Share Your Best Black Friday Tip & Win a T-Shirt [Winners Posted]

[Brad]

It's contest time again

This one is very simple. Reply to this thread with your best Black Friday tip (or tips). We might use the responses in here to put together an updated guide for BF newbies, so try to be as unique and informative as possible.
 
The contest will run until Monday at 8pm ET. We'll choose 5 members at random from those who post a tip and you'll each win a Black Friday t-shirt.

Good luck to all!
 
http://i.gottadeal.com/main/images/merch/2014shirt.png

[Kanyon71]

My tip is a simple one. When looking for the deals don't look only in the areas that the deal should be, look around the store keep your eyes open and investigate. Many times we have found things hidden around the stores, sometimes they are things that seem to be gone and sometimes it's been DoorBuster items someone has either left behind or hidden to come back for. We have have found pj's in electronics and printers in the food areas far from where they are supposed to be.

[momlori]

Do your homework.  Know what it is your are going in to get, get it and get out.  BF is not the time to browse

[provresgrp]

Some stores allow customers in the store, but BF items are off limits until a set time.

If you can get in and find out where the items are that you're interested in, you're already ahead of the game.

 

My #1 rule is NO BUGGY!

This is where tag-teaming really helps.

 

If you have a couple people with a short list of what they are to get, all items can be carried to checkout.

If the list is too large for one trip, you can have someone waiting in a designated area with a buggy.

Grab what you can, dump it in the cart and go back for the rest.

 

I'm usually checking out at one of the many empty registers within five minutes of the start of the sale, while most others are frantically trying to push their carts through an impenetrable mob, trying to keep up with their children, and wondering why the item isn't located where it's supposed to be.

[catholicbride11]

My tip is have a team with you. The more people the better but make sure they are prepared, understand what they are getting into and aren't shy about going after things.

[julz0420]

Have some sort of a game plan or you will miss out on what you want

-pick the items you want the most and go after the hardest to get first. Even better if you have someone with you

-make sure you have your ads (in hand or digital) prepared for any price matching

 

Layer clothing, even in cold weather states. It gets HOT in the stores!!

 

Be patient and know you may not get every deal you are after. No one person has ever died over a missed deal and if more people would remember that it would be more fun for everyone.

 

And, of course, the best tip- become part of the gottadeal community! It's open all year with deals all year and the more you participate, the more you learn! (Plus, who doesn't want to see ads before they come out??!

Edited October 24, 2014 by julz0420

[riven3d]

My best tip is DO NOT use a shopping buggy its big and makes it hard to maneuver around a crowded store, if you need something make use of the store's shopping basket if they have any available

[firegirl719]

My tip is bring a fanny pack!  While this may not be perceived as stylish to all of us, it is very functional.  It can hold your coupons, lists, money, chapstick, car keys, phone, advil, 5 hour energy, etc (<---- BONUS TIPS right there! That's what to pack in it!) This way you are not shoving things into your pockets or carrying around a pocket book.  Everything is right there ready to go.  I hide mine under my coat, so no one can grab it. You can even get ones with compartments, to make organizing easy. Yes, I have one just for this day and yes, it is decorated with all thing Black Friday (yep, it's been bedazzled).  

 

And since we are entering the season of giving, why not give you guys another tip?  Travel in packs!  Never do a BF alone if you can avoid it.  This way you can divide and conquer! Woot woot!

[misstaken]

BF shopping in cold weather tips….

 

1. LAYERS! It's freezing outside but will be hotter than heck inside. Having a jacket or fleece with zipper pockets is awesome. Gives you a safe place to stash your hat/gloves quickly.

 

2. If you're going to be waiting outside a store for a decent amount of time, bring a warm drink. Keeps your insides warm and acts as a hand warmer.

 

3. You can get those little hand warmer packets at Walgreens. Stick some in your shoes. That way, you don't have to double up on socks which is very uncomfortable when you start getting hot later.

[ann1e88]

1)My best tip is to be bold if you see someone who already has an item you are searching for ask them where they found it......so much easier then trying to find a sales employee.  

2)Have a buddy who can stand in line while you gather the items you want saves time so you can move on to the next store.

