Tools for Successful Black Friday Shopping

Holiday shopping on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is a long standing tradition both for retailers and die-hard bargain hunters. In the last few years, though, the hunt has gotten a little easier. Check out these tech tools designed to help you shop Black Friday like a pro.
Black Friday Planning
There are literally hundreds of sites dedicated to Black Friday deals. Each brings their own twist to your planning. A quick search for "Black Friday ads" returns over 2 million results - there's something for everyone! Check them out to find one that works for you.

Dealnews: In addition to the onsite Black Friday tab, they have created an iPhone app for mobile deal lists. You'll find photos of many items as well as the sale's start & end time. Build your personal Black Friday shopping list right on your iPhone. It is a handy reference while you shop, to verify prices and find the deals you need.


GottaDeal: Traditionally, they're first off the block. This site will have the earliest sneak peeks if you just can't wait for the ads to arrive on your doorstep. (Register your email address for notices - it even carries forward to the next year so you'll be among the first to know what's happening).



BlackFridayAds.com: Register with the site to create your own printable shopping list with the items you plan to buy on Black Friday. You can also search all ads to find a deal on something specific - perfect if you need to save money on the toy that tops your child's list.

BlackFriday.info: With their large ad scan displays, this is the perfect site for visual shoppers. If you just can't make a list until you have the ads in hand or want to see pictures of the deals, they've got you covered.

Holiday Gift Shopping Guide: It's so easy to get caught up in the hype of a great deal - avoid overspending by comparing ads to the gifts you actually need. Make a list of people you plan to gift, and combine it with the sales to find your best bargains.
 
Staying Warm
It's cold & dark out there at 3am, and the hot deals can only keep you so warm. In addition to hat, gloves and warm clothes, take along some hand warmers - you'll want to kiss the genius who invented these the first time you find yourself in long line waiting for the store to open.
If you're a Foursquare user, don't forget to check-in at Starbucks. The mayor receives a $1 Frappuccino discount every day. (Actually, check-in everywhere you go, and keep on the lookout for 'Special Nearby' alerts.)

Finding Deals
Be sure to plan your route before you go - check the start times of each sale to maximize your travel. Map your stops in Google; then have the directions text messaged to your phone. Better yet, take along your GPS or smart phone to find alternate routes along the way. Don't let traffic get in the way.

If you're shopping with a group, double check that everyone has a cell phone list. Marco polo can only get you so far. It's also a great idea to have phone numbers for friends or family shopping in other areas - they might be able to find a deal you missed.

Savvy Shopping
Before you go, compare prices on Amazon (which often matches Black Friday prices, offers free shipping and keeps you warm & cozy at home) or take advantage of price comparison smart phone apps to make sure you really are getting the best deal.
 
Shop Savvy, available for iPhone or Android, use the phone's camera to scan a barcode and displays the lowest price in your area and on the web. You can also read product reviews to be sure it's worth the money you may spend.  -- Written by Heather Sokol
 
Black Friday is a great way to save money on the season's hottest gifts before they fly off the shelves, and these tools will make it easier. Are you planning a Black Friday excursion this year? Tell us in the comments where and when you plan to begin.

See more from Clever Girls Collective:
Great Gadgets for a Stress Free Roadtrip
How to Find Great Travel Deals Online
Turn Your Eye Toward iPhoneography
Creating Your Digital Camera Wishlist

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Clever Girls Collective is a social media marketing agency founded by women who wanted to use their deep marketing experience and broad social network relationships for good. We know that women who engage in social media are some of the most authentic, connected, trusted, and vocal influencers -- not only online, but "in real life." That's why we've developed The Clever 1000: an ever-growing, beautifully diverse network of professional, thoughtful social media-connected, natural networkers and influencers who want to engage with and enhance their favorite brands. Heather Sokol is the married mother of three beautiful, active girls who have created in her a Montessori mockm, Scout mom, allergy mom and avid coupon clipper. Heather is a frugal, gluten free, chocoholic, bubble bath connoisseur. She's a little bit crunchy, always opinionated and sometimes speaks geek, but not fluently..