totallyBF Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I need help! I am possibly considering camping outside of best buy this year so I will need help it will be my first time doing it but my thing is that I wanna be one of the first 20 people in the best buy, how early should I get there? Thursday morning? I have no idea! What should I bring with me? Food? Tent? Im from Florida so therefore I don't need like the heaters because it won't be that cold. Any dos and donts I need to know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I think bigjimslade said his next webcast (see the thread at the top of this forum for details) will be focused on camping and he'll show what he brings. But while you wait, I'm sure there are others here who can give you tips as well. You can also search the archives from previous years for ideas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinkrbel Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 yup, next webacast is supposed to be camping related with possible videos and details equipment guidelines all taken care of. I'm in Miami and I think last year there were already people at my local one by Wednesday night, not sure how many though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaymacfla Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I need help! I am possibly considering camping outside of best buy this year so I will need help it will be my first time doing it but my thing is that I wanna be one of the first 20 people in the best buy, how early should I get there? Thursday morning? I have no idea! What should I bring with me? Food? Tent? Im from Florida so therefore I don't need like the heaters because it won't be that cold. Any dos and donts I need to know?Back in 2006, Thurday morning would have done it, but since those jokers from your neck of the woods went out early, it may be that in order to get a good spot, you may have to adjust your arrival time by as much as 8 hours earlier. If you want to be in the first 20, you can always join my team if you were to be in the Jacksonville area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaymacfla Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 I can help you, but you may want to change your mind on cold weather should we have another year like 2009! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totallyBF Posted September 30, 2011 Author Share Posted September 30, 2011 I just wish this can be the year I find somebody from this site and go with them and we can talk black Friday all night because all my friends are sick and tired of me talking about it they say to me "its October you got two months!!" And I'm like its only 60 days and you have to save up money and they get jealous when I tell them all the hot items and I feel like the USING me for information and I'm a sucker for it because i use this site all the time especially on my phone great app! LOL And this year I really need a friend because all my family will be going to Texas while I stay here in Florida to take care of the family business I know bummer but my family is the one who puts up with my nonsense and my friends just see me like a looney!! Oh well I'm obsessed and I know there's someone out there in my area too I just looking for them hahahaha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaymacfla Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 The only person so far signed up to camp out with me is my bf but he's not exicted he's like sure yeah ill sit out in the cold with you and you can get your stuff. I want someone who is just as exicted if not more exicted for black Friday as me!!!He just needs the right motivators, like a new flat screen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaymacfla Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I just wish this can be the year I find somebody from this site and go with them and we can talk black Friday all night because all my friends are sick and tired of me talking about it they say to me "its October you got two months!!" And I'm like its only 60 days and you have to save up money and they get jealous when I tell them all the hot items and I feel like the USING me for information and I'm a sucker for it because i use this site all the time especially on my phone great app! LOL And this year I really need a friend because all my family will be going to Texas while I stay here in Florida to take care of the family business I know bummer but my family is the one who puts up with my nonsense and my friends just see me like a looney!! Oh well I'm obsessed and I know there's someone out there in my area too I just looking for them hahahahaFinding female campers will be a challenge. In my group, we have women and a police officer. I am wondering how much time you can spend away from the family business. This may impact your arrival time, and could mean that you are not able to be where you want to be in line. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinkrbel Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 And I'm like its only 60 days and you have to save up money and they get jealous when I tell them all the hot items and I feel like the USING me for information and I'm a sucker for it because i use this site all the time especially on my phone great app! LOL I had a coworker like this last year...It's not difficult but I was doing all the "hard" work (of coming to site and downloading stuff:P ) while she was just whining cause I'm sat at my desk looking at whatever ad she hasn't had access to yet(usually being uploaded to shared drive). Then she'd pester me every time she found something she was remotely interested to know if it would be available online at same price. After telling her multiple times nothing was for sure but that EVEN if it was she'd have to be up late/early to get I started to pretend I was on a call or doing work(BF spreadsheet). I hope your friend is somewhat better and actually goes with you and peps up a little before then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totallyBF Posted September 30, 2011 Author Share Posted September 30, 2011 Finding female campers will be a challenge. In my group, we have women and a police officer. I am wondering how much time you can spend away from the family business. This may impact your arrival time, and could mean that you are not able to be where you want to be in line.Well we own three local resturant in the tb area and I'm in charge of one of them but we close on thanksgiving and I asked my father which isn't leaving to Texas that if I can come into work Friday afternoon at 6 he said that's fine because its a must day work black Friday night because people are tired and exhausted of shopping they don't want to go home and cook dinner so we get really busy. But I got all Thursday and I'm hoping to be done with my shopping if everything goes as planned by 10am friday for I can go home and sleep! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjimslade Posted October 1, 2011 Share Posted October 1, 2011 I just got back into town from being in Oklahoma all week. I will be doing my next webcast like Brad said on camping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TazErase Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 I need help! I am possibly considering camping outside of best buy this year so I will need help it will be my first time doing it but my thing is that I wanna be one of the first 20 people in the best buy, how early should I get there? Thursday morning? I have no idea! What should I bring with me? Food? Tent? Im from Florida so therefore I don't need like the heaters because it won't be that cold. Any dos and donts I need to know?Every store and location has their own rules, and the time you need to be there is based on the competition at the location. Where I am, 2 of the Best Buys have lines forming by Monday night. The one I go to is actually on mall owned property and due to insurance regulations they won't let anyone on line until Thursday morning. Any place other than Best Buy, lining up some time Thursday is usually fine, but for Best Buy, you always have that 1 guy you hear about that lines up 2 weeks early, lol. Your best bet is if you live close by is to get there early Thursday the latest (for Best Buy). Other stores don't have much of a line or are well stocked on their doorbuster items. Know your area, and depending on the store is the only way to really know when to be there. Also you mentioned you're in Florida where it's warmer. Chances are more people will be willing to line up earlier there than some of the northern states where it can and often has been freezing temperatures even during the day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TazErase Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 I can help you, but you may want to change your mind on cold weather should we have another year like 2009!lol... you're from Florida and referring to the cold weather in 2009? What happened? Did it dip into the 70's at night? Just kidding. Always fun to make a few jokes when people comment on the weather. I know when I was in the Marines, there was 1 year Florida got about an inch of snow and the entire state shut down. In NY we call that flurries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TazErase Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 I just wish this can be the year I find somebody from this site and go with them and we can talk black Friday all night because all my friends are sick and tired of me talking about it they say to me "its October you got two months!!" And I'm like its only 60 days and you have to save up money and they get jealous when I tell them all the hot items and I feel like the USING me for information and I'm a sucker for it because i use this site all the time especially on my phone great app! LOL And this year I really need a friend because all my family will be going to Texas while I stay here in Florida to take care of the family business I know bummer but my family is the one who puts up with my nonsense and my friends just see me like a looney!! Oh well I'm obsessed and I know there's someone out there in my area too I just looking for them hahahahaI know the feeling well. I get excited about Black Friday usually.... the Saturday after Black Friday, lol. It's about all I've been talking about lately and my family (my wife and kids are totally into it as well, my parents and sister however think I'm totally nuts) and they can't understand why anyone would stand in line that long to buy anything. Of course that's what they all say, you're crazy for getting on line so early, right up to the point that they get on line and then they are jealous that you're all the way in the front and they have no hopes of getting any of the items they are standing in line for 6 hrs for. Who gets the last laugh then? lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinkrbel Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 LOL...It's so true but also relative, better the devil you know. I would probably put a moratorium on BF if I was anywhere cold that year, aside from everything else that hot/cold from going indoors/outside would probably zap any fun from it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 Here's an article full of tips that bigjimslade wrote for the BF site: http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/BlackFridayCamping Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaymacfla Posted October 3, 2011 Share Posted October 3, 2011 lol... you're from Florida and referring to the cold weather in 2009? What happened? Did it dip into the 70's at night? Just kidding. Always fun to make a few jokes when people comment on the weather. I know when I was in the Marines, there was 1 year Florida got about an inch of snow and the entire state shut down. In NY we call that flurries.I knew there was a common thread between us! I used to live east of Buffalo New York, and was well aware of how cold the north is, so I understand how funny it is talking about Florida weather. I was in the Marines as well, and the year you should be referring to was 1989. In 2009 the weather dipped down into the low thirties and it was windy, with a little bit of drizzle in the morning. This is a different Florida, as our weather in the northern part is influenced by a landmass called Georgia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvmymic Posted October 4, 2011 Share Posted October 4, 2011 What do you do when it's getting close to the time for store to open, do you pack everything up and pop it into the car? or do you leave it there until after your shopping is done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TazErase Posted October 4, 2011 Share Posted October 4, 2011 What do you do when it's getting close to the time for store to open, do you pack everything up and pop it into the car? or do you leave it there until after your shopping is done?Once again this can vary based on location. Follow what you see most of the others doing. At the location I go to, usually about an hour before the doors open most people will bring the items back to their car, and then get back on line. That's also around the time you have to be most alert since it's the last chance for people to try cutting the line, and every year they will try if they think they can get away with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogue1230 Posted October 4, 2011 Share Posted October 4, 2011 My walmart was actually really nice about this last year. First they allowed/escorted people at intervals to enter the store to use the restrooms while having associates hold their place in line. Then instructed people to return their camp items ( chairs, blankets etc) back to their cars an hour before opening, again, holding their place in the line. I thought it was really decent of them to do that, went a long way as far as good will and the crowds demeanor I thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaymacfla Posted October 4, 2011 Share Posted October 4, 2011 We have an organized tear-down a few hours prior to the Ticket hand out. This has worked well every time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarmax4 Posted October 5, 2011 Share Posted October 5, 2011 This is when the buddy sytem comes into play. We break everything down 1.5 hours before the store opens. By this times everyone is getting excited, getting a second wind and start lining up tightly in order to head for the door. My husband keeps our place in line while I put everything back in the car. As a tip to everyone park near the EXIT of the parking lot. It's a hassale when you have to drag your spoils of BF war back to the other end of the parking lot. but you wont have to worry about being in a parking lot traffic jam trying to get out. As your coming out the store 6am, hundreds of people are STILL trying to get in! and they are ALL looking for parking. SO best to have a quick escape route! It works everytime!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjimslade Posted October 5, 2011 Share Posted October 5, 2011 Please join us on our webcast as I will be going over this and everything else Black Friday camping. http://forums.gottadeal.com/showthread.php?229913-Join-us-for-the-next-Black-Friday-webcast-Saturday-Oct.-8-7pm-Central What do you do when it's getting close to the time for store to open, do you pack everything up and pop it into the car? or do you leave it there until after your shopping is done? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
totallyBF Posted October 5, 2011 Author Share Posted October 5, 2011 This is when the buddy sytem comes into play. We break everything down 1.5 hours before the store opens. By this times everyone is getting excited, getting a second wind and start lining up tightly in order to head for the door. My husband keeps our place in line while I put everything back in the car. As a tip to everyone park near the EXIT of the parking lot. It's a hassale when you have to drag your spoils of BF war back to the other end of the parking lot. but you wont have to worry about being in a parking lot traffic jam trying to get out. As your coming out the store 6am, hundreds of people are STILL trying to get in! and they are ALL looking for parking. SO best to have a quick escape route! It works everytime!!I never heard of that one!!! Parking by the exit is pure genius! