TazErase

I tried getting through with no luck Friday, but I have lots to discuss with Best Buy corporate about Ken (the store manager). Lots of people got upset with how he did it, and I know of at least 2 other people that are calling to file complaints against him. Last year my daughter was 12 and they had no problem giving her tickets, this year she was 13 and they refused to give her tickets. Had we known, we could have replaced each of them with adults easy enough, but after being on line for 29 hours (BEFORE BEST BUY CLOSED WEDNESDAY, the manager saw them there and didn't complain about them getting a ticket until 11pm Thursday night) they could not get tickets for their mother and aunt that has wanted the TVs and gave me the cash to pick them up for her. In the end, I lost my TV by trying to be the nice guy and helping them to make sure they got their TVs.

Our store didn't give out tickets for the Bluray or the Dynex. They were first come first serve, luckily I happen to find the Bluray in time since when I had asked the manager where they were I was told "I'm not a tour guide" and he refused to tell where anything was located.

We had 36 total in our store. However, after standing first in line, the manager was changing rules every few seconds. First he refused to give more than 1 per family, then changed it to over 18, then over 16, then you had to show ID to get a ticket, etc. The ad says "1 per customer" no age limit, no "per family". My daughter's friend had let her daughter stay on line with me for 2 days in 40 degree weather and the intention was that her daughter would be able to get a TV for her. She was under 18 and didn't have ID so the manager refused to give her ticket for the TV. I am so upset with Best Buy that I am contacting Best Buy corporate, Best Buy customer relations, the attorney general's office and also consumer affairs. I haven't been able to get through yet, but I know others did get through and they said that others had made the same complaint and it was being investigated. I can understand not giving a ticket to a 3 year old, but this was a teenager that was there to get it for her mother. Not even in the same household as me, but was refused a television.

Interviewed by Poughkeepsie Journal. I will post that link later once they finish the story and post it online. Racerfan and her family joined us at the same location and had a great time. As it turned out we both had 13year old daughters that got along quite well and had fun. Unfortuneately Best Buy pulled a new trick and first would only give tickets to 18 and over, then changed it to 16 and over, then required ID... WTF game is that? My daughter and my son had their OWN money, and they refused to give them any tickets because they were under 18... I mean under 16... I mean, they had no ID... Whatever the reason, Best Buy customer relations, Best Buy corporate, Consumer affairs, Better Business Bureau, and the attorney generals office will be contacted for the actions of the manager. My kids and my daughter's friend waited, and we were on line FIRST. Stayed in line for over 24hrs, I am a Silver Premier member, and THIS is how they treat us???

Anyone heard of Viewtechusa.com? They were just interviewing us at Best Buy.

If you look, most of the doorbusters are listed as $1000 coming soon. Those prices are way too high, they don't want to list the actual prices high.

Is that 24" tv that big of a deal really? It's a Dynex, I wasn't planning to get it this year but now I'm wondering. I intend to get the 42" Sharp though. A friend with me plans to get the Dynex though.

Get well soon. We miss your webcasts, but the most important thing is your health.

90% chance of Rain Tuesday nigh, low 43, 90% chance of rain Wednesday, high 56, 30% chance of rain Wednesday night, low 32, Mostly sunny Thursday, high 49, Thursday night low of 32 mostly clear. Looks like it's going to be the warmest Black Friday in a long time here at least. Not looking forward to the rain, but I'll have a tarp in case it does. Not long before I get in line myself, but they don't allow tents. Originally they were forecasting rain Wednesday night as well. Glad to see that is no longer the case. Last thing i need is to get soaked in freezing cold weather. I'll have my heater just in case, much to the joy of many people over the years that have asked to warm up their hands or feet that were so numb they couldn't feel them, lol.

Congrats. Hopefully I win 1next year. Free press when they interview me and put the pic in the paper.... Hint hint Brad, lol

I bring a jacket with zippered pockets and also where military style pants with numerous pockets. I carry lists, ads, pen to check off the items i got, cell phone, etc.

I'd love to know as well. I have a daughter with cp that wants to go with the family on BF but due to disability we feel it is safer to leave her with her grandmother instead.

I have my adscans and know 90% of what I'm planning, but there are always those other items you may notice that you missed looking at the ad scans. I always have my ad scans on my laptop to look at, as well as the actual store ads from the paper. I also print out the list from GottaDeal.com, have another copy of it on my cell phone, and will also have a hand-written list of possible items and alternates (for everything but Best Buy where I get choice). If you haven't already, check out the list option on GottaDeal. You can check off the items you want and the list only prints out the items you had checked off. Makes it nice and easy when you get in the store to just pull out the list.

Nice setup. Unfortuneately my location doesn't allow tents, generators, or grills, lol. My biggest question... WHERE THE HECK DO YOU PUT YOUR PURCHASES AFTER YOU GET IN THE STORE WITH THAT MUCH STUFF??? lol If my location would allow I'd love to bring my generator and tents. Of course then my next step would be a 32" (minimum) tv, Xbox, etc.

