Black Friday shopping tips

Check both expert and user reviews online before Black Friday to make sure you know which products offer the best value.

Research both standard and sale prices so you can decide ahead of time which products are the best buys and know where to find them.

Pay attention to print, broadcast and online ads from retailers that outline Black Friday specials. Bring a copy of store ads to verify the deal on-site.

Write out a list of the things you want to buy and where you plan to purchase each item. Then, prioritize your list and stick to the plan.

Rather than fixate on a particular model of laptop or camera, be clear about the features you want so you can go with the best deal available, or confidently switch to an alternate product if the store runs out of the one on your list but has others in stock with exactly what you need.

Check out store layouts ahead of time so that you know where to find the products on your list without wasting precious time getting lost or hunting for the items you want.

Shop early for the best deals. Some stores offer even deeper discounts on certain items for people who arrive before specific times.

Retailers frequently offer package deals that combine products such as laptops and printers. Such package deals often allow you to pay less for each piece than if you purchased them separately.

Know how different retailers handle returns of sale merchandise. This is especially important if you’re shopping for holiday gifts. If some of the people who receive your gifts decide to exchange them for something they like better, you’ll want to make sure that’s possible before you buy.

Embrace the unexpected, especially if you’re shopping for gifts. You go in thinking you want a particular item or brand, but you may find a better deal on a different product.