Your Black Friday Survival Guide 2022

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are four words that can incite anxiety in anybody, especially when you can get overwhelmed with where and how to find the best deals. But your favorite headband company to the rescue - keep reading!

As a small business, it's taken a few years to learn the in's and out's of a big sale weekend like Black Friday. And especially with online purchases being preferred over the early in-store chaos, it's more important now to have a shopping strategy than ever. Now that we've had some years under our belt, we've got our system down to a science. Check out this simple checklist to make sure you don't miss out on getting just the right gifts for everyone on your list, and set yourself up for sale success!

Before you buy, look to Google or social media for reviews. Other customers will be the best indicator of whether what you're getting is worth the cost, not just because it's on a hot deal at the moment.


This might be the biggest time saver for Black Friday shopping! We all know how to bookmark on desktop, but if you'll be shopping on mobile, you can group tabs together to make them easy to find and organize. Some of our customers also recommend Elfster, where you can make your own online Wish List and share it with others!


Just like on our website, if what you're looking for is out of stock, make sure you sign up for email notifications so that you'll be the first to know when your favorites are back. Typically you're not the only one getting these emails, so make sure you're ready to purchase when they return!


We recommend doing this right before BFCM. Add everything into your cart, and get to the point of checkout where your email will be entered. Then leave the website. You should receive an email anywhere from 1-24 hours from when you closed it out, with your cart saved. Or, simply return to the website again on the same device and they should be in your cart waiting for you!


Check if the places you shop offer some kind of loyalty program, and sign up now so that points can build up. It may not save you on Black Friday, but those big sale buys will go a long way to getting those rewards later in the year.


Big changes over the last couple of years really affected the shopping experience, and in some ways for the better. Most small and local businesses will be offering "BOPIS" (Buy Online, Pickup In Store). This can save you on shipping, plus the hassle of wading through annoyed shoppers in-person is totally worth it.


It can be tempting to just go for the best deals, but don't risk it. Get what you have on your list early and first, and it'll give you peace of mind while you scroll deals for fun later, after coffee and a leftover piece of pie.


Most businesses have special return policies during BFCM, which may be either more strict or more lenient than normal. Make sure what you're buying has a return policy, and mark on your calendar when the due date is.


Shipping rates do actually increase during this busy season, and delays due to winter weather in certain parts of the world make even paid shipping sometimes null and void. When you shop early, free shipping is simply the easiest way to save money and get more for your buck.


If you do need something last minute that you forgot, don't worry - many large retailers (and small ones, including us!) are participating in Free Shipping Day, which will be December 14th. During the busiest time of the year for package delivery, this gives enough of a precautionary buffer so your gifts can arrive in time to make it under the Christmas tree.

Want more info on what Lilac Market is up to for Black Friday? Find everything you need for the best discounts at our Black Friday page here!