With the economy still a mess and Americans trying to get back on their feet. More people will be out on Black Friday trying to grab all the deals they can. Black Friday has the reputation of being the busiest shopping day of the year.
What is Black Friday? It is the day after Thanksgiving with the word “Black” meaning making a profit. Stores offer deep price cuts on several items in their store for a limited time or through out the day to encourage customers to shop. The hope of the retailer is that you will come in and not only purchase the deals but other items that may not be on sale. Just because it is Black Friday does not always mean you are getting a great deal, that is why during this shopping spree you should have a clear plan in mind before heading out. Here are a few tips for planning a Black Friday Shopping event.
Grab a friend: I suggest you never go shopping on Black Friday without a friend. You will be out waiting for stores to open early in the morning and sometimes the night before. Always remember safety is important during this time. Make sure someone who is not going shopping with you also knows the plan. If the plan changes give them a call and let them know.
Prepare: Research Black Friday Ads and compare current prices. It is not worth staying up all night for a DVD if you are only saving a $1. Most people shopping Black Friday are looking for large ticket Items such as; Big screen TV’s, DVD Players, X-Boxes/Play stations and laptops. If you want a toaster sleep in, it’s not worth the time and hassle to save a few dollars. Save all the Black Friday ads from your newspaper or go onto http://www.bfads.net/ to see the latest listing.
The Plan: Okay, now you have your buddy and you have looked over all the Ads and know what you want. Time to make a plan; decide which store you will go to first, then next and so on. I suggest if a store has a limited number available or only offering the deal for a limited time frame camp out at that store first. Some stores have their specials going all day so you really don’t have to hit that store first. Here is an example: I was looking for laptops for my kids at Staples and they had them on sale for $326 w/ a free printer. Each store had a limited supply of them and only one per person. The over all saving would be $360 each laptop. Each store had 10 laptops to give away at that price. I knew I had to be first in line if I was going to get these laptops.
Pick the stores: Plan out which stores you are going to go to. With the laptops I found a Staples that had just opened up in a remote location, very few people new about this Staples other than those who lived in the area. I decided to camp out at that store. I also had back up stores and addresses in case I had to try another location. This is important, because once they are out everyone heads to the next store until they get their item or lose out on the deal.
What’s next: Time to get up and head out, some people never go to sleep and get inline right after their thanksgiving dinner. Others go to sleep, get up and get into line around Midnight. What ever you decide be prepared. Dress for the weather; bring blankets, folding chairs, book, drinks and snacks. It’s a long wait and it gets very cool early in the morning. Each store manager handles the event in their own way. When I was at Staples they had donuts and coffee, they gave clear instruction on how they planned on letting people in the store. They also handed out tickets for the limited Items. So, for example I received a ticket for the laptop and so did my partner meaning we were guaranteed a laptop. This also gave others in line an opportunity to get out and head to another store. The manager let in 10 people at a time, letting one person in every time one left. Staples handled Black Friday perfect and it was safe and enjoyable because of it. I suggest avoiding stores that just open the doors and allow people to just run in. This is very dangerous and many people have been hurt. I suggest going to the stores you plan on shopping at and ask them how they are handling letting people in. If they do not have a plan I suggest shopping some where else. Don’t get hurt trying to save a few dollars!
Other Tips:
One hour before the store opens take your chairs and other belongings to the car.
(One person stays in line while the other puts the stuff away. No one will hold your spot!)
What is Black Friday? It is the day after Thanksgiving with the word “Black” meaning making a profit. Stores offer deep price cuts on several items in their store for a limited time or through out the day to encourage customers to shop. The hope of the retailer is that you will come in and not only purchase the deals but other items that may not be on sale. Just because it is Black Friday does not always mean you are getting a great deal, that is why during this shopping spree you should have a clear plan in mind before heading out. Here are a few tips for planning a Black Friday Shopping event.
Grab a friend: I suggest you never go shopping on Black Friday without a friend. You will be out waiting for stores to open early in the morning and sometimes the night before. Always remember safety is important during this time. Make sure someone who is not going shopping with you also knows the plan. If the plan changes give them a call and let them know.
Prepare: Research Black Friday Ads and compare current prices. It is not worth staying up all night for a DVD if you are only saving a $1. Most people shopping Black Friday are looking for large ticket Items such as; Big screen TV’s, DVD Players, X-Boxes/Play stations and laptops. If you want a toaster sleep in, it’s not worth the time and hassle to save a few dollars. Save all the Black Friday ads from your newspaper or go onto http://www.bfads.net/ to see the latest listing.
The Plan: Okay, now you have your buddy and you have looked over all the Ads and know what you want. Time to make a plan; decide which store you will go to first, then next and so on. I suggest if a store has a limited number available or only offering the deal for a limited time frame camp out at that store first. Some stores have their specials going all day so you really don’t have to hit that store first. Here is an example: I was looking for laptops for my kids at Staples and they had them on sale for $326 w/ a free printer. Each store had a limited supply of them and only one per person. The over all saving would be $360 each laptop. Each store had 10 laptops to give away at that price. I knew I had to be first in line if I was going to get these laptops.
Pick the stores: Plan out which stores you are going to go to. With the laptops I found a Staples that had just opened up in a remote location, very few people new about this Staples other than those who lived in the area. I decided to camp out at that store. I also had back up stores and addresses in case I had to try another location. This is important, because once they are out everyone heads to the next store until they get their item or lose out on the deal.
What’s next: Time to get up and head out, some people never go to sleep and get inline right after their thanksgiving dinner. Others go to sleep, get up and get into line around Midnight. What ever you decide be prepared. Dress for the weather; bring blankets, folding chairs, book, drinks and snacks. It’s a long wait and it gets very cool early in the morning. Each store manager handles the event in their own way. When I was at Staples they had donuts and coffee, they gave clear instruction on how they planned on letting people in the store. They also handed out tickets for the limited Items. So, for example I received a ticket for the laptop and so did my partner meaning we were guaranteed a laptop. This also gave others in line an opportunity to get out and head to another store. The manager let in 10 people at a time, letting one person in every time one left. Staples handled Black Friday perfect and it was safe and enjoyable because of it. I suggest avoiding stores that just open the doors and allow people to just run in. This is very dangerous and many people have been hurt. I suggest going to the stores you plan on shopping at and ask them how they are handling letting people in. If they do not have a plan I suggest shopping some where else. Don’t get hurt trying to save a few dollars!
Other Tips:
One hour before the store opens take your chairs and other belongings to the car.
(One person stays in line while the other puts the stuff away. No one will hold your spot!)
Once the doors open go straight to the item you want most, and then look around for other deals.
Meet your friend outside the store
Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. People have been robbed right outside the store.
Stay safe and remember no deal is worth compromising your health and safety.
Have fun and enjoy it is really a great adventure!
Meet your friend outside the store
Make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. People have been robbed right outside the store.
Stay safe and remember no deal is worth compromising your health and safety.
Have fun and enjoy it is really a great adventure!
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