Hi everyone! I did this last year so I will do it again this year. Below is everything you ever wanted to know about how tickets work at Best Buy (BB) and a picture of a sample ticket so you will know what they look like.

FAQ:

What is a ticket at Best Buy?

A ticket is a paper that BB employees will pass about 2 hours before the store opens. The ticket holds the product for the ticket holder for the item on the ticket until 11am local time on Black Friday. BB does this to cut down on fights and riots in the store.

What are the tickets for?

No one really knows what BB will put on the ticket system for BF. In the past they have been for items that are in high demand but have limited stock for. In the past few years desktops, laptops, cameras, MP3 players, TVs (HD, Plasma, LCD, Tube), Printers, and sometimes household items like washer machines.

When do they pass out the tickets?

The tickets are passed out the morning of Black Friday about 2 hours before the store opens local time.

What happens when they pass out the tickets?

About 2 hours before they open the doors for black friday Best Buy employees will come out of the store and start at the front of the line. One BB worker will have a ticket for an item. He/she will start at the front of the line and go down the line saying "Who wants the $149.99 desktop?". He/she will give each person a ticket until the BB employee runs out. Once the tickets are gone for that item then that is it for that item. BB employee will do this until all of the ticketed items are gone or until they have reached the end of the line.

Once I have a ticket what happens next?

You wait......You wait until the store opens. The BB worker who gave you the ticket will explain to you where to go in the store to pick up your item. Most BB will close there customer service desk to make room for all check out lanes to be open.

What time should I get in line for a ticket?

It is hard to say since I dont know what you are wanting to get and where you live. Last year (BF 2006) people started to form lines at BB around 10pm Wednesday and by 12 noon Thanksgiving Day there were already 300 people in line. Most of the people in front of the lines wanted the laptops, desktops and TVs and they were college and high school students. My advice....get there early.....Turkey is over rated!


This FAQ will be updated throughout the BF season. Below is a sample ticket from BB.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m207/davedfw/gottadeal/bbticketbf2005.jpg

WHOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO!!!! :2woot:

It is that time of year again!! :yay: I am sooooooo hyped and ready for my Best Buy camp out again this year. :thumbsup: I spent 16 hours outside last year and loved every bit of it!! :g_dance: I saw several camp out pics last year and I hope to see more this year. :D

Oh well.....kicking off another holiday season......here we go........:cheesy:

Very nicely put jim. Bravo!

I can't wait....

This is the only line I haven't been in before. Maybe this will be the year I actually stand in their line.

This is the only line I haven't been in before. Maybe this will be the year I actually stand in their line.

Most BB lines are in good order and the people who work at BB do a great job in handing out the tickets and keeping order. If you are going to want to shop there for BF I would strongly consider getting in line around 1130pm on Wednesday. This is a very popular store on BF because of the deals they have.

Good Luck!

I love going to BB they always have great deals last year I got my daughter the computer and the TV for my son. I will be going again this year :)

Thanks BigJim! I am sure this will be lots of help for all of our BFers!

thanks!!!

I camped out in BB for the notebook i'm on now this year my friend wants to get one so I will sit it out with him and pick something up myself to be determined!!!

Most BB lines are in good order and the people who work at BB do a great job in handing out the tickets and keeping order. If you are going to want to shop there for BF I would strongly consider getting in line around 1130pm on Wednesday. This is a very popular store on BF because of the deals they have.

Good Luck!

Isn't that way too early, most people get in line on Thanksgiving Day.

Isn't that way too early, most people get in line on Thanksgiving Day.

yeah. Most best buy s you drive by early Tgiving morning only have a handful of people out waiting already. That was the case last year, at least. Only the 'crazies' line up on Wednesday night... haha. The masses of people really start lining up late morning on Tgiving day.

Most BB lines are in good order and the people who work at BB do a great job in handing out the tickets and keeping order. If you are going to want to shop there for BF I would strongly consider getting in line around 1130pm on Wednesday. This is a very popular store on BF because of the deals they have.

Good Luck!

And miss the turkey??? I think not! lol ;)

For once I might be fortunate enough to have someone with me so I can actually get in line super early. If so I think I'll find myself at BB first :)

I have never been brave enough for Best Buy on BF. I have driven by on Thanksgiving Day and it terrifies me:) You guys are brave.

