Do you really save money on Black friday.

[SandrA9810]

Last year was my first time out for BF shopping. And I believed I saved a bundle. Kari wanted rockband for the Wii. Well all the kits were on sale for the 360 and PS3, but full price and hard to find for the Wii.
I spent 90$ total on drums, guitar, rockband 2, and lego rockband. I also came across a Blockbuster going out of business and snagged up a couple movies for a couple dollars and some more games for like 30-40% off.

This year, I'm not finding much. But I do love the grocery savings on a lot of the foods I can stockpile on.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I am also on the hunt for Target's 2TB drive for $69. This is half-price!

It is the ONLY thing I need on BF. I live less than a mile from Target. YAY.

I want to get new T-Shirt sheets. Our new dryer ate one of my sets. I hope they have those and not in pink. I'm not sure if those are in sale but since I'll be there anyway, I'll look.

I need a new camera, but I haven't seen a really good deal and I prefer Canons as I know where all the buttons are located!

But I really, really hope they decided to put the drives online Thanksgiving day! That would be awesome. Unlikely, but awesome.

 

[luvsJack]

I have always shopped on BF, unless away from home. I have actually rarely bought electronics on that day or big toys. I have NEVER been at TRU at opening--well, maybe once when my mom bought all of her granddaughters these HUGE dollhouses for like 19.99 or something (before i had a daughter).

We have almost always hit Kohls, Penneys or Belks for BF. I have been told that the first 100 people at Belks will receive a gift card ranging from 100-500dollars this year, if true, that is probably where I will start. DH is getting a TV for the den and dd for her room, but I haven't seen deals that I feel sure enough about to be worth the wait in line or taking a chance to actually getting. I will be looking more closely when I actually have the ads in hand.

I buy winter clothing, sheets, towels, etc. And I usually go through the ads and if I find a particular thing to get someone, I will get in line for that item. Got my mil a really nice heart with diamonds pendent one year. Would never have been able to keep it within my budget without BF. At one point my budget for my parents and my in-laws was $20; was able to find some nice gifts within that budget on BF.

ONe of the only times I purchased electronics I got a TV and DVD player for younger ds the first Christmas in this house (lost his in the fire). Got them both really cheap at Walmart and was almost afraid they wouldn't last. That was 8 years ago and both still work wonderfully. Oh, and I got DD's Gameboy on BF, it came with a couple of games so was a good deal.

I can't say I have save $100's on one item, but over all of what I buy that day, I do pretty good. I have never bought anything that I felt I could have gotten cheaper later on.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I don't do it anymore. My mother, who is a bargain shopper goddess, calls it " amateur day" . Really, I think it's a scam many times to get you into the store. They may have a laptop for $99.. But they neglect to say that they only have 25 in stock- no rain checks, of course. Then you have rude people shoving and fighting and that poor man that got trampled to death a couple of years ago.

Not worth it,IMHO. But, I know people who really enjoy it So, to each their own.

 

[mousefan1972]

Did it once and I will never do it again. Yes, my kids are late teens and early twenties which probably makes a diference, but I am not fighting the crowds to save a dollar or two. It is my day off work and I would rather sit in my house and enjoy the day with family and friends. I can shop anytime. To each their own.

This sums up how I feel 100%. Well, except for the ages of the kids. Even though mine are 5 and 7, I still won't fight the "Gotta be first in line" and "Get outta my way or I'll knock you over" mentality of that day, especially the early morning when the "doorbuster" sales are in effect. (I hate that word! Lol) It just isn't worth whatever $ I might save....

 

[luvsJack]

That "knock you down" mentality is why I don't do TRU, Walmart or Best Buy. Last year I waited in line at Home Depot and there was no fighting for items or anything of the sort--there weren't even that many people in line. At Belks, Penneys and Kohls I have never witnessed anyone being rude either. Its really not like that everywhere.

You do have to be careful because some things are a scam to get you in the store, but not always. You just have to be ready to NOT buy something that isn't quite what you expected.

When I can see the sheets are in JC Penneys every time I go in there and are $49.99 per set and on BF they are $9.99 as a doorbuster, or dd's favorite jeans are 80% off or Aeropostle has hoodies for $10--those things I know what I am getting and how much I am saving. Also, clothes that are marked down plus the extra % off during early hours are usually a good deal.

 

[Planogirl]

I have picked up great bargains and there are a few this year for things I have on my list anyway. Staying up until dawn is worth it to me if I save some money.

