10 Tips To Navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren't just shopping days anymore—they're shopping seasons. What began as two whirlwind sales events has stretched into weeks of door-busting discounts and record-low prices across nearly every retailer. With so many deals flying around, the difference between saving a little and saving big often comes down to preparation. If you want to score the best bargains, you'll need to plan, track prices and shop with a strategy. Here are some tips to get you geared to go.

1. Prepare Ahead: Research and Planning

Since virtually every retailer participates in Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can start getting ready weeks ahead of time. Make a list of the items you want and set a budget for each one. Retailers often release teasers via flyers, newsletters and social media in October and early November to build up hype, so you can spot discounts well before the sales go live.

To stay organized, create a simple spreadsheet to track items, prices, retailers and sale start times. Some stores may let you “watch" products in their apps or add them to wish lists for price-drop alerts. You can also check out special offers posted on the Synchrony Marketplace.

Since many Black Friday deals launch early online, you can often lock in savings without ever leaving your couch. A little prep can go a long way toward saving big and shopping smart.

READ MORE: Top 7 Tips to Rein in Your Holiday Spending

2. Understand the Differences Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving and features in-store and online deals. Cyber Monday follows three days later with a heavier focus on online discounts. With the rise of pre-Black Friday and Cyber Week extensions, these deals can often span two weeks, and sometimes even longer.

To set the days apart, some retailers may offer exclusives either in-store or online. If you enjoy the buzz of in-person shopping, Black Friday may be your moment. If you'd rather skip the crowds, consider sticking to Cyber Monday online deals.

3. Shop Early To Avoid Stock Shortages

Hot-ticket items disappear quickly during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, thanks to high demand and limited inventory. Shopping early gives you the best chance of grabbing what you want before it's gone, helping you avoid potential shipping delays.

Many retailers launch deals days in advance and carry more stock online. If you've already created a shopping list, it shouldn't be too hard to secure what you want. Keep in mind that many retailers will also restock online, so there may still be a chance to get a deal even if you missed out at the start.

4. Use Credit Cards to Your Advantage

Using credit cards can help stretch your Black Friday and Cyber Monday savings beyond the sticker price. Look for cards that reward your spending categories—like extra points or cash back on purchases—or those that offer flexible financing if you're making larger buys.

For example, the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® offers 2% cash back* on every purchase, with no limit and no annual fee. * Some Synchrony Marketplace retail partners may also offer promotional financing or deals. Choosing the right card for your shopping strategy means every purchase can work harder for you.

5. Use Deal Websites and Apps

Some websites, like the Synchrony Marketplace, offer year-round deals that can stack with Black Friday discounts. From promotional interest financing to statement credits at certain merchants, there are always extra ways to save. When making your Black Friday lists, be sure to search your favorite retailers for more deals.

Mobile apps can also be game-changers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping. They make it easy to compare prices, find deals and even navigate store visits. A standout option is Flipp, which aggregates weekly flyers—including Black Friday promotions—for easy browsing into one place. You can even search for specific products to instantly see who's offering the lowest price.

6. Avoid Impulse Buys by Sticking to Your List

Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals can be tempting, but your shopping list is your best defense against overspending. Before grabbing a “too good to pass up" deal, pause and ask yourself if you actually need it—or if it's just the discount talking.

If you want some flexibility, set aside a small impulse budget and stay within it. Keep your list handy on your phone or paper to help you stay on track. Don't let those limited-time offers trick you into spending more than you planned.

7. Be Flexible and Prioritize

Before the sales start, rank your shopping list by importance and set spending limits for each category. This can help you focus on what matters most and avoid blowing your budget on lower-priority items. Have backup picks ready, too. That way, if your top choice sells out, you'll still walk away with something worthwhile.

Flexibility is key. Sometimes better discounts pop up closer to the sale dates or from brands you hadn't considered. Switching to a similar product at a lower price can make room in your budget for other must-haves. If a key item isn't on sale, consider whether it's better to buy now or wait. Track your list during the sales, crossing off purchases and adjusting your budget as needed.

8. Protect Yourself: Shop Safely and Avoid Scams

Scammers love Black Friday and Cyber Monday almost as much as shoppers do. With so many people hunting for deals, fake sites and shady ads pop up everywhere. Protect yourself by sticking to trusted retailers and ensuring checkout pages show “https" and a lock icon.

Skip suspicious links from emails or social media—those “too good to be true" offers usually are. If one retailer sells a product for way less than everyone else, it's a red flag. And remember, no legitimate retailer will ever ask for sensitive information like your Social Security number.

9. Consider Holiday Shipping and Delivery Time

Black Friday and Cyber Monday flood retailers with millions of online orders, which can slow down fulfillment and stretch delivery timelines. While most purchases will arrive on time, delays can happen during the holiday rush.

If you need something quickly—like a gift for an upcoming event—shopping in-store may be the safer bet because you walk out with your purchases. For online orders, place them early to get ahead of the shipping crunch and always check estimated delivery dates before hitting “buy." You can also see if in-store pickup is available, which gives you the convenience of ordering online with the certainty of grabbing your items the same day.

10. Take Advantage of Return Policies and Warranties

A hidden perk of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping? Extended return windows. Since many purchases are holiday gifts, retailers often allow returns into January, giving you extra time to decide if you want to keep an item.

That said, every store sets its own rules. Read the fine print to find out precisely how long you have and what conditions apply. Some retailers require original packaging or receipts for a return, so keep everything together just in case. And if you're buying electronics or big-ticket items, check warranty coverage—it can save you from headaches down the road.

Post-Sale Tips

Hitting “buy now" isn't the finish line. Smart shopping means tracking your purchases, watching for price adjustments and staying alert to extra savings opportunities that pop up during the season. A little organization after checkout can protect your budget, simplify returns and keep holiday stress to a minimum.

Track your purchases and shipments

On your spreadsheet, record confirmation numbers and expected delivery dates for all your online purchases. As items arrive, check them off so you can quickly spot any missing packages. If a delivery runs past its estimated date, contact customer service with the order details ready.

Also, review your credit card statements to ensure the correct prices were charged and that you weren't double-charged. If you don't recognize a transaction, follow up immediately to confirm it isn't a fraudulent purchase.

READ MORE: 5 Expert Tips for Shopping Online Safely

Keep checking for deals

Even though Black Friday and Cyber Monday usually offer the best deals, there's a chance that a better offer will appear as you get closer to the holidays. With extended return policies, you may be able to swap for a better price, ask for a price adjustment or upgrade to a different item without losing out.

It's also a good idea to follow your favorite retailers and brands on social media, as they might drop exclusive deals there. Subscribing to newsletters is another way to stay ahead so you don't miss limited-time offers.

'Tis the Season To Spend—and Save

Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be the best times of the year to score big savings, but without a plan and a budget, it's easy to overspend or get lost in the chaos. By researching ahead, tracking prices and staying disciplined, you can make the most of the deals—without the stress.

If you want to stretch your savings even further, consider how you pay. Synchrony offers a variety of credit cards, so every purchase works harder for you. And with the Synchrony Marketplace, you can explore a range of retailers in one place and uncover even more chances to save. Smart planning plus the right tools can help you finish the season with both the gifts you wanted and money still in your pocket.

With a Synchrony-issued credit card, you can find special offers and financing at participating retailers. Browse the Synchrony Marketplace to discover partner retailers that may have special offers. Choose a card that fits your lifestyle, and you can keep using it long after the holidays to buy the things you love.

READ MORE: 14 Grinch-Free Ways to Save Money This Holiday Season