The BB line last year over here was absolutely scary! Wrapping around the building, around the entire parking lot, and beyond! All depends if you're brave enough and prepared enough. As for me, I'm really hoping for BB to do online ordering of BF items again this year.

let the count down begin!

I wish I could go at 11:30 pm. Our line started at 2 pm on Wed last year. By 10 pm (When I got there) the line had already made the turn at the side of the store and was about 1/3 of the way down the side wall.

I was the last person to get a laptop ticket. I dare say to get one this year I will need to be there like 8.

I am definately thinking of going to BB on BF. I want to avoid the rebates and
am very glad that BB doesnt do them anymore. (at least I hope they continue)
Just hoping I can get a sitter. :D

I wish I could go at 11:30 pm. Our line started at 2 pm on Wed last year. By 10 pm (When I got there) the line had already made the turn at the side of the store and was about 1/3 of the way down the side wall.

I was the last person to get a laptop ticket. I dare say to get one this year I will need to be there like 8.

What state are you in, hwunch? I'm guessing a cold northern state???

I was 8 months pregnant with baby #2 in 2005 and we camped out there all night in mansfield ohio

my husband and toddler son (1 yr old at the time) stayed in teh car with heat on and I stayed out in cold (coldest night of the year!!) - when i got too cold, my husband would switch with me.

i'm typing on the computer i bought that day. (the $150 computer deal.)

I want a laptop now. :)

and a pda if they offer a good one.

so you CAN do it with children just plan accordingly to waste a tank of gas keeping the fmaily warm. . ..


we arrived at that bestbuy around 9pm that night and there were already a few folks in line.

this year when i do it, i'm thinking seriously about bringing my tent as i now have 2 young children and this way they can lay down and sleep easier. . ..

bettyann

we arrived at that bestbuy around 9pm that night and there were already a few folks in line.

HAHA! and THERE is the difference between freezing cold northern states and slightly warm southern states. By 9pm around here there are probably a good 100+ people in line already. haha!!

wat we did we got there about 10 on black friday and there was a little cluster of people and then there was a cop letting people in the store and the line was crazy so we just waited in the cluster of people cause the cop was letting one or two go with the people waitin in line we eventually got in, in about 30 min and went up to the guy and they didnt have wat we wanted at the store so we had it delivered from the warehouse for 50bucks more

I guess its all about location. I've never gotten to best buy more than an hour before opening and I've always been around 75th in line or so. Of course, I've never been after the doorbusters either. It's always something else I'm after so I didn't care if I was further back in line or not.

The BB I went to was Brandon, Florida and the party in the front of the line was there 4pm on Thursday (Thanksgiving). I got there around 2:45am and the line was around the side of the building and wrapped around the back.

What state are you in, hwunch? I'm guessing a cold northern state???

South Carolina. But we still got down to below freezing that night.

geezzz... i actually WISH it would get that cold here in DFW, Texas. that way the lines would be shorter because of all these crazy Texans that can't handle the cold! haha!

'06 BF me and my mom went to drive by around 4ish 5ish pm on T-day well there were a handful so we decided to stay we were about 10th in line and b4 BB opened it was rapped all the way around the side behind the store all the way up the drive in part (its off a Major highway up here) all the way to the highway. It was crazy. The cops had to be called people were arguing and bout to fight and everything. And all of it becuase of the TICKETS and little did they no they didnt even really use them people were gettin things they didnt have tickets for. And it was cold and raining for most of the time it would clear up for a few minutes and start back! A guy went an got a kerosine heater. and we sat around it.

Nice work, BJS! As usual, you ARE the king of BB on BF!

Nice work, BJS! As usual, you ARE the king of BB on BF!

Thanks! :) I did it to help others and cut down on the dupalcate postings that happened last year.

I've camped at BB on BF for the past two years ('05 and '06) and have not had to line up on Wednesday night yet. Of course, here in Chicagoland we get the really cold weather too, so it's really no wonder. In 2005 myself, my older brother and a sister got to BB at 10:00pm and were the first ones in line, in 2006, we got there at 9:00pm and were the 3rd in line. I think if I go this year, I'll try for 6 or 7 o'clock on thursday evening. It really makes a difference as to when you should turn up for the big ticket items depending on what the weather forecast for your area is going to be. People in cold northern states can get in line a lot later than those down in the balmy southern states. :o) It's much harder to stand in line for 10 hours when you might get frostbite or hypothermia in the process.

i also camped out last year at BB and was just short for getting the Panasonic 42" plasma tickets, but they let me rain check it for the same price and picked it up a week later..well worth the wait in line.. can not wait to do it again this year..(need a new tv for the bed room)

i also camped out last year at BB and was just short for getting the Panasonic 42" plasma tickets, but they let me rain check it for the same price and picked it up a week later..well worth the wait in line.. can not wait to do it again this year..(need a new tv for the bed room)

Welcome to the community! What time did you get there last year?

