Black Friday has been starting “now” for about a month now. But this week, it really starts. Then it will be over, but the savings won’t be. Online deals continue to become available, for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and beyond. Retailers really want you to spend the money you are being more cautious with on their merchandise.
If you decide to venture out for Black Friday, it is a great adventure. Here are some tips for getting what you want, and having a good time:
Yes, you really do have to get there early. If the doors are opening at 4 am, you need to be there before. This is especially true for stores like Walmart, Target, Kmart, and Best Buy which are going to have some super deals on electronics. At Walmart, stores will open at midnight, but the sale prices will not go into effect until 5 am. It will be interesting to see how well this works, or if there will be a “register riot”. At least no one will be crushed in the door like last year. Toys R Us will also open at midnight, with a similar plan.
For the other stores, you need to arrive in time and plan to spend some time in line. Dress appropriately, bring water or coffee, maybe a folding chair. Do what you need to do to be comfortable. At Best Buy, store personnel will cruise the line, asking what people have come to buy, and hand out tickets for that item. There are a limited number of tickets. They’ll start to do this at 3 am. You have to buy the item and have it in your hand by 9 am. All doorbuster items must be purchased with a ticket.
The most anticipated item at Best Buy is a $197 Hewlett Packard Laptop. Each store is only guaranteed a minimum of 5 laptops. So if you want the laptop, you will have to be first in line.
For something not as controlled as Best Buy, you need to plan what you are going to buy, know where it is, get in and get out. It helps to tag team with friends or family members, carry your cell phone, and consider it a great scavenger hunt. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and have an idea of who is going to find what. Working as a team usually yields great results.
Above all, have fun. This is not the end of the deals. This year it is the beginning of a holiday shopping season that is full of great opportunities for savings and bargains.