Black Friday virgin.......need pointers!

[Minnie_me]

I have never ever shopped on Black Friday. We have always been out of town, visiting relatives, and have our own traditions for the day after Thanksgiving. But this year, we are staying home, and my teenaged DDs want to experience Black Friday shopping.

So...........how does one get the full experience!??! What are your best Black Friday tips and tricks?

 

[nicolita3]

If you are going for door busters get there early, as in hours early.

If you are going for DVDs at Walmart get there at least an hour early.

Bring snacks.

If you are getting smaller items ditch the cart and use a bag.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Be prepared for lots of lines.

Have fun.

 

[disneychrista]

Don't expect to get ANYTHING that you went into get.

And don't expect anyone to have manners.

 

[OhMari]

If you want bargains, go into less popular stores in malls. They will have up to 40% off like Aeropostle AE. Regis hair salon has 50% any service.

You will experience long lines for checking out, Kohls is definitely the worst.

 

[StephMK]

If you want the top bargains - electronics, etc. -plan to get there early and wait. Decide if you want to be right in the thick of it or wait a bit and do it more leisurely.

We keep our expectations low for what we'll find and while we have waited in line, we normally arrive after the biggest crush and the crowds are nicer then. Last year early on, we almost saw a fight over some boots at Herberger's. Just silliness.

Usually, DD19 & I like to get up and go around 7am and that is our plan for this year. We are not following when stores will open anymore. We check Target for cheap movies & PJs and whatever odds and ends we have in mind. It's not a disappointment if we can't get something. We get Starbucks & hit whatever stores we're in the mood to see.

We went last year at midnight but really prefer the early morning on Friday. We get back around 9am, talk w/MIL & the family, then go out again w/her & DH to other places later in the day. We are not going to the stores on T-day at all this year.

I would dress in layers - it will be cold out but warm in the stores. A lightweight purse is easier to carry around and wear comfortable shoes. Have fun!

 

[wenrob]

Don't expect to get ANYTHING that you went into get. And don't expect anyone to have manners.

Meh, I usually go after the big rush and manage to get everything I was after. I've never waited in line to get in on Black Friday. Then again, I'm usually going for middle of the road stuff. Back in the day they would release the newest Nintendo/Zelda games of BF and I got every time going "late."
That said, my advice, go for the fun and hope you score some nice deals. Keep an even temper and don't fight. Much like Disney I've had some really cool chats and met some really cool people in BF.

 

[oneprincessjo]

I remember being all excited to go on my first Black Friday shopping spree in my late teens and got quite irritated shortly after arriving so I immediately left and went back out around 10-11am and got some deals that were being put out in waves throughout the day. As I have gotten later into my 20's I realized there were much better sales 2-3 weeks before Christmas and found myself returning a tv and buying one similar or better quality for much cheaper. At 30 years old I don't bother with it at all, I just don't like it. I'm done shopping anyway and landed some awesome cyber sales over the past couple weeks.

Edit: the one store that seems to be the most organized in my experience is Best Buy, they have those lines going like a well oiled machine... If I ever do Black Friday again that will probably be the only store that I would willing wait in line at a few hours before opening...

Side note: I always see guys cart around these huge hot chocolate machines and sell cups to people waiting in line, they must make a killing during those several hours when the temp is in teens and 20's. LOL

 

[Megkel]

I love Black Friday I have been going for years. Know what you are going for! Don't walk in the store without a plan. Everyone is going everywhere it's a mad house. If you know what you want and the general direction it is you will be ahead of the crowd. Have a list of what is most important and go there first. It's busy, people pushing, rude, and traffic is a mess. Have patience. It's a lot of fun but if you are not prepared and let it get under your skin you will not have any fun. Good luck!

 

[Robinrs]

Black Friday experiences are, like anything, relative.

Relative to your location, your intentions, and what you're interested in.

I've been doing "BF" since the early 1970s, back when they were called the "Day after Thanksgiving" sales. My Mom was a big DAT buyer, so much that the NY Daily News was brought out after dinner so she could plan her trips.

I've done BF in Chattanooga, Savannah, Orlando, Atlanta and originally, Brooklyn NY. The difference in the experience is as different as the attitudes of the people you meet in all of the different environments.

This year we're doing it in Lawrenceville, GA, my new home north of Atlanta. I have no idea what to expect but I will find out. I do MOST of my shopping online and the rest I do with the attitude that I'm going to have a good time and I do. I've only been disappointed ONE TIME, last year when the TV I wanted in Target sold out right in front of me but they offered me a higher definition BETTER one for a few dollars more.

Don't be turned off by the reports on television. No TV cameras would EVER record the places I go to because I've never seen chaos in any of the places I've been to. They LOOK for them, that is news. Unfortunately it's also some people's ONLY experience with Black Friday.

