Is it even worth it to go shopping the morning of Black Friday?!

[mpls_mm]

Does anyone know how online shopping works on BF? We need a new TV and I'm looking at the Wal Mart and Target ads for options.

I've never done this before so I'm at a loss. For example, Wal Mart's BF starts at 10 pm Thanksgiving evening. Does that mean I can log onto my computer at 10, add the item to my cart, and it will be the BF ad price?

Any advice appreciated!

My advice is to figure out what you want from where and go to one of the Black Friday forums and track it. For example, last year Walmart had some things for BF that were supposed to start at a certain time but they started early. The sometimes do it as a special package so you cant add it until the stated time. I found something I wanted last year that was hard to find, I had to search for it, it was exactly like another package that wasn't a BF special so people saw the first and assumed it was sold out. I would also get your account set up and payment or Paypal set up so you aren't fumbling at the end. Online isn't much better than the stores, they might only have a few of something.

 

[honeydiane1953]

Imo NO not even if they were giving things away. The crowds r unbelievable and rowdy.

 

[DebMcDonald]

I also prefer the midnight opening vs. the 4:00, I figure this year I will be back about the time I was getting up, but after looking at alot of the ads, I'm not even sure it's worth going out at all. I love the thrill and fun of it, but this year I'm really disappointed in the flyers.

 

[OhMari]

Does anyone know how online shopping works on BF? We need a new TV and I'm looking at the Wal Mart and Target ads for options.

I've never done this before so I'm at a loss. For example, Wal Mart's BF starts at 10 pm Thanksgiving evening. Does that mean I can log onto my computer at 10, add the item to my cart, and it will be the BF ad price?

Any advice appreciated!

Many of the items for sale in the store are not available online. But Walmart will put items up each day or hourly that are great bargains. Last year I got a $500 Nikon camera for $199. You have to know what you want and get it in your basket and check out fast online. It could be gone by the time you click purchase. I bought video games online too last year with Walmart and I kept running into that problem. Walmart will start Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday putting items up on their web page. Like someone said, make sure you register with Walmart to get through fast.

 

[Disneybuckeye]

For me, no. I much prefer to enjoy sleeping in that morning.

 

[mrodgers]

Black Friday is completely and insanely out of hand. Black Friday as far as I know came about because a lot of people would be home from work on the Friday after Thanksgiving and would start the Christmas shopping. Thus, stores would have Christmas shopping sales on that day. Now in today's world of cheap junk, they have exploited it tremendously with these stupid rules to entice you that you have to be there for deals.

Number 1, nothing that we have looked at with Black Friday sale prices in recent years has been that price only on Black Friday. Everything has been that price through the entire Christmas season including the after Christmas sales. Why fight at midnight or at 3 am when you can just wait until the beginning of December and get the same thing for the same price?

Number 2, everything I have researched (electronics were mentioned as being the big ticket sale items) are of such sub-par quality compared to the normal electronic selections. Cameras, TVs, computers, laptops, I've looked at all of them and they are all junk quality compared to a few dollar more items. Every electronic we have ever gotten in the past was returned because it was garbage. I wouldn't pay $1 for any Black Friday electronic sale item now.

The stores are scamming the consumer and laughing their way to the bank.

 

[DOOM1001]

A mall near me is opening at 9pm on Thanksgiving,they're not even allowing for employees to finish their Thanksgiving meals.

 

[libinatorsmom]

so far this year I havent seen anything I cant live without - but I think my daughter and I are going to hit a few stores on Black Friday - but if we leave the house at 6 am I will be happy with that... The only thing I really want are fleeces from Bass Pro Shops for $10... but I we miss out we miss out... I am not going to indanger my daughter are myself for a $10 fleece...

The other thing is for the most part... sales continue and sometimes get even better closer to Christmas..

 

[jacksmomma]

Number 1, nothing that we have looked at with Black Friday sale prices in recent years has been that price only on Black Friday. Everything has been that price through the entire Christmas season including the after Christmas sales. Why fight at midnight or at 3 am when you can just wait until the beginning of December and get the same thing for the same price?

Number 2, everything I have researched (electronics were mentioned as being the big ticket sale items) are of such sub-par quality compared to the normal electronic selections. Cameras, TVs, computers, laptops, I've looked at all of them and they are all junk quality compared to a few dollar more items. Every electronic we have ever gotten in the past was returned because it was garbage. I wouldn't pay $1 for any Black Friday electronic sale item now.

