217 replies to this topic

[nedsw33]

So, I went last year at around 9pm to my nearby Best Buy to wait in line for some doorbusters. To my disdain, there were probably around 150 people ALREADY waiting in line. So I decided to go to one of the next closest stores, which is in a more 'out of the city' location and when i got there there were still probably 75-100 people in line! Of course, I give some credit to the fact that it was 60+ degrees that night, but still, who knew there were so many crazies in the DFW area!?!?!? I'm actually kinda hoping for a cold and rainy night this year so the turnout will be less that early. I'm also going to head out right after T'giving dinner so more around 4 or 5pm this time around (assuming my wife lets me, haha). What time are y'all planning on getting out to your fav store this year???

[Marcster]

For Best Buy or Circuit City, you're going to find that 4 or 5 pm is much too late if you want any door busters. You need to plan for around noon on T-Giving. Honest. And it's in the 30s on Thanksgiving here in PA.

And as Black Friday gets more popular as years pass, that time is going to get earlier and earlier.

But to answer your question, we go to Staples, OfficeMax and Office Depot, and I only go 1/2 an hour before they open and usually end up with 90% of the things I want. OfficeMax is the best -- they always have plenty of doorbusters in stock and they're organized, I go there first and I can usually go in and get out with everything in 10 minutes.

[nedsw33]

geezzzz... see, that's why i'm hoping for some inclement weather. that way it'll ward off at least some BF people. We'll see what happens. Maybe I'll do a drive by earlier in the day or something, see what's going on.

It's funny how much it depends on the weather/climate though. I mean, I lived in MI until a year ago and two years ago we went to best buy at 4am and there were only about 75 people in line. Of course, it was about 25 degrees out and it was snowing and windy. But it just shows how the climate totally dictates how early most people are willing to go. I remember the guy who was in line first told us that he got there around 9-10pm. CRAZY!!!

[stationchief]

Just to give you an idea ... The only line I really took part in last year was the local Best Buy. Fortunately for me I had no interest in doorbusters, so I came in about an hour before opening. I went to the front of the line just to take a lookie and talked to a couple people who were first to go in. One guy said he was there at 2 in the afternoon and set up a tent to camp out for about 15hours. About an hour to opening I took my place in line ... starting at the front door I followed the line ... going completely around the store ... all the way to the back parking lot ... completely AROUND the parking lot ... zig zagging around some markers they had positioned up, and finally after quite some walking I found my place. I'd guess at about a thousand people in line in front of me easy, give or take. There were even people coming in line behind me after I was there. It was a pretty impressive sight to see word getting out and all these people taking part in BF. The adventure inside the BB store was equally exciting as well, but I'll save that story for another thread. So, I hope that puts it into perspective. The time you should get in line basically all depends on where you plan on going and what you plan on getting. If you're headed to any of the major electronics chains (Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City, Fry's Electronics, or even Wal-Mart) for one of their limited wuantity doorbusters (cheap desktop, laptop, TV, camera) plan on being there VERY early thanksgiving day. Perhaps some drive-by's on a regular basis if you can, and once you start to see people lining up you better hop in. On a side note, I really think word about BF is getting around more and more as the years go by. I've taken part in BF for just the last four years or so, and every year there seems to me more people. I really think a big part of that is due to GottaDeal and it's community, not to mention more and more publicity that the folks at GottaDeal ('sup, Brad! Yap wit'cha soon, Ross!) get each year, as we get closer to that infamous day. And it's rather warm here in Phoenix. Thought you folks expecting snow on thanksgiving might wanna know.

[lovebears65]

Last year got in line at 3pm on thanksgiving> I was number 24 in line We got everything on our list . This year I am thinking of noon but it all depends what the deals are and if its a must have

[dmmiller]

last year we went to CC about 10pm thanksgiving night. This year, probably will just hit our "slower" walmart about 5am. I think I may have a childcare issue this year, so I gotta wait on DH to get home from work.

[EliteABombAZ]

Just to give you an idea ...

The only line I really took part in last year was the local Best Buy. Fortunately for me I had no interest in doorbusters, so I came in about an hour before opening. I went to the front of the line just to take a lookie and talked to a couple people who were first to go in. One guy said he was there at 2 in the afternoon and set up a tent to camp out for about 15hours. About an hour to opening I took my place in line ... starting at the front door I followed the line ... going completely around the store ... all the way to the back parking lot ... completely AROUND the parking lot ... zig zagging around some markers they had positioned up, and finally after quite some walking I found my place. I'd guess at about a thousand people in line in front of me easy, give or take. There were even people coming in line behind me after I was there. It was a pretty impressive sight to see word getting out and all these people taking part in BF. The adventure inside the BB store was equally exciting as well, but I'll save that story for another thread.

So, I hope that puts it into perspective. The time you should get in line basically all depends on where you plan on going and what you plan on getting. If you're headed to any of the major electronics chains (Best Buy, CompUSA, Circuit City, Fry's Electronics, or even Wal-Mart) for one of their limited wuantity doorbusters (cheap desktop, laptop, TV, camera) plan on being there VERY early thanksgiving day. Perhaps some drive-by's on a regular basis if you can, and once you start to see people lining up you better hop in.