I live in Knoxville, TN and I got in line last year at 4:00 PM on Thankgiving. I was about 30th in line. I got the 42in Panasonic Plasma and everything else I wanted. Problem was last year it was so warm that I started in line in short sleeves. The first people in line got there about 9:00 AM on Thanksgving.

Welcome to the community! What time did you get there last year?

Midnight. Way to late to get the tickets about 150 people in front of us. BB employees were handing out Krispy Kreem donuts and coffee to everyone. Almost saw a fight break out when someone broke in line right before the store opened. but there was off duty cops all over the place and everything was kept in order. Had lots of media people everywhere getting film for the local TV shows.

I've never did BF at any store. How should I prepare, what should I bring or not bring? Want to do BB in NYC. Any suggestions much appreciated!

I've never did BF at any store. How should I prepare, what should I bring or not bring? Want to do BB in NYC. Any suggestions much appreciated!

Welcome to the community!

If you want to do BB in NYC I would get there around 10pm on Wednesday. I would bring stuff to surrive the weather. Stuff like a heavy coat and maybe a sleeping bag. The way you should prepare is be active in this community. People like myself will help you by answering all your questions that you may have. Also you want to get a copy of the BF ad early. You can do it here when it is leaked.

If you have any more questions please ask. Be prepared to camp out!

Here in Minnesota, getting in line between 9 PM and midnight on Thursday is good enough to ensure you get a ticket for what you want. I showed up around 11 or midnight in 2006. I really wish I had gotten the 23" HD computer monitor by Westinghouse. My friends did and it looks great on computers and on PS3s.

Hi all... Just wondering if anyone has camped out at a BB in Houston and if so, what time did you get there and where were you in line? Just curious to know when I have to head out? Thanks!!!!

Hi all... Just wondering if anyone has camped out at a BB in Houston and if so, what time did you get there and where were you in line? Just curious to know when I have to head out? Thanks!!!!

Welcome to the community! I had a friend that did and he said that you need to get there around 1130pm on Wednesday.

Welcome to the community! I had a friend that did and he said that you need to get there around 1130pm on Wednesday.

Here is a question for you Jim! Have you heard of a national store chain policy concerning tickets, or are we subject to limitations based upon local mangement's interpretation of the ticketing system?

We had a problem last year where one associate tried to limit us to one ticket per person, not per item! Thankfully, it didn't fly!:eyepoppin

Here is a question for you Jim! Have you heard of a national store chain policy concerning tickets, or are we subject to limitations based upon local mangement's interpretation of the ticketing system?

We had a problem last year where one associate tried to limit us to one ticket per person, not per item! Thankfully, it didn't fly!:eyepoppin

The tickets do come from BB corp HQ and there are guidelines on the tickets that comes from HQ. But as anything the tickets are up to interruption of the store manager and even you might have input from the district manager. Last year there were really no problems that I can remember. I hope this helps and if you have any more questions please ask.

The tickets do come from BB corp HQ and there are guidelines on the tickets that comes from HQ. But as anything the tickets are up to interruption of the store manager and even you might have input from the district manager. Last year there were really no problems that I can remember. I hope this helps and if you have any more questions please ask.
Thank you. I am definitely going to ask questions of the store manger this year!

I love bf but I don't think that I could start in line on Wed and stay all day Thursday until Friday morning. No wonder I don't get the good tickets.lol

I love bf but I don't think that I could start in line on Wed and stay all day Thursday until Friday morning. No wonder I don't get the good tickets.lol

Welcome to the community. Becuase of media last year of BF sites lines started early and will start early this year as well.

I love BF, and love BB even more, but I couldn't get in line on Wednesday. Spending time with my family on Turkey Day is more important then any material item. I got to BB on BF at about 3:30 a.m. last year. The line was very long, but I still got everything I went for. Of course, I didn't need/want a computer, laptop or tv.

