Surviving Black Friday

While I'm not one to get up early and stand in line waiting for stores to open, I know many of you are, so I thought I'd share some Black Friday tips I've read and heard elsewhere.



1) Check out http://bfads.net/ or http://www.theblackfriday.com/ to plan your shopping trip ahead of time. Check store hours so you know what's open when and what time you need to be there to get the doorbuster deals. Then, plan which store you'll hit first, second, etc.



2) Team up with a friend or relative. If there is a good deal you want and two stores, have someone else go to one while you go to the other. You get what you both want from the store you're at and your partner does the same. Then meet later to divy up the goods and reimburse each other.



3) Throughout the year, make a list of items you would like to buy IF they are deeply discounted on Black Friday. Then, check the ads and make decisions on your purchases.



4) Make a list of gifts and pre-shop the day before so you know the layout of each store and exactly where each item is located. Then start with either the most expensive gift, or the one that is most important to purchase.



5) Make sure what you are buying is actually a good deal! Check online stores like amazon.com to compare prices.



6) Hit smaller, less trafficked stores like Ace Hardware and CVS. Less busy, and still great deals.



7) If you miss the deal, check online retailers in the coming days and weeks. You might be able to find the item at the same or just a little higher price.



8) Make a list and don't deviate from it! Get in, get what you need, and get out.



9) Don't stand in line for hours unless you are trying to get electronics.



10) If the store is sold out, always ask for a raincheck. They might give you one and you'll get the item the next week at the BF price.



11) Take your coupons and use them! Make a great price even better.



Seems like the best advices is to plan, plan, plan, and then stick to your plan!



Happy shopping to all and to all a good night :-)



All tips were gleaned from thrifty posters on http://www.savvydollar.org/