 

[SandrA9810]

I noticed many stores are handing out certificates to those in line so there is no shoving or fighting. For each major item in the store, a clerk starts at the front of the line and asks if they are after that particular product. Once the clerk runs out of certificates, then there's no more.

Worked the same way at Old Navy last year. Each clerk had enough wrist bands for for each system. They handed them out till there were no more. That way they could be stored safely behind the counter, and people didn't have to save a spot "in line" at the register to be one of the first. And it allowed those who did show up early enough to browse and shop.

I've never been in line for toys or other mad rush items like that. And probably won't touch it with a ten foot pole either.

 

[MSSANDRA]

It depends. We go every year and LOVE to do it. WE rarely get deals on the big gifts for DS or DGS but we do for everyone that we do not have a specific thing we have to buy. For example we know we need a gift for my sister and we look at what is a great deal and choose that. We head out about 4am, shop till the free breakfast at Sams around 6 and hit it again and often shop till 5 or 6 in the afternoon. WE save the things we know are not going to be on a big sale to late in the day when the crowds thin. Wal-mart has a huge sale on bikes this year and that is on DGS's list so we MIGHT brave wal-mart at 5am!!!

 

[Jonny_Duck]

A 40" 1080p TV for under $300. Yeah I think I save a little. Its not the greatest TV but for that price its a steal and should last me till LED/3D prices come down.

I am also going to grab a Blu-Ray and a TV stand. Also some $2 DVDs and Blu rays under $10.

Whether its a savings or not is sorta a wash. I normally wouldn't buy this stuff if it was full price but since its on sale I gotta have it! So I would say % off wise I save but no I spend more then I normally would.

 

[andycat]

Over the weekend Yahoo! Finance had a link (which I can't find right now) to a story on some of the tactics of the merchandisers on BF, especially on electronics. If you're looking for a screaming deal on a big screen TV, you may find that the models on sale for BF are "special" units with fewer features.

The article also pointed out the severely limited quantities - sometimes as few as four of a particularly popular item. The article pointed out that they hope you'll spring for a more expensive unit if the loss leader is already sold out.

 

[Ava]

I don't do Black Friday. I'd rather sit at home in my PJ's eating leftover pumpkin pie for breakfast.

If I were ever looking for a big ticket item like a big screen TV or computer, it might be worth it. But I won't go out early for the smaller items I need. We usually go out shopping later in the day but not for specific things, just to see what's out there.

 

[shelly3girls]

Last year we went out b/c of a great deal at Target on the iPod Touch. I was able to stack a sale w/coupon w/gift card offer to get a great deal. This year I will not go out b/c so far Amazon has price matched all but one item that I want. I had planned to go to Walmart for a Samsung BluRay player but Amazon matched the price today so no need!

The only thing I really have my eye on is the towels at Kohls. Kids Alley in Camden has requested towels and wash cloths for the children there, many of them are homeless. I would love to pick up a ton in the $2-$3 price range that Kohls is advertising. I might head out if I cannot get the deal online.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

In the past, I have. But I only buy small ticket items. For years, I was just collecting Disney snow globes.

I go to enjoy it. To me it is fun. Some folks camp out and wait hours for concert tickets...I show up at Target at 3am.

I do keep an eye out for prices leading up to BF. And now that he ads are posted, I can compare ahead of time.

Already have much of my shopping done but will do the return switch a ro if needed. I.e. Just got some stuff at kohl's yesterday. But I recieved a 15% off of bf Friday purchase coupon in the mail. I may do a switcharoo. It may be a challenge though. I'm taking 10yo with me.

Black Friday isn't everyone's thing---but I'm sure there are folks out there who do thinks that I think our crazy---like sit in a stadium with thousands to see tiny men score touchdowns in the freezing cold. I like to sit in front of the tv and not have to wait in a long line to get snacks or go to the bathroom.

 

[MinnieLove]

Years ago I used to enjoy shopping on BF. Not so much these days. I have witnessed several physical fignts over childrens toys. And the lines at the checkouts, the complaining of other shoppers are disheartening!

And at the end of the day I have found that I have purchased things for myself than for my shopping list! Big budget buster!

This year I plan to do a lot of online shopping from my list! I hope I can find the deals!

I might go out later in the morning and meet up with family members who I usually go shopping with. I will miss the commarderie.

Happy Thanksagiving and shopping!