Black Friday is exciting bright banners, crazy countdowns, and “once-a-year” deals everywhere you look. But behind all that noise, there’s a simple truth: not every Black Friday deal is a real deal. Some discounts are worth grabbing instantly, and some are designed to make you spend more than you should.

The good news? With the right strategy, you can walk into Black Friday with confidence, avoid the traps, and actually save money not just feel like you did. Whether you’re shopping for fashion, tech, beauty, home items, or getting your holiday haul ready, the smartest buyers are the ones who plan ahead and shop with intention.

This guide isn’t about buying more.
It’s about spending less, choosing smarter, and getting the deals that actually make Black Friday worth it.

Let’s break down the 10 most effective ways to save big this year.

Start Watching Prices Early

One of the easiest ways to save money on Black Friday is to track prices before the sale starts. Many brands quietly raise prices in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, only to “discount” them later. When you know the real price, you can spot the fake deals instantly. Start checking your wish list items a week or two early you’ll know exactly when the price actually drops.

Don’t Buy Without Checking Coupon Sites First

Before you checkout, take 10 seconds to search for extra discounts. Coupon platforms like Scratchcoup often have exclusive promo codes, hidden deals, or extra savings you won’t find on the brand’s website. Even during Black Friday, many brands stack coupon codes on top of their sale prices and that’s where the real savings happen. A quick check can shave off an extra 10–20% instantly.

Stick to a Wishlist to Avoid Impulse Buying

Black Friday is designed to overwhelm you flashing timers, limited stock alerts, and “only 2 left” messages everywhere. The easiest way to save money is to shop with a wishlist. List the items you truly want before the sale starts. When Black Friday hits, you focus only on those products instead of chasing every random deal. A wishlist keeps you grounded and stops you from spending on things you’ll forget about next month.

Compare Prices Across Multiple Stores

Never assume the first discount you see is the best one. During Black Friday, different stores price the same product differently. One retailer might offer 30% off while another quietly drops 40% with free shipping. A quick comparison on a few major stores can save you more than you expect. Two minutes of checking can mean real money saved especially on bigger purchases.

Look for Early Access or Pre-Black Friday Deals

The best Black Friday deals don’t always drop on Black Friday. Many brands release early access sales a few days even a week before the main event. These early deals are often quieter, less competitive, and sometimes even better than the actual Black Friday prices. Sign up for brand newsletters or follow their social pages so you catch these early drops before everyone else rushes in.

Avoid Buying Just Because It’s “70% Off”

A big discount doesn’t automatically mean a good deal. Some brands inflate prices before Black Friday, then slash them to look impressive. Others discount items nobody wanted in the first place. Before you buy, ask yourself one simple question: Would I want this at regular price? If the answer is no, you’re not saving you’re spending unnecessarily. Focus on value, not the percentage.

Use Cart Abandonment to Your Advantage

One of the easiest money-saving tricks is simply… walking away. Add the items you want to your cart, then leave the site without checking out. Many brands send follow-up emails with extra discounts or free shipping within a few hours. It’s their way of convincing you to return and it’s an easy win for you. This trick works especially well during Black Friday when stores are competing harder than ever.

Double-Check Return Policies Before Buying

Black Friday deals move fast, and so do impulse purchases. Before you click “buy,” take a moment to check the return policy. Some stores tighten their return windows during big sales, and others make discounted items final sale. A quick look can save you from getting stuck with something that doesn’t fit, doesn’t work, or doesn’t look like the pictures. Saving money also means avoiding regret.

Set a Spending Limit Before You Start Shopping

Black Friday makes it easy to overspend without realizing it. A small deal here, a “flash sale” there suddenly your cart is double what you planned. Setting a spending limit before the sale starts keeps you in control. Decide your max budget, write it down, and stick to it. When you know your limit, you automatically make smarter choices and skip the unnecessary extras.

Always Check the Final Price Before You Pay

Black Friday deals can look amazing… until you reach the checkout. Extra fees like shipping, taxes, and add-ons can push the price higher than expected. Before completing your purchase, pause and look at the final amount. Sometimes a “big discount” ends up costing more than a smaller deal from another store with better terms. The final price is what matters not the bold red discount tag.

Bonus: Save Even More by Using Scratchcoup

If you really want to stretch your Black Friday budget, make Scratchcoup your first stop before checkout. Even during the biggest sales of the year, many brands still allow extra coupon stacking and that’s where Scratchcoup gives you the edge.

You’ll find verified codes, hidden deals, and exclusive offers that don’t always appear on brand websites. Whether you’re shopping fashion, tech, beauty, or home essentials, a quick search on Scratchcoup can cut a little more off your total. And during Black Friday, every extra dollar saved counts.

It’s simple: great deals come from brands, but the best savings often come from knowing where to find the extra discounts and Scratchcoup does that part for you.