 

[3boymthr]

- Make sure you have MORE money than you plan to spend on gifts. Not more than your total christmas budget but enough to allow for that item that you see that just screams buy me for grandpa or for the acessory you forgot about for the electronic that you just bought that's also on sale (i.e. cables and SD cards and cases, etc.). I usually allow an extra $100. ETA oh and for food and drinks shopping is hungry and thirsty work.
- Scan all the ads very carefully and make a list of items you want to buy and at which stores they're on sale and what time that store opens and how's long it usually takes to get there. Sometimes an item will be sold out at one store but still availble at a second or third store.
-Bring the ads with you to review and take a copybinto each store. Then you can argue the register price if it doesn't match the ad price with the cashier more easily.
- Scan the computer carefully tonight and tomorrow and tuesday for coupons for items you want to buy and print them out right away. Many stores that offer printable coupons will have them available online thru tomorrow or even Wed but they disappear as soon as the printed BF ad is released. Take extra copies of the coupon. You will make someones night .
- Some stores like Michaels, bed bath and beyond etc send coupons via text. If a store you plan to visit offers this option sign up for them now. Sometimes it takes a couple of days for the first text to arrive

-if there's no parking available be prepared to walk away from a store without ever going in and move on to the next one.
-If you want to go to Walmart be prepared to arrive hours early - just so you can get in the store - nevermind get the hot doorbusters. I personally don't find any sale at Walmart worth spending an hour circling the parking lot looking for a spot two or three hours in line waiting to grab the item and then another hour in line waiting to pay. Same goes for best buy.

ETA- go with having fun in mind and savor the camaraderie of the wait. I took Oldest DS with me last year he had a blast just people watching getting a free donut at Bass Pro shops and the free give away at JC Penney and...

 

[tlenzendorf]

Do as much online shopping as you can Thursday to get the stuff you really want. I was able to get over 50% of my items online. Then we went out for the fun of it The thrill of the hunt!

 

[Holly324]

I just have to add my 2 cents here. I LOVE Black Friday. My family teases me and says it is "my" holiday. Anyway, my biggest advice is to go into it to HAVE FUN! The lines might be long, but we always chat with the people around us and genuinely have a great time. People get grumpy about getting the best deal - my theory is that if I get it, great, but if not, I am there to have a great time. I hope you have a good time shopping!

 

[dismom115]

I use an app to organize my list- there are several free ones. Make your list a wish list not a must have list- you won't get everything! Decide early how willing you are to stand in line for items and by line I mean one hour or more! In stores with long lines, one person get in line to hold a spot while the other shops. Have fun, be festive, laugh a lot! Keep it all in perspective!

 

[Minnie_me]

Thanks for the tips! My 12-year old DD and I are headed out tomorrow morning. Any more last minute advice??

 

[3boymthr]

Have fun and wear comfortable shoes

 

[MSSANDRA]

You have gotten lots of good advice. My question was just answered. How old is your DD. Just know it can get a bit crazy. Explain to her that you guys will have to stick together and have a plan in case you would become separated. I lost DH one year in wal-mart and he would not answer his phone. I wasted a ton of time looking for him. I would be sure you both have well charged cell phones. Carry a cross body bag and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Take snacks and maybe even a thermos of coffee. Star Bucks can be as bad as wal-mart!! Decide what time you want to go. Here, some things open at 5 or 6pm Thursday night, some at midnight and others at 4 or 5am Friday. Its way more fun if you don't set your expectations too high and just have fun shopping for deals. Be careful however not to buy things you will never use. That 10.00 pogo stick seemed like a good idea at the time!!!!!

 

[libinatorsmom]

my advice is don't go!!!! lol so much more online and better deals after black Friday! to me its not worth it....

 

[KennesawNemo]

I am a black Friday virgin too!

I am only going to Walmart for the Ipad Air deal. I need to buy 2 so that's a $200 saving to me.

I wonder if I go at 5pm, will I make it? Ipad Air is guaranteed for the first hour.

I refuse to go any earlier than 5pm, even if it's a $200 saving.

 

[ktlm]

I am a black Friday virgin too!

I am only going to Walmart for the Ipad Air deal. I need to buy 2 so that's a $200 saving to me.

I wonder if I go at 5pm, will I make it? Ipad Air is guaranteed for the first hour.

I refuse to go any earlier than 5pm, even if it's a $200 saving.

We have the one hour guarantee at our Walmart here too. I'm wondering if it is really going to work, because it seems like a ton of people are talking about getting over there to get the iPad deals. I can't imagine they can fill orders for all of them that price by Christmas! I think we are going to try going over there though!

 

[KennesawNemo]

We have the one hour guarantee at our Walmart here too. I'm wondering if it is really going to work, because it seems like a ton of people are talking about getting over there to get the iPad deals. I can't imagine they can fill orders for all of them that price by Christmas! I think we are going to try going over there though!

I am debating with myself if I should drive a little further to a Walmart in a less populated area.

I am really scared now. Just watched couple BF Walmart video on youtube.