...Ahead of time...? How do you plan for it if you're a black friday shopper. I've only done it once. And how much money do you generally take with you?
I'm a post-o-holic right now... sorry. I have some quiet alone time, so I have like 2 week's worth of questions coming out today :p
I take the sales ads from the Thanksgiving newspaper and decide what I want to get at what store and when that store opens. I do not take cash...I take my debit card.
I look at the ads on http://bfads.net/
I don't "take money," as we just use the debit card. If I were taking money, I would take enough money to purchase within our budget. We have a list and stick to that. If any of the things we need are sold out, we find an alternative of a similar price. We have a budget and will not go over it. My sister and some friends go every year together. They said the stores near here were fine. Crowded, but everyone was nice, respectful, and patient. That's why we're not so worried about venturing out this year.
My mom and I participated in Black Friday for the first time last year. We LOVED IT!! So fun! The weather was unseasonably warm and there was just this vibe in the air with all the people out and about in the middle of the night. I just can't wait to go again Thursday! It was too much fun and all of my shopping was done before Dec. 1 even hit!
Do have a plan though because the impulse buying can be outta control if you don't!
We get the paper on Thanksgiving morning and go through that, but we have been looking at the circulars that have been coming out in the last week or so. I have a good idea of what my family wants for Christmas, so I am on high alert if I see any of their requested items.
I paid with credit card because it was just easier that way. Last year we had a general idea of gifts we wanted-clothing, games, toys,etc., if the item was there when we were then great, but we weren't going to pummel anyone to get it! That's insane! LOL
We avoided the outrageous lines before-hand like at Toys R Us, Target and such. We did end up standing in line at Old Navy for about 15 min before the store opened, but it was a blast talking to the people in line with us and hearing about their BF stories and great finds. Afterward we went back to places like TRU and Target and kid you not parked up by the front door and walked right in! So if you aren't looking for a specific HOT item, then only stand in the long lines if you want to. Otherwise wait 15 minutes after the doors open and then go! Easy Peasy!
Definitely go with a partner, so after you are ready to get in line to pay, one of you can keep shopping. A lot of times we just threw items in a basket and decided if we wanted it or not while we were in line.
Good luck and happy shopping!
A.
Every Thanksgiving my husband and I get the paper in the morning. ALL the black Friday deals are in there.
Then, after dinner and after we get the kids to bed, we take out a notebook that has notes on what everyone in my family wants and we look at all the sales and make a "plan of attack". I know which store I am going to first and which stores to completely avoid. I LOVE Thanksgiving night. It's fun to plan with my husband.
I usually look at everything I am going to buy and bring just enough for all of that, plus about $20 for if I see something I just can't resist. But, if I don't have the money, I wont spend it! I don't have credit cards, everything is paid cash, so that may help me a bit too.
L.
Just google Black Friday Sales, if there's a particular store you want , like Toys R Us for example, you can probably already view their flyer. And, in my experience, if you miss the Black Friday Sale don't fret, they'll be another one soon. Seems like every store has a GREAT deal that's going to end in 24 hours, 24 hours ends and there's yet another GREAT deal. It just never ends, there's always a sale. But, you seriously can get some good deals this time of year.
I also haven't taken money for years, just use a debit card.
i am not about black friday at all. just got my kids' main wish today for half a price, the furreal butterscotch baby pony for whooping 49 bucks today, yayy. they sell for 99 or 119.
i do better online always.
Blackfriday.com has all of the ads ahead of time; although I imagine most of the newspapers today will have the ads in them.
My family circulates the Black Family ads around during our Thanksgiving gathering. The single folk stay all night at someone's place and then we all meet up at some 4AM store.
I loved that.
I am estranged from them now, but if I were there--it was always a fun night.
My daughter participates in her school marching band, so we need to be at the filed early in order to get a parking spot. We leave early and sit in the car looking through the flyers. If there's a special deal on something we know we are going to purchase, then I'll make arrangements to go shopping.
I pay by credit card. However, if I did pay with cash, I would take the amount for the specific items I was going to purchase with a little extra.