3)Plan ahead.  Review the ads and get a game plan based on the items you want and when the stores open.   If the item you want is not a door buster you may be able to wait until later after all the crowds have gone.  

Most of all have fun!!!  

[len_mullen]

Make a list of everything you want to buy.  For each item on your list, compile a list of all available products.  Research the individual products removing any that do not meet your quality requirements.  Look up the products on the deal sites and note the best recent price.  Watch the deal sites and flyers for prices at or near the best recent price.  Once you get within 30 days of BF, buy your goods when their price falls below the highest price you will pay.  Return/rebuy or price adjust right to the holidays.

 

This will help you avoid impulse purchases and buyer's remorse, ensure you get all the gifts you want, and net you the lowest possible price.

 

Happy shopping! 

[lkonkel]

Plan...Plan...Plan!

 

As ad's are posted on this website look through them and pick out what you want.  I have a spreadsheet for me and my group of 3 others.  The spreadsheet lists the Name of the store and opening time(and what time if known for the items to be online), item description, price (regular if I know it and sale price), who wants the item between the 4 of us and then an column that has any other stores that have the same product listed...#1 to get it at another store if we can't get it at the store listed or #2 price match.  This spreadsheet is updated as the ad's come out (they usually email all information to me to update).  The week of the sales we all go online (even in the early morning hours) and order what we can get.  Thanksgiving morning we pick one person to get up early and get the BIG paper (yes, small town we sometimes have to fight to get the paper).  We all go and enjoy our families in the lunch time hour and look through the paper ad's as sometimes we see stuff we missed or change our mind to what we have on the spreadsheet.  Before we head out shopping we meet a one house and finalize the "list" excel sheet.  We print the list so everyone has a copy and head to the stores.  We have a total of 4 people in 2 vehicles.  We usually split up 2 and 2...the past few years, 2 go to Target and 2 go to Walmart.  We all just buy each others items (based on the spreadsheet).  We usually then agree to meet up at Bon-Ton area after that.  Thank god for cell phones as we communicate details that way.  At the end of our shopping we sit down and split up everything we got and pay each other for the items that they bought for us.  It's really a pre-planned team effort.  I always remember to bring 2 credit cards (incase I have issues with one) and plenty of cash to ensure I have cash if credit cards won't work AND to pay my friends for the items they get for me. NEVER bring a purse, as they are bulky and get in the way....I have a small coin purse I keep everything in and I put that in my zipper pocket or my necklace key ring thing.  I always bring large fabric grocery bags in my pocket for places I can't get a cart, but could use a bag to handle things. Always have granola bars and snacks while waiting in line.  Dress in plenty of layers...it gets VERY cold where I am in WI.  But extremely hot in store.  We usually only have to wait outside for one store, so once we get through that store we take off a lot of the layers. 

Edited October 24, 2014 by lkonkel

[wittenlover]

- Don't rely on electronics alone! Batteries fail, signals fade and weird gremlin glitches can (and often do) occur at the *worst* possible moments. Have a hard copy backup of your list and also any ads you're planning on price matching.

- When shopping solo (as I often am), don't be afraid to enlist the help of your fellow shoppers! There are a lot of us nice folks out there who will happily hand you that set of towels you want while we're at the display/box/pallet/whatever grabbing our own.

[bossy1]

One of the best tips I can think of is wear a bluetooth headset and use your phone to keep in contact with your shopping buddies. This way you can pass info and pick up items for each other since very few things are ever where they are supposed to be.This also makes it easier to meet up and checkout together,

[rockpzazz]

If you are going with friends, divide and conquer.  If you both want the same items, have them pick up an extra for you while you get your stuff and an extra for them.  Of course that is for non-ticketed items.  This way you can both get what you need.

 

I have a rule that I make no wasted motion.  I DON'T STOP!  I keep walking and only stop to grab an item or if I'm in a crowd and can't move.  Use all your motion to move on to where you need to go, never stopping unless you must.

 

Last year as I was looking for cheap movies, I noticed the lines weren't moving, so I got out of line and went back to the movies and spotted a couple that wasn't there earlier.  Sometimes its a good bet people will set stuff down, so if you have the time, it might be worth it to take a second look before you check out.  I don't advise this if you have multiple stops or in a time crunch though.

