7 Black Friday Shopping Tips

Black Friday shopping has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember.  I can remember my mom going out when I was little.  I started going when I was about ten. My mom, aunt, cousin and I would get up super early and be there when the stores opened.  We would wait in line for the great deals and the freebies they would give away.  Yes, I remember when stores would give away things as incentives to visit their store first.  All that to say I’ve been doing this Black Friday shopping thing for a long time.  Here are some tips of things that have helped us get the deals we want:

1. Know Your Budget

You’re not going to be saving any money if you spend more than you want.  Know how much money you have to spend and stick to that number, otherwise you’ll have buyers remorse later. That will take the fun out of Black Friday.  Who wants to live with regret?  Not you so stick to your budget!

2. Plan, Plan, Plan

If you’re really serious about getting the most out of the Black Friday sales, you MUST have a plan.  It helps to sit down and go through each ad (I always go through them multiple times) and don’t be afraid to mark them up.  Make a list of the items you want, what store it’s at, the price and what time the store opens or what time the deal is for.  Compare prices for the same item at different stores and remember that while most stores do offer a price match guarantee, the fine print often says it is not valid during Black Friday sales.  Prioritize the  items you want and figure out the order of the stores that you’re going too.  It’s ok if you don’t get every super, amazing, incredible deal.  It’s ok to pay a little more at one store for something if it has more items on sale that you want.  You just need to get the deals that works for you. 

With stores now opening on Thanksgiving, it’s important to read the details of the deals.  Many stores will have different deals starting at different times.  Make sure you know what time to be there to get your deal!

3. Get there early

If you’re hoping to get one of the early bird deals, you need to get to the store early and be prepared to stand in line.  You’re not the only one who wants that deal!  Honestly, part of the fun is waiting.  Don’t be afraid to talk to those around you.  You might meet some fun people!  You can wait in your car but don’t expect to be one of the first people in the store or to get the the hot deals (those too good to be true deals?  Each store only has a limited number of them and you’ll need to be one of the first in line to get it.) 

4. Dress Warmly, in Layers

If you’re going to wait outside, you’ll want to dress warm.  Chances are you’re going to end up waiting in a line inside too, and it will be warm in there.  You’ll get really hot unless you can take some layers off (trust me, I speak from experience here!)

5. Pack water and snacks.

You’ll get cranky if you’re thirsty and/or hungry.  Plus having a snack will keep you energized to keep shopping!  Bringing hot cocoa, coffee or tea can help keep you and your hands warm is you wait outside too. 

6. Shop with a buddy

It’s more fun to shop with someone.  So grab your sister, friend, MIL or whoever and shop together.  It’s helpful to have someone with you to help grab deals…divide and conquer can be a great strategy!

7.  Reward yourself with breakfast

Snacks might not cut it, so plan to treat yourself to breakfast out (or a midnight snack, depending on when you’re shopping!)  You feet might need a rest and it can be a great time to regroup and see if you missed anything.  Plus you can rehash your great buys with your buddy!

 

Do you have any Black Friday shopping tips?