BLACK FRIDAY HAS finally arrived. Imported from the States, it has been growing in popularity in Ireland over the last few years as more retailers use the day to offer big discounts to customers.

And while we haven’t reached the chaos of an American Black Friday (and hopefully never will) there are definitely ways to prepare yourself for the big day to get the most out of it, without totally losing your mind or the run of yourself, hopefully.

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So in order to help you get the most out of Black Friday, we’ve put together a few tips.

On your marks, get set, go.

1. Plan, plan, plan

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Nothing beats a good plan and knowing what it is you want in advance and where to get it is the best plan you can make for Black Friday.

Whether you’re shopping online or heading to the shops themselves, there’s a lot to be said for knowing what you want.

Do a little snooping around in advance as much as you can – the shops are keeping their deals under their hats for the most part, but if you know what you want and where to get it, chances are they’ll have some form of a discount on it. And if you really keep your eye out, you might find your credit cards are also doing offers with online purchases.

2. Create accounts in advance – and remember your password

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If you’re shopping online, register your details for as many sites of the sites you’re planning to hit up as possible to save time when actually purchasing on the day. Of course, make sure that the websites are legit and have secure online shopping.

And remember your password. There’s nothing worse than clicking ‘Buy Now’,  being asked for that password and having no idea like our little friend above.

3. Shop on your commute

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Apparently, 60% of all Black Friday sales are going to be through a mobile device, so why not get the jump on that shopping and start your purchasing on your commute?

Better than staring out the window, right?

4.Watch the clock

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While most shops will have deals all day and when they’re gone they’re gone, if you’re shopping online, some retailers will release different deals at different times. Amazon have a countdown timer on various deals, so make sure to keep your eye on those and you might grab yourself a great bargain.

5. Get there early – either online or in-store

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Again, this applies for both online shopping and shopping in store. The earlier you get there, the more deals that will be there, stock left and hopefully less queues – both for changing rooms and tills.

Nobody likes to queue.

Nobody.

6. Keep the head when all around you are losing theirs

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It’s so easy to get caught up in the chaos of the day or weekend, especially if someone grabs something you really, really (really) wanted.

But… it’s not worth losing the head over. There are always more deals either in the same shop or somewhere else, so, keep cool.

It’s all good.

7. Set limits

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If you’ve got a lot to buy, or are impulsive when it comes to spotting a bargain, think about putting a limit on how much you’ll spend overall. It can really help when you’re deciding if you really need those three fleecy onesies or if just the one would do.

Did you grab a Black Friday bargain? Let us know in the comments below.

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