Bring it on

I never had the desire to get something at BB. Last year my nephew wanted something. He planned to get up at 4 am to get in line.:cheesy: We went to a store across from BB and saw the line at 7pm Thanksgiving. We called him, saving the money wasn't worth managing an Alaskan night outside. I may do BB this year if the deal on the large tv is worth it to me. The also depends on the weather. Nothing is worth camping out at 10 degrees or below to me.

Have a great time all.

wow looks like I have my work cut out for me this year, will be my first bb on BF. BB on the street I live on so maybe walking up maybe a good idea and pick up item ( lcd tv) nI hope later or is that a bad idea. Just sounded easier? Any suggestions. Thanks

wow looks like I have my work cut out for me this year, will be my first bb on BF. BB on the street I live on so maybe walking up maybe a good idea and pick up item ( lcd tv) nI hope later or is that a bad idea. Just sounded easier? Any suggestions. Thanks

Welcome to the community!

No matter where you live.....by a BB or miles away you will need to get there by 12noon on thanksgiving day if you want to get a LCD TV.

The madness is spreading. Three years ago, I got to Best Buy around 3am and I was in the top 50 in line. Two years ago I got to Best Buy around 1am and I was around 150th in line. Last year I got to Best Buy at 9pm on Thursday evening and I was about 200th in line! I wish you people would quit going so early, at this rate I'll have to camp out and miss my whole Thanksgiving:cheesy: The funniest thing about my Black Friday at Best Buy is that I am usually alone, none of my friends are nuts enough to stay all night. However, every year there are the two guys who end up within 5 people of me in line. I never see them till we get in line, and every year we camp out and catch up on a year's worth of stuff. Wonder if they'll be there this year?
Happy shopping.

Good posting, Jim.

Another point to make about Best Buy and why they have the long lines, esp. the last few years.......no rebates to contend with. BB's prices, esp. on the doorbuster items, essentially match all the other stores after their rebates....but BB ditched them a couple of years ago, so now you get the "cheap price" with no rebate hassle or wait......just straight cheap price out the door.

One other thing......as for the customer service desk, at least at the BB we go to......it's not used as a general checkout counter but is instead reserved for shoppers who had the ticketed items, such as desktops, laptops, all the ticketed TV's, etc. You'd shop and get all the unticketed items you want.....and then stand in the customer service line instead of the general checkout line, to pay for all your items.

This made the checkout faster for everyone. If you had no ticketed items, you stood in the usual checkout line. If you had ticketed items, you stood in the customer service line. Behind the CS desk, they had all the laptops and desktop computers that were ticketed, and provided special pickup tickets to procure your TV or whatever that was too large to fit in your cart. You then drove to the rear of the store to acquire your larger item.....and they'd load it into your vehicle for you, too.

This really worked out very well for everyone.

Well I've a quick question, best buy has a laptop for $399, then if you pay a $100 more (total $499) you get some extras, like a printer, a bigger hard drive, etc. Would the $399 lappy versus the $499 lappy each be two different tickets or just one ticket and you just check off that you want the extras for the $100 more?

Thanks!

Thanks BigJimSlade. Love ya big guy
My question: If I get a ticket at 3:00 a.m., can I leave and come pack at 9:00 a.m. to pick it up? Or will BB expect me to be in line at the opening hour?
BTW, the capital of Nebraska is Lincoln. I know all my state capitals, Jim. And if your appetite isn't satisfied yet, call me, or better yet, kick down my bedroom door!!!

Thanks,

Matt aka shoplifter

I was 8 months pregnant with baby #2 in 2005 and we camped out there all night in mansfield ohio

my husband and toddler son (1 yr old at the time) stayed in teh car with heat on and I stayed out in cold (coldest night of the year!!) - when i got too cold, my husband would switch with me.

i'm typing on the computer i bought that day. (the $150 computer deal.)

I want a laptop now. :)

and a pda if they offer a good one.

so you CAN do it with children just plan accordingly to waste a tank of gas keeping the fmaily warm. . ..


we arrived at that bestbuy around 9pm that night and there were already a few folks in line.

this year when i do it, i'm thinking seriously about bringing my tent as i now have 2 young children and this way they can lay down and sleep easier. . ..

bettyann


Hey, I camped out at this same Best Buy in 2006. I got there at about 7pm and was somewhere between number 15-20. Although I didn't take one, bringing a tent is a good idea. The people directly behind me had one which helped block some of the wind :D . I'm thinking about going at about 5 to 6pm this year the night before to get a good spot in line (that is, if I find something worth waiting for). Since it seems to be getting slightly earlier every year, I think this is a good time to be at the Best Buy in Mansfield.

