subject: How to Shop and Survive Black Friday [print this page] How to Shop and Survive Black Friday How to Shop and Survive Black Friday
Most of us along with retailers believe that Black Friday is the biggest and busiest shopping day of the year and some people including myself actually enjoy the madness. The serious bargain shoppers may camp out overnight to get their hands on what they consider to be big discounts.
"Black Friday" is the kickoff for the holiday shopping season and we expect bargains, deep discounts and deals! Subscribers to a daily newspaper(s) know that the Thanksgiving Day edition will be packed with ads and money saving deals. After feasting on delicious food, many will sit down and peruse the ads.
How does one survive the madness of "Black Friday"? By creating a plan of attack!
Make a list of the people that you are planning to buy gifts for and write the name of the item you are want to purchase. This little trick will save you time and reduce the headache of last minute gift buying.
Make your list on your lunch break or commute to and from work if you ride public transportation. Gather as many local newspaper ads as you can for this day. Many ads can be found at http://www.blackfriday.gottadeal.com/ and other websites listed below. You want to know where the sales are and the hours that you can get the deepest discounts. Some stores have sales going on all day while others hold theirs only for a few hours (5am-8am).
If you are using a debit/credit card, know the daily limit or if there is a set daily limit. (How much you can spend per day). Some financial institutions have a set daily limit. This is done to protect you from unauthorized purchases. Call your financial institution to make an inquiry if you do not know whether there is a limit.
Consider wearing a fanny pack instead of taking a purse. If you opt to take a purse make it a small shoulder strap; one that will hold the bare essentials (ID, debit/credit card, cash, lipstick, etc.). Never leave your purse unattended in a shopping cart; not even for one second.
Keep an eye on your shopping cart; someone other than yourself might like those bargains you worked so hard to find.
Bring food, snacks and plenty of water to keep your energy up.
Shop with a buddy or two. Divide your list among your partners. By doing this, you all can shop different departments and possibly reduce your shopping time. Stay in touch by cell phone or texting. Texting may cause you to lose your focus and precious time.
Designate a meeting place & time (e.g. shoe department, 6:30am).
This is not an activity for the "faint hearted". Leave young children, grumpy friends and spouses at home.
Check out Black Friday deals online. Some ads have already been leaked to certain websites (see list below). SHH.take advantage of this knowledge, you may be able to beat the in-store prices on some items.
Some stores are opened on Thanksgiving Day to get a jump on their competitors. Thanksgiving Day shopping is called "Brown Thursday". Check online stores for Thanksgiving Day specials too.
Clip coupons and place them in an envelope or have them sent to your Iphone. Take your ad flyers with you, so that you will know exactly what you are shopping for.
Prep the night before. Lay out clothing, ads, coupons, shopping list with stores listed for each item, charge the cell phone, etc. Wear comfort clothing and shoes.
Sign up to receive Black Friday alerts from the websites below.
http://www.dealtaker.com/blackfriday.html
http://www.dealighted.com/
Have Fun! Chat with the people in line and laugh a lot! Spend wisely!