 

Another tip I used to my advantage last year was if there is a part of the store that has a register, they can check you out.  After I spotted the movies on the second go round, I was able to check out in the electronics section a whole lot faster than waiting in the lines at the front registers.  Just keep any eye out.

 

Stores such as Wal-mart and Target list where items will be located before they open, remember it.  It is also a good idea to scout the store a day or two before to see how they plan to implement the locations.  A couple friends I know missed out on deals because they were roped on the wrong side of the display and couldn't get items.

 

Finally if there are items you are on the fence about like movies and PJ's, sometimes a trip later in the day is the best bet.  There is a 50/50 chance they may be out of what you wanted, but there seems to be a decent selection on these items if they are not must need.  If you do this remember, as the day progresses and the stores begin to empty, some of the displays are moved.  Sometimes they aren't even moved to the correct location.  Last year at my Walmart, movies started in the produce section, and a few hours later were in the jewelery section. 

 

 

EDIT:  I wanted to add this.  If you need a cart for some reason and they are out (I've seen this a few times), an alternative is to grab a wheeled trash can or wheeled cooler to haul your loot in.  I went to a Menards once and a lot of people were doing this.  I wouldn't try it with a trash can without wheels though as they can get heavy quick.

Edited October 25, 2014 by rockpzazz

[jendeere]

If you are going for doorbusters, take several people with you.  At my Walmart (our only place to shop within a 3 hour radius) you can't leave your line.  So if you want 3 big ticket items you better have 3 people with you.  My husband only recently started going with me, since the Thursday evening start times actually.  He and my father-in-law make great place holders since they are rarely going for anything in particular. 

 

Get there earlier than you are planning on. 

 

Don't forget to make a list!  I always gather all the ads and write a list of my must haves beforehand. 

 

I have my iphone and sometimes my ipad for snagging those online deals while waiting in line. 

 

 

Forgot to add:  I also don't take a cart.  Or if I need one, I park it and my father-in-law somewhere and come dump stuff off when my arms get full! 

Edited October 24, 2014 by jendeere

[laddhorn]

Look at the ads beforehand and create a list. 

 

VISIT each store BEFORE black friday!  If you are getting clothing, try them on then!  You can easily grab your size and get in line during the rush without wasting the precious time. 

 

Remember, the longer you take picking out your stuff, the longer the checkout line will grow.  The goal is to get in and get out as quick as possible so you can catch the doorbuster at the next store.

[Ladywolf]

A lot of great tips in this thread!

 

Definitely skip the cart if you don't need it but if you are picking up a lot of little things (like DVD's) then take a reusuable bag or two to help carry items around.

 

If you get tired while shopping, it's okay to stop and take a break. Even if it's just to get coffee or a breakfast sandwich. Don't push yourself to grab every available deal.

[starbeck96]

One of my tips is, if you are able to, go scope out the store the day (I try to go around 10:00 P.M.) before to get an idea of where things are going to be.  Our Walmart usually starts setting up for BF that night. 

 

I also advise you to take someone with you if able.  Then, get together with them and make a game plan.  Don't wait until you get in the store to do that.  Check BF ads and compare.    Make sure you go for the most important item first.  It is easier if you have 4 or 5 people with you and each person is responsible for certain things (especially if several of you are looking for the same item).

 

I also advise that you get in and out of each store as quickly as possible (especially if you are trying to get to multiple stores within a certain amount of time).

 

Always have a backup plan.  Most of the time you are not able to get every item on your list. 

 

Always cover your items with a jacket or something while in the buggy.  I've had things taken out of my buggy in the past.

 

Most importantly, HAVE FUN and ENJOY!

[chelamarc]

1-Do your research

2-Make a spreadsheet

3-Take at least one other person with you

4-get there early to check out the place

4-Divide and conquer! ....There are about 5-7 of us that go and specifically at Walmart we place a person(nephew (20yrs old) in the food area by the registers with two carts...and we each have a runner who takes the items we get to the carts. When we are done..the lines in the food areas are MUCH shorter than the lines closer to the pharmacy and the chaos.

