday without reading reviews first. Reviews tell you if something is actually good quality or if it's junk.
Mistake 5: Using credit cards irresponsibly Don't put Black Friday shopping on a credit card unless you can pay it off right away. Black Friday deals are not worth credit card debt.
Mistake 6: Ignoring your instincts If something feels wrong about a deal or a website, trust your instincts. Don't buy it. There will be other deals.
Is Black Friday Really Worth It?
Okay so after all this, you might be wondering - is Black Friday even worth it? Should you bother with Black Friday shopping?
The answer is: it depends.
Black Friday is worth it if you actually need things and you're smart about it. If you need new work clothes anyway, Black Friday is a good time to buy them because you'll get better prices. If you need winter clothes anyway, Black Friday is a good time to stock up.
But Black Friday is NOT worth it if you're just shopping for fun. Don't shop on Black Friday just because everyone else is shopping. Don't buy things you don't need just because they're on sale.
For clothes shopping, Black Friday can definitely be worth it. RIHOAS already has affordable prices, so when they have Black Friday sales, you can get really good deals on quality clothes. That's worth it if you actually need clothes.
But if you don't need clothes right now, skip Black Friday. Save your money. There will be other sales later.
Final Thoughts on Smart Black Friday Shopping
Black Friday can be a great opportunity to save money on things you need. But Black Friday can also trick you into wasting money on things you don't need. The difference between these two outcomes is having a plan and sticking to it.
Here's what to remember for smart Black Friday shopping:
- Make a list before Black Friday and stick to it
- Check prices before Black Friday so you know real deals from fake deals
- Set a budget and don't go over it
- Buy quality things that will last, not cheap junk
- Think about your whole wardrobe, not just individual items
- Know the return policy before you buy
- Don't feel pressure to buy everything on Black Friday
If you follow these tips, you'll have a successful Black Friday. You'll get good deals on things you actually need and you won't waste money on things you don't need.
Shop RIHOAS on Black Friday for elegant, affordable clothes that you'll actually wear. Sign up for their emails to get early access to Black Friday deals and don't miss out on the best items.
Happy Black Friday shopping! Be smart, stick to your plan, and don't let the Black Friday hype make you spend money you'll regret later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Friday Shopping
When does Black Friday start?
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving but a lot of stores start Black Friday sales earlier now. Some stores start sales in early November. Sign up for RIHOAS emails to know when their Black Friday sales start.
Are Black Friday deals really good deals?
Some Black Friday deals are real deals and some are fake deals. This is why you need to check prices before Black Friday. If the Black Friday price is significantly lower than the normal price, it's a real deal. If it's only a few dollars less, it's not really a good deal.
Should I shop on Black Friday or wait for Cyber Monday?
For clothes and fashion, Black Friday and Cyber Monday usually have similar deals. If you see something you want on Black Friday at a good price, just buy it. Don't wait for Cyber Monday hoping it will be cheaper because it probably won't be.
How much money should I spend on Black Friday?
Only spend money you can actually afford to spend. Don't use credit cards for Black Friday shopping unless you can pay them off right away. Figure out how much money you have after all your important expenses, and that's your Black Friday budget.
What should I buy on Black Friday?
Buy things you actually need. Don't buy random stuff just because it's on sale. Make a list of things you need before Black Friday and only buy things on your list. Wardrobe basics like black pants, blouses, and work dresses are good things to buy on Black Friday.
How do I avoid overspending on Black Friday?
Make a budget before Black Friday and stick to it. Make a list of what you need and don't buy things that aren't on your list. Track your spending as you shop so you know when you're getting close to your budget limit.
Can I return things I buy on Black Friday?
It depends on the store's return policy. Always check the return policy before buying something on Black Friday. Some stores have different return policies for Black Friday items. Keep all your receipts in case you need to return something.
Is it safe to shop online on Black Friday?
Yes, it's safe to shop online on Black Friday if you shop at legitimate websites. Stick to stores you know and trust like RIHOAS. Don't click on suspicious links in emails. Make sure the website has "https" in the URL which means it's secure.
What are the best things to buy on Black Friday for women?
For women, good things to buy on Black Friday include work clothes, winter clothes, dresses, pants, blouses, and coats. These are practical items you'll actually use. RIHOAS has all of these items and they're good quality at affordable prices even before Black Friday sales.