How to prepare for Black Friday: The Smart Shopper's Guide

Black Friday is sold as the biggest shopping event of the year: giant 70% off banners, "Big Sale" pop ups, and countdown timers everywhere you look.

But here is the part that no one talks about: Your preparation counts more than the discount percentage.

Most people get ready for Black Friday by making a list of what they want to buy, they rarely prepare for what they need to avoid, and that’s exactly how shoppers fall into fake discounts, inflated “before” prices, and impulse purchases they regret later.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare for Black Friday like a pro, so you save money, avoid scams, and only buy what actually adds value to your life.

And if you’re planning to upgrade your game nights, you can keep the Black Friday discounts on the Mad Party Games homepage in mind while you read.

1. Start with a "Would I Buy This at Full Price" List?

   
   

Before you open a single app, website, or newsletter, pause.

Black Friday is engineered to tap into your emotions. Scarcity messages, flashing banners, and FOMO countdowns all push you toward fast decisions instead of smart ones.

To protect yourself, build a short, intentional list before you look at any deals.

Ask yourself:“Would I buy this at full price?”

If the honest answer is no, then the discount is just noise.

How to build your real-needs list

• Write down three to five items you genuinely need or have been planning for (for example: a new laptop, a winter jacket, or board games for family gatherings).

• Add a rough price range next to each item.

• Keep this list next to you while you shop; it becomes your filter against impulse buys.

  
  

This simple step turns Black Friday from a “grab everything” hunt into a targeted mission.

2. Check the 30-Day Price History (Spot Fake Deals in Seconds)

One of the most common Black Friday tricks is often called “price dancing”:

1. The store quietly raises the price before the sale.

2. Then the price is “discounted” back down.

3. You see “−50%” or “−70%” and think you’re winning, when you’re not.

To avoid this, always check the price history for the last 30 days.

What to look for

• A sudden spike just before Black Friday.

• A dramatic drop during the sale.

  
  

That pattern is a red flag. The “deal” is probably fake or exaggerated.

Use price-tracking tools or browser extensions to see how the product has behaved over time. Instead of trusting the percentage sign, you’re now looking at real data, and that’s how smart shoppers win on Black Friday.

3. Set a Realistic Black Friday Budget (and Break It Down)

Discounts can trick your brain into thinking you are saving money because each purchase feels like a “good deal.”

But if you end the day with a drained bank account, those “savings” were not savings at all.

How to set a Black Friday budget that works

1. Decide on a total amount you are willing to spend and can comfortably afford.

2. Split that amount into categories, such as:

   Essentials (things you truly need).

   • Gifts (holiday presents, birthdays, Secret Santa).

   • Fun and entertainment (games, hobbies, treats).

3. Assign a maximum limit to each category.

   
   

Think of your budget as a map, not a restriction. It tells you where to go and where not to.

When aggressive ads start popping up, your budget keeps you anchored in reality.

If fun and connection are part of your Black Friday budget, you can check out the offers on our homepage and pick a game that will actually hit the table on game night.

4. Read Store Policies Before You Click “Buy”

A “too good to be true” deal can quickly turn into a nightmare if you get stuck with:

• No returns.

• High return shipping costs.

• Restocking fees.

• Delayed or lost deliveries.

  
  

Before you check out, always read:

• The return window (is it shorter for sale items?).

• The return method (in-store only, online, or free returns?).

• Any shipping and restocking fees.

• The estimated delivery time (Black Friday often brings delays).

  
  

This two-minute check can save you hours of frustration later. A real Black Friday win is not just about the price; it is about the overall experience.

5. Build Your Personal Black Friday Strategy

Instead of letting the internet drag you from one “FLASH SALE” to another, create a simple Black Friday game plan.

Your Black Friday strategy checklist

• Follow your favourite brands on social media for early teasers.

• Sign up for newsletters to get early access or exclusive promo codes.

• Add items to your cart or wishlist in advance.

• Decide when you will shop (midnight, morning, or during quiet hours).

• Prioritise your must-buy items first, then your “nice-to-have” list.

  
  

With a plan in place, you do not scroll helplessly through thousands of random deals; you move with intention. You are not chasing discounts, you are choosing your moments.

6. Don’t Let Urgency Psychology Make Decisions for You

Black Friday marketing uses psychological pressure to make you act fast with messages like:

• “Only three left!”

• “Sale ends in 10 minutes!”

• “Someone just bought this!”

  
  

These messages are carefully designed to trigger panic buying, not smart buying.

Use the two-minute rule to regain control

When you feel that rush of “I have to buy this now”:

1. Add the item to your cart.

2. Step away for two minutes.

3. Breathe, then come back and ask yourself:

   • “Do I still really want this?”

   • “Will I use this next month or next year?”

   • “Would I buy this at full price?”

     
     

If the excitement fades, it was not a need; it was dopamine.

That tiny pause breaks the emotional momentum and turns you from a reactive shopper into a conscious decision-maker.

7. Remember: The Best Deal Is the One That Serves You

Black Friday does not have to be overwhelming, manipulative, or chaotic.

When you prepare with intention, you:

• Understand the psychology behind the discounts.

• Know how to spot fake deals.

• Make decisions based on your real needs, not just excitement.

  
  

The market will keep throwing flashy numbers, countdown timers, and “limited stock” alerts in your direction, but none of that works on someone who has already done the groundwork.

In the end, preparing for Black Friday is not about becoming a perfect shopper; it is about becoming a conscious one.

When you:

• Slow down.

• Double-check.

• Compare.

• Stick to your budget and priorities.

  
  

You realise the best deal is not the biggest percentage off; it is the purchase that truly fits your life.

Smart preparation turns Black Friday from a frantic shopping frenzy into a calm, controlled experience in which you save money, avoid regret, and walk away with purchases you are genuinely happy about.

Looking for Honest, No-Gimmick Deals?

Check Out Mad Party Games’ Black Friday Offers

If you are tired of fake markdowns and inflated “before” prices, Mad Party Games is doing Black Friday differently.

Here is what you can expect:

• Real discounts.

• No inflated prices.

• No fake urgency or tricks.

  
  

Just straightforward offers on:

• Couples’ games.

• Party games.

• Gift-ready sets that make game night actually fun.

If you are planning holiday gifts, Secret Santa ideas, or your next game night, keep an eye on our homepage, where we highlight our current Black Friday discounts and offers.

Shop Black Friday Deals on Our Homepage

Disclaimer: This article shares personal experiences and opinions. It is not professional financial advice, and no information here has been independently verified.