5-moving right along...to the next store.

[mcwalker]

1. Use the My Shopping List feature on GottaDeal to make a shopping list, print it out, and take it to the stores with you.

2. Research items in advance to determine whether the price offered is the best and to determine whether the features and quality are really what you need.  Don't just buy the cheapest thing.

3. Make a budget and select items in advance, then stick to your plan.  Avoid excessive impulse buying.

4. For your first round of stores on (Thanksgiving &) Black Friday, don't browse--stick to your list and move on.  Then possibly come back and browse later.

5. Visit key stores in advance (Monday to Wednesday) to figure out where items are in general, and especially to locate Black Friday items, if possible.

6. Tune into GottaDeal, especially in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and especially Wednesday night to check for BF items to go online.  (and all year, of course!)

7. If possible, go in pairs to stores, to assist each other and so one can get in line and the other can pick up things.  If you have more than 2 people, split between different stores.

8. Have fun!  Don't push (too hard).  Be polite, even if you don't get something you want.

[stina629]

Hi guys!

 

Some really great tips here. Here's my two cents:

 

Unlike a lot of people on here, I am a lone Black Friday shopper. Nobody in my family enjoys it, so for the past five years or so I've been on my own. I have developed a process and I think it works really well for someone who is shopping alone or separate from their group.

 

First I make a priority list, as most people are saying, which entails deciding what stores I would like to go to based on which items are most important, and in which order. Once I figure out where I want to go first, I do all the research I can on that store. For example, my first stop is usually Target. They usually have a map of where all of the doorbusters and hot ticket items will be, as they are usually not in their regular spot. As most of you already probably know, it's common to find toasters in the toy section and other items random places around the store. I found researching the map and knowing it really well is the Best strategy for somebody shopping alone.

 

My second piece of advice would be to not underestimate the value of the smaller items. For example, one of the things I was looking for last year was a Back to the Future DVD set at Target. I figured there would be plenty there, since people were looking for TVs and iPads and other technology. It turns out I got the last Back to the Future DVD set of them all. My point is, if you're shopping by yourself, do your best to get all of your research done, even on the smaller things, so that you're able to hustle on the day of.

 

Happy one month-ish until Black Friday!!!

[bribri25]

I would say the most important thing would boo to get organized before you go. Use the tools available to you on here and know what you're getting before standing in line. Be prepared to stand in some lines (to get in or check out) and if you really only need 1 or 2 items, grab those and get to the checkout before those lines get long. And then lastly, have a backup plan if something doesn't quite go according to your original plan.

[arci122]

Divide and Conquer....When multiple stores open at the same time, divide them up, share list, and settle on the money later.  That way you only have one at each store waiting in those long lines, and a better chance of getting the doorbusters you are looking for!

[irisbee]

If there's an item you missed out on, check the return area of the store. Occasionally, a customer's credit card will be denied or they won't have enough cash for everything. Those items go to the return desk to be sent back to the floor. This happens a lot at walmart.

[kuhlkel]

Buddy system is a must

[berry1014]

Don't waste time looking for an item if you can find it another store. Many times the same movies and video games are available at multiple different stores. If you going to another store that has your movie/games on sales just as cheap and the first store doesn't have it move on. If you waste time looking for it in the first store you could miss out other deals.

[wendytom]

1. Bring a buddy, if for nothing else but to pass the time in line.

2. Leave the little ones at home, there is enough going on, no need to add to it with kids that don't want to be there.

3. Wear comfy clothes and shoes.

4. Happy Shopping Y'all

[abentley]

My tip is to not take it so seriously that some one gets hurt. I go every year, and LOVE to shop and enjoy the experience. With that being said I have never "not gotten" something on my list that was that important. Enjoy the experiences with he other shoppers!

[Bopeep]

If there's an item you missed out on, check the return area of the store. Occasionally, a customer's credit card will be denied or they won't have enough cash for everything. Those items go to the return desk to be sent back to the floor. This happens a lot at walmart.

last year, there were 2 or 3 items on my list that I was sure I had missed out on.  Found them in the return carts!