Been there, done that... That's why you prepare the proper equipment. One of the best investments I ever made for BF was the $100 I invested in a portable propane heater. I have people every year coming over asking to warm up for just a few minutes because they can no longer feel their hands and toes.

All depends on the competition in your location. If you want to get the choice items you get in line first or as soon as you see others in line. Where I am it is expected to be in the 30s and 40s. I am always first and every year I show up about 3 or 4 hours before the time the prior year. Years ago you could show up 3pm Thursday and be one of the first, now you have to arrive before the sun comes up to be first. It's also a special situation in that my location is mall property and they will not let you line up any earlier. I received special permission for the time I intend to arrive by the director of security. Anyone else that arrives that early until I am set up will be told to leave or they will be arrested for trespassing. Know your location, do your recon, get to know the managers in Best Buy and security if it applies.

To end the debate on secret sales.... Best Buy issued a full press release stating that THERE WILL BE SECRET SALES AT BEST BUY. For the full press release you need to look no further than the GottaDeal.com forums under Best Buy. I believe they made the announcement on Friday so look at the posts from Brad on 11/11/11. Just wanted to end any debates over it before it fills up the forums by making it offical that they are having the annual secret sales. Now to discuss what might be found in those secret sales... I'm betting on the fact there will be a Toshiba laptop for under $150. Last year the cheapest Toshiba in BB was $449 and they had a similar one on sale for $189. Since last year the laptops have dropped in price and now the cheapest Toshiba is $329 this year. Also the fact that they have posted a $179 Lenovo laptop in their ad, they have something better planned. Also I would not be too surprised to see them save some of the HP ThinkPads for Black Friday. They are currently $150 with the purchase of a new computer, I would guess they will have them in the $99 price range, although BB has done so great this year with their ads, they may try to completely bury any competition remaining by going for about $79 on the HP. Best Buy has done great this year and people that normally go to other retailers either before or instead of Best Buy are changing their plans so arrive early. For those that are big-time into BF as I am, if you have not already done so, it is time to do recon and if needed get permission to arrive early. I just got home from round 3 of recon after speaking to the marketing director and director of security at the mall and obtaining special permission to arrive early. Anyone else will be turned away if they arrive too early but I got special permission because in years past I have always been first and kept things orderly, clean, and trouble-free. You will find that by working with those in charge they will work with you, in this case assuring me that I will be first, and if they try threatening me with arrest for trespassing like in previous years all I have to do is mention the director name and that he gave me permission.

Not too great of an ad. Pretty much the same stuff they have every year, but since Home Depot hasn't been posted I guess I'll get a few things in Lowes this year. About the only things I like in this ad is the 6 foot ladder for $19.

Haven't heard that but it COULD be in the additional sale that will be listed on the 23rd, however it is doubtful unless they are a manager that they would have that knowledge. Also, if it's only for the first hour, lol.... have you ever been on line in Best Buy Black Friday? The line alone could take 2 hrs just to make your purchase unless you have someone hold your spot for you.

Honestly from the ad, the better deal is the HP. As BSCH said, in the past they used to have the Emachines with monitor and printer for $199. Now they offer a cheap computer with nothing extra . The HP for $499 with printer and monitor is the better deal.

Good News.... 1) My Best Buy IS NOT DOING THE MOVIE..... 2) Additional deals that I was counting on :-) BEST BUY IS GOING TO CRUSH THE COMPETITION THIS YEAR. Finally a company that realizes we are in a recession and knows to get money when thigs are tight, you have good deal. I am spending more than I intended at Best Buy this year because of their deals.

Not sure which carrier you have, but do not ignore the deals in Walmart for the smartphones. I bought the Samsung Charge 2 weeks ago for $200, Walmart will have it BF for $98.88 and $100 off... comes to FREE. Samsung makes Iphones by the way (just learned that recently) Check the reviews, Samsung is the only phone that often beats Apple.

Racer... the offer still stands if you want to join my team this year. I did my 2nd round of recon tonight and it appears they did get the message last year. I was talking to the manager about how last year they made people stand in multiple lines to get the doorbusters. I put in a complaint to corporate and when I asked the manager if they were doing it that way this year they said they will work to have the items brought to the line so we can get our items quicker and get out without having to do more than 1 line. I am also in touch with mall management and security to determine WHEN they will allow people to line up this year.

Awesome... maybe it will save me some time Friday IF they have the good items in the sale, which is usually doubtful. I am a Silver Premier member and this would be a nice bonus if they offer some of the better doorbusters.

Still in Thursday's paper, however some places they will deliver some to your house in the pennysaver delivery, however neither has ALL the ads. Check online for any not in the local paper.