Well I've a quick question, best buy has a laptop for $399, then if you pay a $100 more (total $499) you get some extras, like a printer, a bigger hard drive, etc. Would the $399 lappy versus the $499 lappy each be two different tickets or just one ticket and you just check off that you want the extras for the $100 more?

I would go with two different tickets. They are probably pre-configured to go out the door. Basically, they will make their money. When the $399 tickets run out, then the $499 tickets will sell out.

Hi everyone,

I know this question has been asked over and over but can anyone give me a good time to get in line at Best Buy in Michigan?

I've always gone shopping on BF, since I was 16, but never at BB. I just don't think Wed. night is going to happen with the temperatures here in MI.

Thanks

hey guys im new here and i am just wondering if anyone here who lives in cold weather know what time ppl usually get in line for? i live in silverdale, washington. hope that helps haha thanks guys

hey guys im new here and i am just wondering if anyone here who lives in cold weather know what time ppl usually get in line for? i live in silverdale, washington. hope that helps haha thanks guys

Welcome to the community! With all of the press that Bf is getting I would say get inline before 3pm on Thursday.

Any guidance on what would be a good time on Wed or Thurs to hit BB in NJ?

Thanks BigJimSlade. Love ya big guy
My question: If I get a ticket at 3:00 a.m., can I leave and come pack at 9:00 a.m. to pick it up? Or will BB expect me to be in line at the opening hour?
BTW, the capital of Nebraska is Lincoln. I know all my state capitals, Jim. And if your appetite isn't satisfied yet, call me, or better yet, kick down my bedroom door!!!

Thanks,

Matt aka shoplifter

I was wondering this too. I'd love to grab a ticket and then head to a couple other places and just come back and pick up my items around 10am. Would that work??

I was wondering this too. I'd love to grab a ticket and then head to a couple other places and just come back and pick up my items around 10am. Would that work??

Welcome to the community!

I would check with your local store but most stores will hold the item until 12 noon or so. Please check with your local store and find out how they will be doing the tickets.

Good Luck!

Thanks BigJimSlade. Love ya big guy
My question: If I get a ticket at 3:00 a.m., can I leave and come pack at 9:00 a.m. to pick it up? Or will BB expect me to be in line at the opening hour?
BTW, the capital of Nebraska is Lincoln. I know all my state capitals, Jim. And if your appetite isn't satisfied yet, call me, or better yet, kick down my bedroom door!!!

Thanks,

Matt aka shoplifter

I would check with your local BB about how long they told the items once a person gets a ticket.


The only way I will kick down your door is if you play the "how to" record and get into trouble. :)

If I get a ticket at 4am, can I then make a mad dash to wait for the doors at WalMart to open at 5am and them come back later to redeem my ticket at Best Buy? :p

THANKS!

If I get a ticket at 4am, can I then make a mad dash to wait for the doors at WalMart to open at 5am and them come back later to redeem my ticket at Best Buy? :p

THANKS!

Yes, you can. Once you get your ticket, or tickets, you have until noon to pick up your product and pay. The ticket represents a product in their inventory. But if you don't pick up your product before noon, they'll sell it. Probably if you get to walmart at 4, 4:30 am, you won't get the greatest deals, but maybe that ain't what you're looking for anyway. You may also have to count on your position in line, it may take longer than 4 am to get the ticket.

Honestly, I'd just get another person to get that item for you. I know last year the bestbuy by me did't have enough of the item and they just gave the items to who ever claimed them
first.

I was at my local bb today (fullerton, ca) and the guy said that the ticket items have to be picked up by 9am. I asked him what time started lining up last year and he said Thursday afternoon, but after reading this it almost seems impossible that it could be that late...especially in southern california. Has anyone done it in this area?

I was at my local bb today (fullerton, ca) and the guy said that the ticket items have to be picked up by 9am. I asked him what time started lining up last year and he said Thursday afternoon, but after reading this it almost seems impossible that it could be that late...especially in southern california. Has anyone done it in this area?

Welcome to the community!

I use to live in the So Cal area and lines started around 2pm Thursday. If you have any more questions please post!