On a side note, I really think word about BF is getting around more and more as the years go by. I've taken part in BF for just the last four years or so, and every year there seems to me more people. I really think a big part of that is due to GottaDeal and it's community, not to mention more and more publicity that the folks at GottaDeal ('sup, Brad! Yap wit'cha soon, Ross!) get each year, as we get closer to that infamous day.

And it's rather warm here in Phoenix. Thought you folks expecting snow on thanksgiving might wanna know.

Hey I am in Phoenix! I was at the Best Buy at I-17 & Thunderbird last year. I got into the line at about 4pm and was number 40-ish in line. Got every door buster I wanted though.

[ChristmasShopping]

I'm in the DFW area and I ran by BB on my way to my mom's house for Thanksgiving. I HAD TO stop and ask the guy who was first in line what time he got there. He said he got there at 6 am (Thanksgiving morning)!!

[kmbrly]

Last year I drove by our "old people" walmart* on the way home from T-giving dinner at a friends house around 9pm to see how many people were already in line. No one was there yet, so I zoomed home, changed into more comfy clothes and shoes and to grab my beach chair. Got back about 9:30, still no one there. I parked and just sat in my car until the next person arrived, which wasn't until almost 3am. I was first in line. This year it's just going to depend on who has the best deal. I'm going to be looking for a new laptop this year. My sister got the Compaq one that was at Circuit City last year and I really like it.

[stationchief]

Hey I am in Phoenix! I was at the Best Buy at I-17 & Thunderbird last year. I got into the line at about 4pm and was number 40-ish in line. Got every door buster I wanted though.

That's the store I hit! Since you were there soo early you didn't geta chance to see what happened to the line. You probably passed me up somewhere in the store, though. Maybe I even bumped into your cart. So what time you goin' this year?

I think I remmeber you, EliteABomb. Spoke with 'ya on line a bit before BF last year. Hope to yap with 'ya a lil' more this year.

[EliteABombAZ]

That's the store I hit! Since you were there soo early you didn't geta chance to see what happened to the line. You probably passed me up somewhere in the store, though. Maybe I even bumped into your cart. So what time you goin' this year?

I think I remmeber you, EliteABomb. Spoke with 'ya on line a bit before BF last year. Hope to yap with 'ya a lil' more this year.

This year I plan to get there at about noon, bring a tent and mini propane grill. (That is if Walmart doesn't woo me in with a good ad.)

[stationchief]

This year I plan to get there at about noon, bring a tent and mini propane grill. (That is if Walmart doesn't woo me in with a good ad.)

Ah. In that case, I'll be there about 11:59am. If you bring the grill , I'll bring the steaks.

Seriously, we'll chat later. I'll be hitting either that Best Buy or the Fry's Electronics right next door for the doorbusters this year.

[nedsw33]

I'm in the DFW area and I ran by BB on my way to my mom's house for Thanksgiving. I HAD TO stop and ask the guy who was first in line what time he got there. He said he got there at 6 am (Thanksgiving morning)!!

where abouts in the DFW area ChristmasShopping? I"m over in NRH in NorthEast Tarrant County.

[ebony0421]

Last year, dh and I went to Kmart on Thanksgiving morning to get cheap pillows. I wanted to swing by BB just to see if anyone was in the line, but decided not to. Dh, was thinking we should just go and do it anyway, but the guilt of not having dinner with the kids was killing me, so we went home. We ended up at BB after 6pm and yes, there was already a long line. I could spit fire I was so mad at myself. I will probably do Kmart by myself if they have something good and then we are planning to have a Thanksgiving brunch with the kids, after which we'll then head over to BB.

[nedsw33]

Hey I am in Phoenix! I was at the Best Buy at I-17 & Thunderbird last year. I got into the line at about 4pm and was number 40-ish in line. Got every door buster I wanted though.

Well it's good to know that as long as I'm in the top 50 or so, I should be golden to get my preferred doorbusters. The Best Buy by my house is in a high traffic area too, so they should get larger quantity of the doorbusters too.

It's only August and I'm already getting pumped...

[ChristmasShopping]

where abouts in the DFW area ChristmasShopping? I"m over in NRH in NorthEast Tarrant County.

It was the Best Buy in Grapevine. I know the NRH's BB by the mall had people in line last year by noon -- our friends were there at 3 pm and talked to the people in the front.

And I moved here from the Ohio/Michigan border.. I remember the cold snowy Black Fridays!

[stationchief]

Well it's good to know that as long as I'm in the top 50 or so, I should be golden to get my preferred doorbusters. The Best Buy by my house is in a high traffic area too, so they should get larger quantity of the doorbusters too.

Usually people before the fifty-ish in line get prety much what they want. But be careful. If you're #31 in line and they only have thirty laptops, everyone in front of you better not want a laptop. Fortunately people want different things on the doorbusters list, so long as you hit that mark in line you should, and I emphasize should, be ok depending on what'cha want.

