Black Friday

There’s very little the pandemic hasn’t affected, and, if Prime Day was any indication, Black Friday may be a little different this year. Like many of us, you probably blinked a couple months and ago and now it’s October. November is rapidly approaching, and with that comes Black Friday – the busiest shopping day of the year. It can be overwhelming to see the plethora of deals that stores have to offer. However, if handled probably you can achieve big savings and get lots of holiday shopping done!

So I’m sure you’re wondering, what’s the best way to ensure you get the best deals? It is important to have a plan of action to maximize your savings. Try these helpful tips to find the best Black Friday bargains!

Do your research early

It is important to understand exactly what you are looking for. With many of the big savings coming in the form of technology (TVs, computers, laptops, etc.) it can be tempting to go for the cheapest option every time. However, just because something has a good price, doesn’t mean it’s a good deal.

Research the product you are considering buying and see if it is a good product. You may regret saving $50 on a cheaper TV that is not exactly what you are looking for.

Compare prices ahead of time

Many stores will release ads for their Black Friday specials in order to create buzz around whatever deals they have going on. You can use this to your advantage. Websites such as Consumer Reports, PriceGrabber, and Shopzilla can provide you with a list of prices of items at different stores.

Websites such as BestBlackFriday.com, DealNews, and TheBlackFriday.com are a good place to look for Black Friday ads before they are released. This way you can see what is coming and plan ahead for what you want to buy.

When you’re in stores, you can use the apps of other retailers to compare their pricing to what you are seeing. Places such as Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target have shopping apps that allow you to scan products and check their online pricing and availability. Use them!

Budget, Budget, Budget

Black Friday is a great time to find savings on products you have been needing to purchase. However, it is also a time where stores try to convince you to buy products you never intended to purchase. Having a budget can help you avoid doing this.

Many people get caught up in thinking “Look how much money I’m saving!”. And yes, there are some pretty great savings on Black Friday. But when you’re buying items you don’t need or didn’t plan for, you’re not actually “saving” money. Don’t get sucked in by the deals and stick to your budget.

Understand store policies

It is important to know what price-match and return policies stores have before going shopping. Most stores have some price-match policy, which can help you save money. Beware that some stores only allow price-matching on certain items during Black Friday shopping, so pay attention to this. Ensure there are no fees on returns or exchanges as well.

When trying to price-match, some stores will require you to show proof of price from another store. Sometimes, they won’t accept internet prices and may require a physical advertisement. Bring multiple forms of ads for a price you are looking for in order to have the best chance of the store matching that price.

Shop Early and Online

Many stores nowadays will have essentially the same deals online as they will in stores and maybe even better this year to encourage online shopping. Some stores will post their specials online so you can order and pick up at your local store. Some deals also get posted as early as Thanksgiving Day, so be on the lookout.

Shopping online can help you avoid crowds and stay safe during these times. Unless there is something you absolutely have to go to the store for, online shopping is the way to go!

Hopefully these tips can help you score the deals you’ve been looking for. Leave us a reply and let us know what helpful tips have worked for you! Happy shopping!

The post Tips to shopping Black Friday Sales appeared first on Broadlands Blog.

Natural Bridge, VA

home of mother-nature’s enormous and breathtaking rock bridge of Rockbridge County, Natural Bridge sits in the southern end of the Shenandoah Valley flanked by the Blue Ridge mountains

The Natural Bridge now stands tall as a National Historic Landmark at the gateway to the historic and beautiful Cedar Creek Trail, and the Monacan Indian Living History Village. The Natural Bridge Caverns, museums, a hotel & conference center, and restaurants surround the nature park.

Amidst an area blanketed with history and Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Natural Bridge makes for easy access to historic sites and outdoor recreation: canoeing, tubing, kayaking with Twin River Outfitters; fishing, hiking, biking; scenic drives, atv trails; the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cave Mountain Lake, historic Lexington, a zoo, Safari Park, the Haunted Monster Museum, and more.

Natural Bridge is first, a spectacular site not to be missed, and also a home base, right in the middle of it all- at US 11 & 130, I-81 exits 175 & 180; and off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Imposing mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and more wildlife than you may be comfortable with Smith Mountain Lake National Park in Huddleston, VA is a breathtakingly beautiful place with one of the most dramatic landscapes in the state. If you’ve never explored this amazing national park, we suggest you start planning your trip this very second!

On the second largest freshwater lake in the state, this picturesque park is the water enthusiast's paradise. There are numerous water activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier. Families can also enjoy picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheater, special programs, camping, miles of trails and cabins with boat docks.

George Washington National Forest, VA

The George Washington National Forest is a place of history, both ancient and modern, of gentle beauty and rugged splendor, mountain passes, sun-dappled dells, and wide valleys. It is a place of quiet contemplation and physical challenges. The variety of recreational opportunities is limited only by a visitor’s imagination. The Forest’s numerous camping locations can accommodate car, tent, recreational vehicle ( RV). In other word there is something for everyone to enjoy in this delightful Forest. We will always argue that the best way to experience a national Forest is to pitch your tent inside the forest, but sometimes that’s easier said than done!

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