Maximize Your Savings: A Guide to Getting the Best Deals During Holiday 2019 with MyUS

The countdown to Black Friday 2019 is on, and this year the annual US shopping bonanza occurs November 29. At MyUS.com, we believe everyone across the globe should have access to the unparalleled savings Black Friday offers, which have historically been reserved for US residents and visitors.

Getting the season’s best deals on everything you’re seeking requires a slightly more strategic approach than many people realize. We’ve compiled a list of the best tips and tricks for nabbing the year’s most desired items—without breaking the bank.

Cheers to happy, healthy and smart holiday shopping! At MyUS.com, nothing stands between you and taking full advantage of the largest global retail savings event of the year.

The MyUS.com Holiday Shopping Playbook:

1. Create a budget (and stick to it).

It may seem like common sense, but knowing how much you’re willing and able to spend during the holiday season creates the foundation for all of the subsequent planning (and spending) that will follow. Having a budget is one thing; sticking to that budget is a different story. Remember, the reason you’re doing this in the first place is to get the best deals on the best items so your money goes further.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to budget additional dollars for shipping from the US You can find a helpful pricing sheet on our Pricing page.

2. Create a wish list and a gift list.

MyUS.com recommends creating two separate lists: one with items you intend to give to others and one with items you want. (Let’s be honest: We’re all likely to buy an item or two for ourselves while these incredible deals are running.) Next, MyUS.com recommends segmenting these two lists into categories to help keep you organized. Why? Because most Black Friday “deal” blogs focus on “pre-Black Friday,” “Black Friday” and “post-Black Friday” deals—and then further segment the deals into categories such as these:

• Home Goods
• Toys
• Electronics
• Luxury
• Beauty
• Baby and Toddler
• Kids
• Health and Wellness

Furthermore, creating a category-driven deal list allows you to easily see where you have adequate “coverage” in your wish lists and where you need to spend some additional time and effort locating the season’s best deals.

Pro tip: To view sample gift guides, broken down by categories like the ones listed above, visit our Holiday Gift Guide page.

3. Do your homework.

The field of study for pre-Black Friday, Black Friday and post-Black Friday deals is digital ads (website and app).

Many Black Friday blogs and websites aggregate Black Friday ads. We recommend BFAads.net, BestBlackFriday.com, DealNews, TheBlackFriday.com and GottaDeal . Additionally, we recommend signing up for email notifications with these sites so you will be alerted to new deals and special offers involving the products and brands on your lists.

4. “Double dip” on benefits while shopping with your favorite retailers via loyalty programs.

Your favorite retailers often have loyalty programs that offer sales and promotions to members first, then let those members earn additional rewards on what they buy. Signing up for Black Friday shopping alerts will inform you of all the promotions, coupons and discounts your favorite retailers are offering during the holiday shopping season. Why not double the benefits?

5. Beware of the TV trap.

There’s no denying that television discounts are abundant during the holiday shopping season. You will, however, want to be wary of any deal that sounds too good to pass up. A favorite retailer “doorbuster” trick is to offer a single TV (or series of TV models) at a price that’s seemingly impossible to beat. Still, it’s important to remember that you’ll likely be watching your new TV for five to seven years (or more). If the picture quality and/or features of the heavily discounted models aren’t exactly what you were hoping for, you’re better off ponying up the extra money to get what you really want. Or wait for the next big holiday or cultural event like the Super Bowl to cash in on deeply discounted models.

Finally, you’ll want to avoid buying pricey accessories, as this will significantly cut into the savings you’ve enjoyed by purchasing your new TV at Black Friday prices. The retailer will likely be aggressive in pushing these accessories, as they make the majority of their profit on these “side sales,” but remember: You’re in this for the deal! 

Pro-tip: Make sure the items you’re purchasing are permitted to be shipped to your country. Click here to select your country and view a list of shipping restrictions that may apply.

Happy Black Friday—and good luck out there!

Sources:

https://www.consumerreports.org/shopping-retail/top-10-black-friday-shopping-tips/

https://www.reviewed.com/televisions/features/how-long-should-a-tv-last

https://www.whathifi.com/us/advice/8-tips-to-get-the-best-black-friday-deals