According to the BB website this year the tickets expire at 9 am. To quote:

"These tickets are valid for a limited time. The products requiring a ticket must be purchased, or in your hand, by 9 a.m. This is when the remaining inventory, if available, will be released to the general public."

Yep, a ticket is not a guarantee or a contract. You roll the dice and you take your chances.

Do the tickets for all of the items go early? The earliest I am willing to go is midnight on Friday morning. I am hoping to get a Tom Tom, and can't imagine that it would be among the most popular things. However I could also see some idiot that doesn't want things asking for a ticket anyway, just because it's offered to him and then not using it. Is there any chance of getting a ticket for the Tom Tom if I only go 3 hours before tickets are distributed?

You have to wait in this long line with a ticket and have no chance to go around and get other items. Its best to bring another person to get the non ticket items. If you go around and get the other items and not wait in the line, you are chancing not getting that ticketed item.

So if a ticket doesn't guarantee the item what the heck is the point of tickets???

So if a ticket doesn't guarantee the item what the heck is the point of tickets???

You need to pick up your ticketed item(s) by 9 am or they may sell them to someone else.

Some GottaDealers have been posting about picking up tickets at 3 am and then going off to shop in three more stores and swinging back to BB by 10 am. Those people are going to be disappointed...

In all honesty, if you show up at midnight on Thursday/Friday morning....you may be #200 in line...if you're lucky.

The tickets for the doorbuster items typically give out within the first 50 people or so.....for almost all the items. Rare is it that someone sits in line for 12+ hours for one single doorbuster item....it happens, but is rare.

The ticket gets you first dibs on the item.....and you'll get it if you pick it up the first few hours the doors are open....until 9AM this year.

Getting a ticket, heading out to WM, only to return two hours later is a sure way to lose your items......because you'll be at the end of any line you try to get into, including the "I've got a ticket for a doorbuster" line....which will stretch quite a ways in the store.

Of course, this is after you stand in the outside line until 9AM, trying to just get into the store....behind the other 500 people in front of you who never left in the first place. Having a ticket does no good if you're stuck outside the store waiting to get inside....and neither does having a ticket in your hand guarantee the ability to cut in front of everyone else who stayed in line all morning.

I am not going to go any earlier than about 11pm, so I'm pretty much ruling out Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Circuit City. I'm not waiting almost 24 hours like the other loonies. I will drive by on my way to my other store of choice just in case a miracle happens and almost no one is in line.

If you get there at 12:00 AM, you have a very slim chance of getting it. You may wish to look at another store in which has a similar GPS at the same price that you could get in line at just a bit later.

If I get a ticket at 4am, can I then make a mad dash to wait for the doors at WalMart to open at 5am and them come back later to redeem my ticket at Best Buy? :p

THANKS!

Keep in mind a ticket is not a contract. They do not have to keep your item until you come by to pick it up. I remember in 2005 I left and returned at 5:45 AM to find out they sold my computer. So after a lot of fighting with a Best Buy employee they gave me a better model at the Black Friday price. So you may wish to keep that in mind. However, if you can get there when the doors open, chances are you will be okay.

Honestly part of the best part of being at the front of the line is being able to get your ticket, get your stuff, and get out so you don't have to stand in the horribly long BF lines. We were in and out within about 15-20 min. or so last year. We had a plan on which order we wanted to get things in and knew where to go to pick them up. I've heard a significant amount of people gripe about how they don't like the ticket system at Best Buy; they may have had a bad experience with it but personally I love it. Their system is very organized and you don't get trampled trying to fight people for stuff.

ok i have a question. as i always miss out on the ticket items. what time would they give the tickets out? i heared sometimes the night before then i hear when the doors open. can anyone help me on this . thanks lor

ok i have a question. as i always miss out on the ticket items. what time would they give the tickets out? i heared sometimes the night before then i hear when the doors open. can anyone help me on this . thanks lor

Most stores will give out tickets between 3 and 4am on Friday. If you want to get a ticket you have to be inline around Thursday morning.

Welcome to the community!

Do the tickets for all of the items go early? The earliest I am willing to go is midnight on Friday morning. I am hoping to get a Tom Tom, and can't imagine that it would be among the most popular things. However I could also see some idiot that doesn't want things asking for a ticket anyway, just because it's offered to him and then not using it. Is there any chance of getting a ticket for the Tom Tom if I only go 3 hours before tickets are distributed?

