Black Friday Tips

Wow, can you guys believe that it's already November? Pretty soon, it will be time for Thanksgiving and all the good that comes with it. 

And all the good and evil that directly follow ;)

Yep, I'm talking about Black Friday. 

I have such a love/hate relationship with Black Friday. I have only been going for the last 4 or 5 years, 2 of which I was pregnant, so I didn't really want to get trampled. 

I have always found good deals, but I have learned a lot along the way. I know  a lot of people are not Black Friday fans, but for those of you are going to brave the crowds, here is a list of tips for you!

I am by no means an expert, so if you guys have any tips, please leave them in the comments section so we can continue growing this list! 

1. Buddy Up. Perhaps the most important tip of Black Friday. Take a buddy (or two or five). Buddy up with people in line. Make friends with the people around you. This will help your wait to be better, and you will have someone to watch your spot for you. Last year, I was pregnant with The Bean, and without my line buddies, I would have peed on myself several times! 
2. Be Prepared. Whatever it takes. Lawn chairs, blankets, jackets, hats. Energy drinks, coffee, snacks. If you're gonna have a long wait, it better be enjoyable. And don't forget the ads. After waiting 3 hours in line at Old Navy last year, nothing was ringing up the at the advertised price. If you have your ad in hand, you won't have to argue. 
3. Plan Ahead. Make sure to get a paper on Thanksgiving Day. Know what you want, where you want to get it, and what time they open. Then schedule your stops in order. This year, a lot of stores are opening on Thanksgiving Day Night. I have heard that Walmart is going to open at midnight on Black Friday, but all the electronics deals won't be going down til 5am. 
4. Get In, Get Out. No screwing around. I don't care if you are out of toothpaste, this is not the time or the place. Go get what you came for, and get out. If you are extremely crafty, your group can split up and each of you can go for a certain item on the list. If your group is REALLY extremely crafty, one of you can get in line while the others go get the goods, and then you are out the door. I have never been smart/brave/stupid enough to pull that one off, but I see people do it every year. 
5. Park In The Back. Just walk. It will save you a lot of headache of getting out of the parking lot. If there is a neighboring parking lot of a store that isn't open yet, park there. Trust me, running over someone, or being rear ended in a parking lot, is going to make your $3 can opener a sucky deal. 
6. No Kids. Never ever. Too much hassle. 

Try To Be Jolly. It will be difficult, but try to be happy. I mean, come on, you're the one who wanted to do this! :) 

 

Anybody have any other Black Friday Tricks? Let us know!