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TazErase Posted October 5, 2011 Share Posted October 5, 2011 This is when the buddy sytem comes into play. We break everything down 1.5 hours before the store opens. By this times everyone is getting excited, getting a second wind and start lining up tightly in order to head for the door. My husband keeps our place in line while I put everything back in the car. As a tip to everyone park near the EXIT of the parking lot. It's a hassale when you have to drag your spoils of BF war back to the other end of the parking lot. but you wont have to worry about being in a parking lot traffic jam trying to get out. As your coming out the store 6am, hundreds of people are STILL trying to get in! and they are ALL looking for parking. SO best to have a quick escape route! It works everytime!!I see you're from NYC. I know the area all too well. When I lived in the city that was defineately the case. In most cases, where I am now I can park at the closest parking space to where the line is and have never had trouble getting back out. Again it's all trial and error and changes by each location. Defineately a good thing to think about though especially for the newer ones looking to camp out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcurdinc112 Posted October 6, 2011 Share Posted October 6, 2011 Last year I went for the 40' Westinghouse and I camped outside of Target from 5:45 pm on Thanksgiving evening until 4 in the morning when they opened. I live 3 minutes away. I had to use the bathroom one time, so I called my mom and she came and sat in my place until I got back. Mind you, I was first in line and I did end up getting my tv. It was 12 degrees with the wind chill factor and there were winds whipping all about all night. People who were waiting in their cars felt so sorry for me that some of them offered to sit in my place and let me warm up in their car, but I declined. Then they ended up buying me coffee, which really helped me get through the last few hours. I had an exceptionally thick comforter and a chair but I was still so cold. The last few hours were the hardest. During the last half an hour I had my mom come and take the comforter and chair away so I could get prepared to go in when it was time. So as l said, I was the first in line. They say no pushing and running, but when the doors opened, people ran and most of the tv's were gone buy the time I walked over there, (but I did get one). Like a dummy, my ex sister in law asked me to get a gps for her boyfriend and I ended up getting caught in the line for 2 and a half hours when I should have just got my tv and left. I got the gps and it was the wrong one, so I ended up having to go to Walmart and stand in line for her. I gave her the gps after a month of her not having the money, which I did not know at the time and then in January she ends up taking it back to get the money back and she went shopping, so my 10 hours of camping got me caught up. My tip would be, if you are going to camp, make sure it is for you and only you. If anyone wants you go get anything, they need to have their butt out there with you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaymacfla Posted October 6, 2011 Share Posted October 6, 2011 My tip would be, if you are going to camp, make sure it is for you and only you. If anyone wants you go get anything, they need to have their butt out there with you. Your error in this situation stemmed from two things. First, you need to collect all monies up front. Secondly, the store you choose has a great deal of bearing upon the outcome and subsequent grief that can follow a good intentioned offer. If you are going to shop for others, go to a store which utilizes a ticket system. If it does not, your new tip should be your guide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwc designs Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 I have been heading out for BF for many years now and pretty much addicted to the experience. In all of my BF days I can usually line up a few hours prior to the stores opening and I usually grab the main items on my list. My question is (especially for new campers) how do you justify camping for savings while spending on equipment? What is the smallest discount you would wait in line for? In the recent years there just hasn't been that big ticket item at that great a deal that I could see camping for. I ask because I would like to add the experience to my resume, but after adding the costs I would end up spending more than I save. http://www.cartoonaday.com/images/cartoons/2010/11/black-friday-camping-598x461.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stationchief Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 (edited) I think most folks who camp out already have the necessary equipment. It's just a one-time cost. Sure, your first time camping out you'll need to justify the cost of all your gear, but if ya buy stuff that'll last a while you'll have all ya need for a long time. And it's not just for camping in BF lines, either. Ya never know when you'll need a power generator to watch your DVDs while out in the woods . As far as what I would camp out in line for, I think if I ever had enough cash to spend I'd buy my new camping supplies and camp out for an HDTV or other big hot electronics items. Though it'd have to be more than just one thing. I can't personally justify camping all that time just for one measly item. By the way, love the comic! Edited October 18, 2011 by stationchief Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigjimslade Posted October 18, 2011 Share Posted October 18, 2011 It is hard to justify the cost if you dont want to buy a big ticket item and at the end you will break even or even have a loss for the first year. Most of the people here on GD who camp do it because it is much more then the item they will get. For me it is tradition, meeting new people, hang with friends and having fun. It is like people who tailgate at sporting events. There are ways you can find cheap camping stuff. Ask family and friends if you can borrow a tent and chair. You also may want to check Goodwill and the Army/Navy store. I will cover this question on the webcast this Saturday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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