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Ways To Save On Black Friday!
| November 24, 2008 | Posted by Roshawn Watson under Uncategorized |
By: Roshawn Watson
I love shopping on Black Friday. I always have a lot of fun, and the deals can truly be amazing! Apparently, even under the influence of a “Turkey-day hangover” and nostalgic holiday sentiment, I still do not spend frivolously. Here are some of my favorite Black Friday shopping tips to save you some cash!
Image Credit: Adam Melancon
- Have a plan. The importance of having a plan can not be overemphasized because it will allow you to efficiently make your purchases without wasting the whole day going to store to store (unless that’s part of the fun for you). For example, last year I had a list of about 6 stores that I wanted to visit, with their special Black Friday hours of operation, the items I wanted to buy, and a contingency plan if I was unable to get a desired item at one location. For example, when I got to Best Buy, the line was too long, so I knew the same items that I would buy at Best Buy could also be purchased at a similar price at Target, so I left Best Buy and went to the next store.
- Also, work out the logistics of your trip as well. For example, consider stores in close proximity of each other and choose stores with multiple locations. This could significantly reduce your driving time. All of stores I visited were less than 10 minutes away from my house and were just a few blocks away from each other. Also, make sure you have enough space for your purchases. This may mean emptying your car trunk and your back seat.
- Do your research. The best way to develop a plan is do your research ahead of time. By far, this is the best way to save. I know that many times the Black Friday ads don’t come out until Thanksgiving, but you can find out the information ahead of time. Two websites to check out are BlackFridayAds.com and ShopLocal.com. You can even set up email alerts.
- Do comparison price analysis. Check out the costs of the items you are interested in by visiting Amazon.com.
- Shop early. I am generally finished with my Black Friday shopping by 7:30 a.m. If you are amongst the first at an appropriately staffed store and you know what items you want and where they are located, you can often be in and out of the store by 10 minutes. This certainly is not possible at all stores, but I had a lot of success at my local Target, Kmart, and Wal-mart last year. Additionally, by 10 am, sometimes the items that you are interested in are already gone. Getting an early start on the “competition” prevents this. Some people take this a step further and begin their shopping on Thursday online (this is referred to as “Black Thursday”). I’ll give this a try this year.
- Bring a shopping partner. I would not have nearly as much fun if I was doing the shopping by myself. Additionally, shopping with a friend can be a huge time-saver as well. You can use the “divide and conquer” strategy: one person gets in line while the other goes to grab the bargains. Alternatively, you can both go hunting for the items you want simultaneously and meet up at checkout; this works especially well at stores where the lines aren’t that bad. It is probably a good idea for you both to have charged cell phones on your persons in order to make sure that you don’t lose contact.
- Wait for cyber-Monday. Many retailers are putting forth enticing deals. Sometimes it’s as if they are trying to literally pay us to shop. There are so many new online promotions with all sorts of inducements including free shipping, free gifts, rebates, markdowns. Cyber Monday is definitely an alternative to catch some great deals.
- Control your spending. The holidays are an easy time to break those financial habits that took so long to birth. Don’t allow the holidays to put your family in debt. Know what your gift budget is before you even enter a store. This will save you financial stress in the long run.
- Print coupons. Some stores will also accept online coupons that may reduce those discounted prices even further. This may be worth a call to your local store for verification.
- Learn the terms of the promotions. Sometimes retailers will place a limit on how many items can be purchased at a discounted price in fine print of the promotion. Know these limitations, and do not hesitate to politely question a faulty interpretation by a cashier.
- Shop at stores that match competitor prices. I haven’t used this one much until this year. It saves me a lot of time, stress, and money. If your favorite electronics store or big-box retailer will match their competitor prices and has a better layout and better customer service, then why not reduce your stress by asking for a price match at your normal store? Ask them to use those lowest price guarantees that they promote.
Happy Shopping!
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Black Friday is the best day to find rock bottom prices. Did you also know that you no longer need to stand in those really long lines? Most retailers are offering the sale items online Thanksgiving Day. I love Black Friday and I haven't had to stand an any line for 2 years. Try it in 2009. Good luck.