BF-How bad is it REALLY??

[the kabuki]

So this will be my 1st BF experience.

I've been reading some horror stories on other forums about how rude, obnoxious and downright mean people can get on this day. Even read about some assaults!

Much of this behavior seemed to occur at Walmart's , although there were other stores mentioned also. Even a employee at Sears' tonight commented on how awfully mean people were on BF.

So what am I really in for?? It's not like I'm going after the high end electronics or super hot new toy. Just a few things that are good deals.Do I need to bring batons, really big Mag flashlight, hmmm...maybe a walking stick??

I'm starting to get real nervous

 

[Julia M]

I've never had any issues, but I haven't been at Walmart when it first opens, either.

I go with some girlfriends....we have a great time and we've always gotten what we were after.

Have a great time.

Julia

 

[kilee]

I've seen fistfights at both Walmart and Target. Doesn't really matter what you're going for- they "hot" items are usually scattered throughout the store.

I LOVE shopping on BF. However you really have to be in the mindset to go. Yep you'll encounter lots of rude people. Some may even try to steal something you have. You will get bumped into A LOT. You may even get more pushed than bumped- it comes w/ the terriortory. You'll face lines everywhere. It will be almost impossible to find a parking spot or a cart.

However, in spite of all this- there is something "magical" about shopping at 5am on BF. I go EVERY year. Look forward to it.

 

[swilshire]

I agree with the previous poster. I would probably be there even if I didn't see anything I really needed/wanted. It's a special group of people and most are fairly jovial until the stores open. Then it's every man for himself and tough. I usually take at least one or two of my bigger kids to help with the reaching and grabbing, and we never get everything on our list, but usually we get the biggest items we wanted. We have a plan and sometimes separate at different stores, but are usually pretty well done by lunch time and ready for a rest.

Sheila

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

For the most-part, it's very civilized around here. People wait patiently in line drinking their coffee and chatting until the store opens. There are employees at the entrance actually passing the carts out to each shopper.

Then the traffic jams begin as everyone hunts down the items on their list. It can be very frustrating not being able to move down normally uncluttered aisles. The last time I went, I took DD15 with me to get the things on my list while I stood with the cart and "guarded" it.

I really think that the degree of frustration and tension is directly linked to the supply and availability of those "hot" items. I would expect quite a bit of tension at WalMart in the computer section when people try to obtain and then maneuver those bargain computers to the registers. I don't expect that one would see the same degree of tension at Strawbridge's over their cashmere/silk sweaters.

 

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

Well, I am now 30 years old and I have gone since I was 14. It's a family tradition...my mother, sister & I get on the floor & look at the sales ad on Thanksgiving. Make our list and are in bed by 10:00 for an early rise (around 3:00). All in all the people are nice. While waiting in line you get to chatting and it's actually fun. Last year at KB-Toys they had scooters for $9.99 regularly $49.99. The people in line around me kept asking how much...to make a long story short they had someone's child go and get about 10 more scooters for the people in line! Also, if you spent $100 you could get a gameboy for cheap. A couple people who did not know each other put there order together so, 1 person could get the gameboy. So, I think it is an excellent start to Christmas. Yes, you do have the occasional rude or inconsiderate person but, hey you can get those types of people anytime! Go with a positive attitude and you will become a habitual black friday shopper

 

[4greatboys]

The worst part for me have been lines to check out. They have been really long. Maybe you can take someone with you to wait in line, grab your stuff and find your person. I havent seen any fights (knock on wood) and I hope not to.

 

[can'twait]

LOL, I was wondering the same thing! I've never done it but am considering it this year because DH and I have the day off. We usually take a day off during the week in early December, but we can't this year. There isn't a "hot" item we are looking for, but we could use some deals! Neither of us are into getting up at the crack of dawn and we hate crowds and obnoxious people. I was wondering if we went out in the early afternoon would most of the crazies be done by then and heading home? But will the stores be empty of merchandise? Will we miss out on the deals? What do you guys think?

 

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

LOL, I was wondering the same thing! I've never done it but am considering it this year because DH and I have the day off. We usually take a day off during the week in early December, but we can't this year. There isn't a "hot" item we are looking for, but we could use some deals! Neither of us are into getting up at the crack of dawn and we hate crowds and obnoxious people. I was wondering if we went out in the early afternoon would most of the crazies be done by then and heading home? But will the stores be empty of merchandise? Will we miss out on the deals? What do you guys think?

You will miss out on most of the deals. The sales are normally from 5-10 or 6-11. I wouldn't say "crazies" as I consider myself pretty sane!!! I just don't mind a little work to save some money...