Not true, the deals that you can get on Black Friday on crafting electronics are one of a kind and prices are never that low for that particular item unless it is refurb. Similiarly I am paying for the exact same model that everyone else is paying full price for at other times of the year, not some sub-quality item made specifically for BF.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I don't buy the "people have to make money" line either. Shame on these stores having their workers have to leave family to go to work just so they can get their store open a few hours early. As a rule our family doesn't shop stores that open on Thanksgiving and I would expect that practice to continue this year. There is nothing in that store at midnight that is worth a mom/dad having to leave family on Thanksgiving.

I agree, 100%.

 

[poohbear2]

I think Black Friday has gone insane. I remember going at 6am 12 years or so ago and it was actually fun and enjoyable. Now its total chaos. If you can find a parking space, you then have to fight the crowds who seem like they are just out to watch vs shop. I think its awful that retail workers aren't even able to enjoy their holiday. I hope at least they are given an option if they want to work or not. Like other posters have said, your sanity is worth a few bucks.

 

[Mrs.Reese]

I'm probably the somewhat odd one out there. I don't go for the toys or electronics. I'm going for the housewares! I'm in the market for a new office chair, bar stools and a luggage set. While everyone else is running towards electronics and toys, I'm sauntering over to housewares. It's a grand old time. I'm just wondering how I'm going to do the midnight thing at Target and then the 4am deal at JCPenney.

 

[dclfun]

I've never gone out for BF and don't intend to- instead I shop online either the few days before when some deals are up or on CyberMonday. I'm glad I'm off work on medical leave right now as I can shop at ease! I'd rather lose some $$ or skip something than to join the insanity and possibly be trampled. Try finding a wheelchair accessible parking space anywhere on BF- people park in them w/o a hangtag or license plate knowing they will likely not get a ticket. Sigh.---Kathy

 

[kinntj]

I won't be out at midnight, but plan on getting up early Friday to get some clothing deals. I get there early to get a prime parking spot.

Growing up the stores were never open on Thanksgiving, so I like the tradition of pretending they are still closed and hunkering down for the day. I only do this on Thanksgiving, Christmas (stores are closed anyway) and Easter.

I guess if people want to go out shopping at 10pm, then so be it. I will be at the computer watching the deals. I love shopping for DVD's online.

 

[Patience]

I might go to Target to pick up some Leapster Explorer games but I doubt I will go there at midnight. If that have some left in the morning, great. If not, oh well.

 

[Jey12]

I'm curious where everyone shops that there are crazy crowds after BF? If that's why you're skipping it and going out in December. In my area from this weekend until the weekend after Christmas the stores are nuts. There was a 5 mile long line just to get into the parking lot at our mall this weekend! I just drove on by, no way I'm getting in that mess. Now on BF I get there a few hours earlier, find a great spot, and stand in line and enjoy the other crazy company. I deal with the crowd for a few hours at a few stores, have a nice breakfast and usually don't have to deal with a crowd or that mess again for the holiday season. I am very unhappy with the early openings and what is being offered this year. Normally there are some great deals, but not this year. I've even noticed some items that usually sell well are being offered for $20 more this year over last year! I can understand just shopping online, because that's tons of fun too. I just don't see how waiting a few weeks keeps anyone out of dealing with the crowds. I cringe if I need to run to Target for anything in Nov. and Dec.

 

[jcemom]

Stores around here are CRAZY from Black Friday through Christmas Eve. I'm planning to do as much of my shopping online as is possible. The rest I will have to brave the crowds to buy, but I'm planning to make a comprehensive list and try to do it all in one day, preferably a weekday morning.

 

[MinnieForMe]

So, can someone humor me??? I'm looking for the $199 Playstation 3 bundle. Four stores have it in their ad but not one of them have it on their website now. Is it possible they will add that particular bundle on BF or shortly before?

 

[rszdtrvl]

I guess if people want to go out shopping at 10pm, then so be it. I will be at the computer watching the deals. I love shopping for DVD's online.

I will be doing the same! I have my Walmart list for BF deals, and if I can get them online, then WOOHOO! If not, then I guess I will miss out on them. My goal is to be done shopping by Dec. 1.

 

[njsweetP]

I went BF shopping years ago but never again. It was for a laptop. Now I shop mostly thru Amazon. Last year Amazon was price matching all the ads (just lowering prices to match those in ads such as Target, Best Buy, Walmart, etc.). So convenient. Like pp have stated, I feel bad for those who have to leave their family to go work on Thanksgiving.