It’s almost become the most controversial time of the year to shop instead of the most wonderful time of the year. As stores roll back their hours deeper and deeper into the Thanksgiving Holiday, the divide between shoppers and non-shoppers is getting a little nasty on social media. Whether you plan to shop or not, be kind to one another, ok Lords and Ladies?
If you are planning on shopping here are a few tips that I always advise Black Friday Shoppers to take note of:
Have a Plan: If you actually plan on doing more than browsing, it’s a great idea to get a solid list, budget, and plan of action on paper before you leave the house. Wandering the aisles and browsing just for the sake of the “holiday spirit” will cause you to overspend. At a bare minimum bring a limited amount of cash to spend with you and swear off the plastic for the day. Cash is a fantastic hedge around your budget, keeping dollars from flying out of your bank account.
Use the Internet: Ads for nearly every store have already been “leaked” or even already been posted on store websites. I’ve been watching the deals roll in on sites like Black Friday Ads and Bargain Briana. These ads will help you determine which deals you want to explore at what stores as well as what time everywhere opens. If you don’t want to head out to partake in the money saving frenzy, the good news is that Amazon has gone toe-to-toe with the big box retailers on the hot ticket items the past 2-3 years. They haven’t released their “Black Friday Ad” yet, but I’m guessing you’ll see a lot of the same items at hot prices.
Look for the Unusual: While everyone else lines up for the hot gaming system or the flat screen tv, you’ll find me hanging out in the housewares department. It’s the best time of the year to purchase everything from towels ($2 at Target and $1.74 at Walmart this year) to coffee pots to vacuum cleaners. I’ve seen awesome deals on pajamas and underwear, too. Think outside of the toy box. While items like electronics will certainly be wiped out within an hour many of the household goods will be restocked throughout the day so you can pick them up without a turkey tummy ache.
Be Nice: There is certainly no reason to be a Black Friday warrior, shopping all alone. Take a friend with you to enjoy the day. Plus, the two of you can team together to share the shopping load. One shopper can position herself in an under-trafficked aisle like the pharmacy while the other darts around to get good deals. This will avoid “cart gridlock.” Or you can hold a place in line while one shoppers snags deals and then switch places. Overall, be nice to other shoppers. A spirit of kindness will help you remember that people are always more important than things, no matter how low the price tag.
Do you plan on “Black Friday” shopping this year? What tips would your recommend?
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[…] and board games. Whatever you’re looking for this Black Friday, don’t forget the Smart Black Friday Shopping Tips I shared earlier this week as well as our Christmas […]