As the year draws to a close, there are a lot of holidays to look forward to. One day that isn’t to be overlooked, however, is Black Friday. The day, which is boon for folks who want to do a little holiday shopping or just find a good deal, can be tough to suss out because of its vastness and popularity. So, if you’re planning on going on the hunt for a good deal this Black Friday, make sure you keep these tips in mind.

Go In With a Gameplan

Preparation, preparation, preparation. If you head out on Black Friday without much of a clear idea of what you’re looking for, you’re bound to be overwhelmed. Do yourself a favor and browse through newspaper inserts and stores’ websites to prepare for what’s going to be up for grabs. That said, there’s nothing wrong with browsing – just don’t be too upset if you miss out on a great deal because you didn’t know to look for it.

Make the Rounds

If you’re looking for deals on multiple items, you won’t necessarily find them all in one store. By doing your prep work, you should have an understanding of what’s on sale where, but you never know what could happen. For example, a store might sell out of that one product you had your mind set on, or conversely, it could offer up a deal it hadn’t previously advertised. That’s why you’ll probably want to visit one or two stores before you actually pull out your wallet.

Mind Your Budget

You’ll face a lot of temptations on Black Friday. Even though you might head into the store with a single bargain in mind, retailers will be trying their best to encourage you to buy other products they’ve marked down. In this case, a little willpower will go a long way, but you still may want to set a dollar limit for yourself. Before making any large purchases, remember to ask yourself, “Do I really need this?”

Read the Fine Print

In some cases, there’ll be more to a bargain than its sticker price. Be aware of any extra discounts you can gain from coupons you have lying around or price matching policies the store offers. And, especially if you’re planning on making a large purchase, have a good understanding of the warranty and refund policies. Some stores may not offer these on pricey stock they’re looking to offload. The last thing you want to do is drop cash on a product that breaks shortly after you buy it – good deal or not!

Wait for Cyber Monday

Over the past few years, another “holiday” of sorts has been gaining in popularity. Cyber Monday, which takes place the Monday after Black Friday, is the Internet equivalent of the super-savings day that more and more retailers are taking part in. It’s ideal if you don’t really feel like going out on Friday, since you can do all your shopping from the comfort of your couch at home. You might not find the same markdowns on the same products that you would on Black Friday, but you may find a surprise or two.