If you want a Tom Tom you should be inline around 11am on Thursday. GPS will be a popular item this year.

If you want a Tom Tom you should be inline around 11am on Thursday. GPS will be a popular item this year.

Yes, if all you are after is a GPS unit, I STRONGLY recommend going to a "secondary BF store" such as RadioShack, OfficeMax, Office Depot, or Staples.

I wouldn't go to Best Buy and Circuit City unless I was dropping $2,000+ and saving a ton of money. To save $100 on a GPS is not worth camping out for 20 hours (to me at least).

There are plenty of secondary stores offering GPS units at similar savings to that TomTom that BB will have:
http://forums.gottadeal.com/showthread.php?t=87388

As others have said, be prepared for disappointment if you plan on coming back hours later with your ticket. Like it or not a ticket simply isn't a guarantee if you're not there when the doors open. It would be great if it worked out like that, but it won't ;).

-Timothy

ok i have a question. as i always miss out on the ticket items. what time would they give the tickets out? i heared sometimes the night before then i hear when the doors open. can anyone help me on this . thanks lor

BB will be giving out tickets at 3am, as it says in the ad. But the line will start long before 3am, so you can't show up at 2:30 and expect to get a ticket for a doorbuster.

Keep in mind a ticket is not a contract. They do not have to keep your item until you come by to pick it up. I remember in 2005 I left and returned at 5:45 AM to find out they sold my computer. So after a lot of fighting with a Best Buy employee they gave me a better model at the Black Friday price. So you may wish to keep that in mind. However, if you can get there when the doors open, chances are you will be okay.

That is BS, they sold your computer 45min after opening? it takes that long to get through the checkout line! :no:

Here is a list of what Best Buy will be requiring a ticket for

http://www.bestbuy.com/thanksgiving1jt

I may be braving BB for BF for the first time this year to get a laptop for my nephew that is in Children's Hopital right now with cancer. I live in NH. What time do you think I should get in line? Looks like it's going to be in the 20s to 30 that night. Thanks!

Here is a list of what Best Buy will be requiring a ticket for

http://www.bestbuy.com/thanksgiving1jt

That's different then the one I got! I got this one:

http://www.bestbuy.com/thanksgiving2jt?AID=10474050&PID=2187655&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fthanksgiving2jt

The link I gave was for all the doorbuster specials.

The link I gave was for all the doorbuster specials.

Ya, mine has different doorbuster.

From Best Buy:

How to Shop the Friday Doorbusters Specials at Best Buy

Hoping to get in on the amazing deals at Best Buy on Friday, November 23? You'll need to get there early in the morning, way before the stores open at 5 a.m.

Here are a few things to know before you go:

Prior to opening, a line of customers will form outside the store.

Starting at 3 a.m., with the front of the line, employees will hand out tickets to customers for Doorbuster and Bonus Doorbuster products (these are the front cover and BestBuy.com limited-quantity items, excluding CDs, DVDs and video game software).

The tickets, limited to 1 ticket per customer per item, will grant you the ability to buy the Doorbuster items.

These tickets are valid for a limited time. The products requiring a ticket must be purchased, or in your hand, by 9 a.m. This is when the remaining inventory, if available, will be released to the general public.

We are unable to guarantee all customers in line will receive a ticket. See Customer Specialist for details.

Ugh good to know that it takes forever to redeem those damn tickets. Anyone have time estimates of when you can expect to exit that line?

Ok, while on the subject of tickets, I have a question. I'll be brave and stand in line for my sister-in-law to get her one of the $499.99 laptops. However I also plan to pick up a few other things while at Best Buy, should I grab these other items first or go straight for the pick-up line for the ticketed items?

I mean what's the best plan of attack here?

Ok, while on the subject of tickets, I have a question. I'll be brave and stand in line for my sister-in-law to get her one of the $499.99 laptops. However I also plan to pick up a few other things while at Best Buy, should I grab these other items first or go straight for the pick-up line for the ticketed items?

I mean what's the best plan of attack here?

Welcome to the community!

I would grab your non ticket items and then go to the sales counter and get your ticketed items.

Good Luck

At the Best Buy in Denton, Texas, They added Wrist Bands this year.

If you got a ticket, you got a wrist band also.

This way no one could SELL their tickets ; as this was bad last year.

I was able to get most of the DoorBusters I wanted :) but of course not the extreme ones like the 229 laptop or 199 desktop.