Do you? Do you shop on Black Friday? Every year I say I’m not going to. Or I’m all like, “this is the year I retire.” And then it’s never true. I still go. This year I was definitely NOT going. Until my friend Kaitlin called me up and asked if I wanted to go. I told her I’d think about it and within hours I was like “I’M IN!!” What can I say, I love me a good deal.
But, Black Friday isn’t always filled with good deals. Often times consumers think something’s a good deal just because it’s in a Black Friday ad. I thought I’d share a few tips with you if you are venturing out for the shopping extravaganza.
1. Have a plan: This is by far the most important. Know what store you’re going to at what time, depending on when the stores open. Know exactly what you’re looking for or need at each store. When finding a parking spot plan to park in the first one you find. You’ll get more worked up trying to look for a “good” spot than just walking the extra 2 minutes from the further spot. It’s good for ya anyway!
2. Have a list: Have a list of the items you’re shopping for, of things you might need or grab if they’re at a great price. I always carry a list with people’s names and gift suggestions next to it to make my shopping a little easier.
2. Think outside of holiday gifts: Black Friday is a great time to stock up on things that you or your family might need. I’ll definitely be doing some shopping for Al and I. For example, mens white t-shirts and underwear are on sale for an incredible price at a few different stores. I’ll be stocking up on those because they don’t often go on super sale.
3. Still look for coupons: Target has coupons printable right from their website and they always have coupons for clothing. Match a great Black Friday clothing deal with a website coupon and you could be grabbing articles of clothing for just a few dollars each.
4. Snacks and water: Don’t leave home without both! You’ll be very unhappy if you do. No one needs to be with a cranky shopper from a blood sugar drop. Pack your bag with granola bars and trail mix.
5. Check prices: Check around at some prices. What you think might be a great deal might actually not be. It’s a marketing trick by the retailers. If consumers see it in the ad they automatically assume it’s a great deal. Not always the case, do your research.
6. You don’t have to get up at 3am and be first in line: If you aren’t looking to score one of the door-buster deals then you don’t have to be up at the wee hours. Last year I remember the stores being SO pleasant around 9am because all the people who got up super early were back in bed already. But, you still get the great deals that are going on all day.
7. Don’t buy things just because it’s a good deal: Don’t spend money you don’t need to. Just because zip drives are on sale for $3 doesn’t mean you stock up on them when you don’t use or need them. This defeats you trying to save some money.
8. Have fun and be nice: It’s supposed to be a fun day of shopping and over the years people have gotten completely nasty. I recall last year being in a check out line with my sister. No one else was in line and this woman just busted over and jumped in front of us, even though our stuff was already on the counter. The cashier told the woman we were in line and the lady got angry, threw her items at the cashier and stormed out of the store swearing. It was so absurd, but we, including many employees, had a good laugh about it.
Did I miss any?! Do you guys have any tips to add? Share in the comments if you do. Most important, have fun and be safe! Kaitlin and I will be out nice and early, well I guess nice and late since the stores open Thursday night now. I even convinced my sister to come along. I guess we’ll never retire from it…!
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