Have you decided to go out and brave the crowds on Black Friday? I’ll admit, not me. I am not brave enough to face the long lines and crowds. I know several of you chimed in on the comments of the REI post that Black Friday is a tradition you look forward to because you spend it with friends, family, etc., though. I TOTALLY get that–and love that some of you have friends/family that you are willing to crawl out of bed in the wee hours of the morning and man the trenches with. I hope you have a blast and score some great deals!
After combing through the comments on Black Friday over the years, I have come up with a bit of a battle plan–in case you are braving the day for the first time. I hope it helps keep the day merry and bright.
Game plan: splurge on the Thanksgiving paper. It will be loaded to the gills with ads that will help you create a game plan. Yes, you could look online, but pulling just the ads for the stores you’d like to hit and putting them in order is a physical reminder. Plus, should there be a price discrepancy, you can totally whip out your ad and show the cashier without having to search for it on your phone.
Research reviews: Just because it is in the ad, doesn’t mean it’s a fantastic deal…or a fantastic product. This is especially true of big ticket items like electronics. They may offer a KILLER deal on a 500 inch television {okay, slight exaggeration}, but the brand/picture quality/etc. might leave a little to be desired once you have it home in your living room. It’s best to do a thorough search first and get the reviews, that way you aren’t lured into buying something that it too good to be true.
Price compare with online deals: Before you head out into the cold morning, make sure to do a price check with online retailers. Often times, online retailers will honor Black Friday deals. You will ensure you get the product, AND you can pick it up at your leisure, or better yet, have it shipped straight to your door.
Brush up on store policies: Does the store guarantee their price to be the lowest? Maybe you can pick up some other must-have items all at the same store by cashing in on their policy. On that same policy note, make sure to know their return policy. Black Friday deals occasionally come with a no-return policy.
Keep receipts: Throw a Christmas envelope into your purse. It can serve as a handy dandy little spot to keep all Christmas purchases. It just helps prevent you having to sift through tons of receipts, and keeps everything in your purse a little tidier.
Pack a snack: Listen, this applies whether you are going out or staying in. You should always just have a snack on hand. Them’s words to live by ;).
Happy shopping!
~Mavis
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Kathy says
When my mother was alive, she and I went out on Black Friday one time and that was enough for both of us. The traffic was the worse of the problem to me. I’ve giving gift cards to all of my nieces and great nieces and great nephews this year. I don’t know what to buy them and that way they can get something they really want. I don’t know yet what I am going to give to my two sisters. I have cancer and although I am doing well and responding to chemo you never know. I want to give my sisters something a little special this year to remember me by if needed. I’m still thinking on it.
Sharon says
Mavis, I really enjoy reading your blog each day, you’ve made me snort my morning coffee on more than one occasion! I’d like to thank you in advance for letting me reply to Kathy via your site.
Kathy, I too belong to the club no woman (or man) ever wants to be a member of, so with all my heart I wish you well.
In regards to a gift for your sisters, (how incredibly sweet & thoughtful of you BTW), after my Mom passed a few months ago I found these beautiful angel bracelets at Things Remembered. I scanned my Mom’s signature from one of the many greeting cards I’ve saved and had it engraved on the back of the silver disc behind the angel. I wish I could attach a picture for you because it came out really beautiful. My sisters loved theirs and I can’t leave the house without mine. Just feels like a nice constant connection to my Mom.
Here is the link – Don’t let the “petite” throw you – it fits my chubby wrist just fine ;o) http://www.thingsremembered.com/product/Petite-Angel-Crystal-Bracelet/158805.uts
Again, best wishes and a big virtual hug to you Kathy and you too Mavis!
Nicole says
We usually avoid going out on black friday. But this year I am planing on just going to the fabric stores to stock up on fabric for my business. Can’t pass up, up to 75% off.