Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with Americans spending nearly $11 billion that day in 2024, according to Adobe Analytics. The day after Thanksgiving traditionally offers ample opportunities for saving money to those who combine due diligence with strategic shopping.
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Although savings abound, it can be challenging to find the best deals to stretch your holiday budget. Without proper planning, overspending can lead to a nasty credit card bill in January. Fortunately, there are ways to stretch your budget without forgoing a purchase you’ve had your eye on for months. GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT how to find the best deals on Black Friday.
Compare Prices Early
Prior planning is essential for Black Friday shopping, especially if you must keep a budget. Waiting until the day may end up costing you more on the same items.
“Retailers often release Black Friday ads weeks in advance, giving shoppers a chance to compare prices before the big day,” said ChatGPT. You can do this manually, but that takes time. The AI suggests using an app to help identify the best deals before they drop.
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Don’t Ignore Early Black Friday Sales
Black Friday isn’t truly a standalone day anymore to get deals on your holiday shopping needs. It’s not uncommon to see deals days leading up to the big day, and some may even offer better savings. For Americans eyeing a popular item, it may pay to purchase it before Black Friday.
“Shopping early can give you the best selection, especially for high-demand products like electronics and toys that may sell out quickly,” added the AI.
Watch Out for Fake Deals
So-called doorbuster deals are a way for retailers to lure in customers with the hopes of scoring an expensive item at a deep discount. Unfortunately, retailers can use misleading tactics to make deals look better than they really are. Retailers like Home Depot and Target have been accused of shady tactics in recent years to mislead shoppers, according to Fortune. ChatGPT advises using due diligence when shopping. Again, apps can help you do this quickly and reliably.
“Remember that not every ‘doorbuster’ is as good as it looks. Some stores inflate original prices to make markdowns seem larger,” said the AI. “Price-comparison tools and browser extensions such as CamelCamelCamel, Honey or Google Shopping can show you historical pricing trends.” The apps are free to use and serve as a valuable resource for finding true deals.
Time Your Purchases Strategically
Black Friday isn’t the only savings opportunity during the Thanksgiving holiday week. Cyber Monday is another day that gives shoppers access to deals, and some of these deals may be better. You may even find the weekend between the two days to have better deals on a particular item. Savvy shoppers scour ads and articles to find the best day to score the biggest savings.
“Electronics and major appliances often see their biggest discounts during Thanksgiving weekend, but clothing, home goods and toys can dip even lower on Cyber Monday or later in the season,” noted ChatGPT.
Stack Discounts
A prudent shopper knows there are often multiple ways to save on Black Friday. Combining multiple opportunities can help shoppers multiply savings. ChatGPT recommends purchase portals and credit lines, if you can manage them responsibly.
“Pair retailer coupons with cash-back apps such as Rakuten or Ibotta, and use a rewards credit card that offers bonus cash back on shopping,” suggested the AI. “Stacking these savings can turn a decent deal into a great one,” said ChatGPT.
Rebate sites often give up to 10% cash back. If you combine that with a cash back credit card, you may even net up to 15% back in cash. Just remember, at the bottom of every purchase is simple arithmetic: can your budget afford this expenditure? And if so, is it worth it?
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT How To Get the Best Deals on Black Friday: Here’s What It Said
