I learned a few tricks that make it easier and to me, the deals and relief of getting most of my shopping done in one day are worth it. I'll share five of my Black Friday tips in this blog entry.
- Plan ahead. Instead of watching football on Thanksgiving Thursday I scour the flyers that come with the newspaper. (Many retailers even have preview ads online this year.) I make up a shopping list ahead of time so I determine which stores have the best prices for the items I need. I write down the store(s) in which I can get each item and bring that list with me so I waste no time browsing while I shop.
- Avoid electronics. Unless you really-really-really want that TV or other appliance, avoid electronics stores on Black Friday. (Or, make that your primary objective and plan on doing that only.) I skip stores like Best Buy, Walmart, and Target because I know they'll be zoos. I don't want to stand in a line just to get in the store so I start elsewhere. If I make it there later, fine.
- Know where you're going. I decide which items are the most important for me to get and plan on going to those stores first. Then I map out the rest of my route for the day. If the trip involves a mall, all the better, because that only involves parking once.
- Start early. Get to the first store as soon as it opens. You may want to adjust your plan in #3 to start at a less important store if it opens earlier than a more important store. Starting earlier means that it's easier to park, the stores are less crowded, and the check-out lines are shorter. Yes, Black Friday is busy all day, but the crowds at 4:00 a.m. on Black Friday are equivalent to 6:00 p.m. on a regular day. By 10:00 a.m. they're unbelievable.
- Bring water, a snack, and your patience. Everyone is focused and in a rush. Don't forget that you're purchasing gifts as part of the holiday season. It never hurts to remember what that's all about!
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