Black Friday 2026: How to Prepare and Avoid Fake Deals

Black Friday rewards preparation more than impulse. A little work now means you recognise a real deal when you see one.

Build a shortlist now

Write down the exact models you want. Vague wishes invite impulse buys.

Record today prices

Note current prices in a spreadsheet. On the day, compare against your notes, not the slashed sticker price.

Watch for inflate-then-discount

Some retailers raise prices weeks before the event. Price-history tools expose this quickly.

Set a hard budget

Decide the total you will spend and stick to it. Bundles and add-ons are where budgets break.

Check delivery and returns

A great price is no good if delivery arrives after the date you need it, or returns are excluded.