 

[Shagley]

In the past I have gone shopping in the late morning/ early afternoon on Black Friday, and it was great. The crowds have mostly gone, but the stores still have all the extra employees on the registers, so there are very few lines. Most of the stores still have great sale prices. Of course the stores are always a mess by then, but it is much more peaceful and you still get great deals. If you aren't trying to get a door buster deal, then I would recommend waiting until later in the morning.

 

[maggiew]

Luckily I have never witnessed a fist fight or anything. But be prepared for lines. I once went to Best Buy at opening to get a few DVDs and a free after rebate webcam and a couple other things. Anyway, I was in line forever. I barely moved.

Maggie

 

[kilee]

If you don't like crowds I wouldn't go. I guess it might really depend on your area. We live in a rural area that is considered pretty nice- and they do get crazy. I mentioned the fights. The last 2 years we've had the cops at both Walmart and Target to keep order starting 2 hours before opening. I think it's something everyone should try just once. If you aren't having fun- then I'd say just give up and go home. At least then you'll know.

 

[My2Cinderellas]

DH seems to like the challenge and he's the computer geek who is after "parts". so I volunteer to stay home with the girls. Hhhmmmm - get up at 4am to go stand in 15-20 degree cold or stay in my warm comfy bed and sleep. it's a no-brainer!

Don't go to browse - you have to know exactly what you want at each store, get it and grab it, then stand in line forever to pay. move on to the next store. Also - best buy is notorious for having about 10 of a superdeal on hand, so if you aren't there in line at 4am, forget it.

 

[CheapMom]

I have done BF for the past 10 years. Usually WalMart is my first stop but have also done Circuit City and Best Buy.

I have never gotten in line super-early. I usually go about 45 minutes prior to opening.
I have never seen a fight or argument.
They have never run out of door busters (at least the ones I was intersted)
I think the check-out lines are shorter on BF morning (because every register is open) than during regular shopping hours.
I am always prepared to be careened into with a shopping cart at least once at each store.
The crowds are big- the line outside is big- but it moves fast. I wouldn't miss it for anything.

I live in a low population area so the crowds probably aren't so bad compared to other places- this also might explain why the stores I go to don't run out of doorbusters like other people are reporting.

 

[dturner]

Also - best buy is notorious for having about 10 of a superdeal on hand, so if you aren't there in line at 4am, forget it.

This is what I was thinking about last night - I just want to go to Target to get the Gameboy bundle but started thinking "just how many of these things will be available?" It's NOT worth getting up that early if there are only a handful available.

 

[poohj80]

DH and I tried it once a few years ago (I had done it growing up with my family but he never had) and decided never again. It's not worth the stress and time waiting in line (time is money) when we can sleep in, order online, and have it come straight to our house.

 

[OhMari]

Kohl's is advertising that the on-line site will be open for their Door-busters at 1:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Friday. So, would I be able to order the 5 pix digital camera?

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

So this will be my 1st BF experience.

I've been reading some horror stories on other forums about how rude, obnoxious and downright mean people can get on this day. Even read about some assaults!

Much of this behavior seemed to occur at Walmart's , although there were other stores mentioned also. Even a employee at Sears' tonight commented on how awfully mean people were on BF.

So what am I really in for?? It's not like I'm going after the high end electronics or super hot new toy. Just a few things that are good deals.Do I need to bring batons, really big Mag flashlight, hmmm...maybe a walking stick??


I've done it the last three years and most people are nice but it is a MAD HOUSE especially Wal- Mart. Most of the things I purchased last year ended up being on sale closer to Christmas anyway for only $5 more so this year I'm skipping it. Good Luck if you go !

 

[mjc05]

I do it every year, waiting in line for the store to open is no big deal, everyone is in the holiday spirit and it's pretty fun (although cold). Once the doors open, some people go commando and they will trample anyone who gets in their way. Not bad people, just 'Christmas intense' about a certain item. If you know what you want, head straight for that item(s), don't get sidetracked by sparkly Christmas decorations or anything.

There's always a few people who will act like they are the only people out shopping that day, but it's actually pretty fun. Nothing like BF for that huge shot of Holiday spirit.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I tried BF once and it just was NOT worth it!

I dragged my butt out of bed at 5am and headed over to the store...I wasn't even trying to get any "hot" deals or super buys, but the store had several toys I needed for 50% off. -- It was a total madhouse and the lines were practically to the back of the store. It was ridiculous. I didn't see any fist fights, but there was some pushing and shoving and people were just nasty...I was standing in line at one store and leaned over to grab a pack of socks on the end cap...didn't move my feet...just leaned over to get the socks and two people cut right in front of me in line.