The Black Friday Game Plan

McKenzie Feldman
Staff Writer

             For millions of people, Black Friday is the prime time to tackle Christmas shopping lists. This day is famous for long lines, scary stampedes, and even pepper spray. Stomachs are full from Thanksgiving meals, and for some, it is time to shop till they drop. The Black Friday atmosphere is one of a kind. The numerous door buster deals create crowds of anxious shoppers ready to bargain hunt. Shopping on Black Friday can be very chaotic and stressful. Movies typically showcase the mobs of emotionally-stressed buyers trampling over one another for the best deal. It probably makes you question if the high blood pressure is really worth it. For those of you looking to dodge a headache, here is a Black Friday survival guide.
           There are typically two types of shoppers on Black Friday. First, there are the ones that will brave the long lines and love the adventure of snagging a good deal. Pushing and shoving is not a problem for them. Then, there are those that would rather kick back at home and avoid the mass frenzies. Black Friday shopping online and in-stores is not as different as people may think. Either way, going into Black Friday with a game plan can go a long way. 

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         There are many tips that pertain to the online and in-store shoppers. The biggest tip for tackling the day is preparation. First, you need to set a budget. The easiest thing to do on Black Friday is to get carried away. Set a realistic amount based on the items you plan to purchase, and see if the overall budget is something you can afford. If it is not, then it is time to prioritize your list of expenses. Whether you are shopping in-store or online, do not shop without some prior research. This is really important because you want to make sure that you are actually receiving a deal. What many people do not realize is that they may be paying the same price the item was a couple months prior.
         For those that crave the door buster deals, make sure to take these tips into consideration. First, mapping out a course of action will make your life a lot easier. Try and make a list of stores you plan to attend, and create a route that will be easiest to tackle. Look up what time the stores open and how long the deals last. Again, make sure to learn the deals that each store will be providing to get your pennies’ worth. In addition, you should try scoping out the stores ahead of time to get an idea of where your desired purchases can be found. Also, take advantage of technology by bringing mobile coupons with you! There are many apps out there that will allow you to get deals right off your phone. Some apps allow users to share their location, and the app will tell you where the nearest deals can be found. An app called RetailMeNot has gotten great reviews and works wonders. If you see a great buy, take a second to use comparison sites, such as Shopping.com and PriceGrabber.com, to make sure you cannot get a better deal anywhere else. It is also smart to shop with a side purse, or something that has a zipper. This can be a prime time for pickpockets to steal from the distracted shoppers. Overall, just remember to be safe and be aware of your surroundings. 
         Now, we cannot forget out about the online shoppers. While the sound of online shopping sounds easy, it can be overwhelming for those trying it for the first time. Check out the Black Friday deals beforehand. Similar to how in-store retailers provide numerous advertisements, online retailers also provide their upcoming deals. Again, it is definitely a smart idea to know what you are looking for. Be sure to see what stores are offering the best deals. One downfall that comes with online shopping is that websites can crash. Stay up to date with what stores are offering by joining email lists or following alerts from browsers, such as dealnews.com. When a deal goes live, you will receive a notification, and that way you can quickly snatch it. Remember to be on the lookout during Cyber Monday because some retailers offer different, and sometimes even better, deals online.
          Black Friday can be a day of great deals, but it is smart to spend your time wisely and make sure you are saving money. No matter how you wish to shop for deals this holiday season, remember to be courteous, smart, and safe, and save money!