The thrill of Black Friday shopping is upon us. But the thought of discounted products is not the only aspect that’s thrilling consumers; as the real thrill often comes from those midnight doorbuster deals, when hoards of shoppers barge through doors and race through the stores.

If you want to avoid this side of the thrill, and prefer to shop at your own leisure, then here are a few tips to saving money and time on Black Friday.

 1. Download phone apps.

Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and since the first iPhone, our advances have come very far. Respectively, numerous stores and businesses caught onto this trend and have developed mobile apps to make shopping easier and more efficient for consumers.

Downloading a store’s phone app will sometimes allow users access to coupon codes, exclusive deals and even a barcode scanner to check the price of their products while in the store. Users can even peruse through a store’s products before visiting.

Forever 21, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Hollister and Macy’s are just a few stores that have created phone apps for their shoppers’ convenience.

If you rather not download multiple apps, then there’s a website that allows you to access coupons from any store via a quick search. Not only is this efficient for Black Friday but also for the rest of the holiday shopping season.

2. Participate in a store’s rewards program.

In addition to having phone apps, some stores have started customer rewards programs. The more you buy from a store, the more savings you will get on future purchases, as you earn points with each purchase.

Signing up for a store’s reward program will also allow you access to member-only deals, coupons and sometimes even free gifts.

3. Pack carefully.

If you plan to shop for hours, then consider bringing a charger or a battery pack for your mobile phone. In addition, have water with you to keep hydrated, and choose a bag that will hold everything you need but also be secure enough to prevent you from losing items on your shopping adventure.

4. Shop online.

Some people may prefer going out and buying their items right away, but patience is a virtue and could benefit you in the end. Online shopping is a growing trend and could be the right way to go on Black Friday.

While you won’t be able to get products immediately, you could save a few bucks. Product prices online tend to be cheaper because they ship directly from store warehouses. In addition, some online stores don’t charge tax.

You can also use and search through multiple coupon codes to see which ones get you the most discount. A Google Chrome extension called Honey automatically does this for you, with the push of a button.

5. Wait for Cyber Monday.

Maybe you had too much Thanksgiving turkey and prefer not to brave the Black Friday crowds. If that’s the case, then consider waiting for Cyber Monday, which is a day dedicated to exclusive online discounts. Most stores lower their prices even further on Cyber Monday, giving you deals and bargains that are a steal at their price point.