It's only August and I'm already getting pumped...

Aren't we all!

[nedsw33]

It was the Best Buy in Grapevine. I know the NRH's BB by the mall had people in line last year by noon -- our friends were there at 3 pm and talked to the people in the front.

And I moved here from the Ohio/Michigan border.. I remember the cold snowy Black Fridays!

oh ok, cool. so did your friends that went at 3pm get all they wanted? doorbuster-wise, i mean?

i guess i better try and convince the wife to plan to have T-giving dinner at 2pm or something...

where in OH/MI? I grew up in the Plymouth/Canton area in Metro Detroit.

[EliteABombAZ]

oh ok, cool. so did your friends that went at 3pm get all they wanted? doorbuster-wise, i mean?

i guess i better try and convince the wife to plan to have T-giving dinner at 2pm or something...

where in OH/MI? I grew up in the Plymouth/Canton area in Metro Detroit.

We always have T-Giving @ my aunt's house... at about noon... so this year I plan to skip it and just have my brother bring me a plate.

[nedsw33]

Usually people before the fifty-ish in line get prety much what they want. But be careful. If you're #31 in line and they only have thirty laptops, everyone in front of you better not want a laptop. Fortunately people want different things on the doorbusters list, so long as you hit that mark in line you should, and I emphasize should, be ok depending on what'cha want.

Yeah, that's a good point. I'm not too worried about it. I'll try and get ALL the doorbusters if I can... haha!

Two things that we REALLY need are a new computer (laptop or desktop will do) and a new digital camera (using the same one for 3.5+ yrs, Kodak 2.0mp). If I can get at least those two items I'll be a happy camper!

[theboyzmom]

Last year I drove by our Best Buy on Thanksgiving morning at around 5am on my way to Meijer to get their Thanksgiving Day deals...there were already at LEAST 50 people in line....this was THANKSGIVING MORNING, a full 24 hours before Black Friday even started It really does depend on your area and what deals you are hoping for...we went to best buy about 1 hour after it opened on BF and they had NONE of the deals left...including the smaller deals that you might think would be there...nada

[stationchief]

Yeah, that's a good point. I'm not too worried about it. I'll try and get ALL the doorbusters if I can... haha!

Two things that we REALLY need are a new computer (laptop or desktop will do) and a new digital camera (using the same one for 3.5+ yrs, Kodak 2.0mp). If I can get at least those two items I'll be a happy camper!

Uh oh. Those are the two hottest items on anyone's doorbuster list. Better not plan on bein' hungry for thanksgiving.

[stationchief]

Just a lil' word of advice for all you folks planning on hopping in line: On thanksgiving day before BF, if you do show up at a store and the line is waaaaaaaaay too long to have any shot at that doorbuster, don't get too discouraged. Drive around and look at another store's line. Lines may be shorter at less popular areas than in others. For example, if your local Best Buy closest to 'ya has about 100 people in line by the time you get there, drive to the next nearest Best Buy and look at that one. Still too long? Drive to the next closest until you find one that's just right. Perhap bring a phone book with you as you go around to look up all the different locations. Just F.Y.I.

[nedsw33]

Uh oh. Those are the two hottest items on anyone's doorbuster list. Better not plan on bein' hungry for thanksgiving.

yeah, i'm not too worried about getting the camera though. they usually have a TON of those in stock anyway, since they're so small. Two years ago, we were in line with my sister at about 3:30AM and about 200-300 people back and my sister still got the doorbuster camera. fortunately, that's one of those things you're more likely to get.

[stationchief]

yeah, i'm not too worried about getting the camera though. they usually have a TON of those in stock anyway, since they're so small. Two years ago, we were in line with my sister at about 3:30AM and about 200-300 people back and my sister still got the doorbuster camera. fortunately, that's one of those things you're more likely to get.

Two years ago, perhaps. From what I've noticed, people have been starting our lines alot sooner and lines get much longer every year. And it all depends on which camera you want. They usually have a few dirt cheap ones that everyone wants and goes to the first few dozen people in line who ask for it, and a few that's probably more expensive and/or not as popular or more in stock. We'll have to see.

[nedsw33]

Two years ago, perhaps. From what I've noticed, people have been starting our lines alot sooner and lines get much longer every year. And it all depends on which camera you want. They usually have a few dirt cheap ones that everyone wants and goes to the first few dozen people in line who ask for it, and a few that's probably more expensive and/or not as popular or more in stock. We'll have to see.

yes, i understand this. it was the front page door buster camera that she got. 5mp kodak if remember correctly. basically the dirt cheap one that everyone wanted. it was over 70% off or something. all I'm saying is that we were a couple hundred people back and she STILL got the doorbuster camera, meaning that they typically have ALOT of the popular doorbuster camera because they can store alot of them in a small area, compared to a desktop computer or 40"+ flat panels. I also understand that the lines get longer every year. I've been doing the whole BF thing quite a while myself. I was just merely pointing out the fact that, in my experience, they usually stock quite alot of the digital cameras (at least at the stores i've been to).

I think we're having some miscommunication here. Hopefully this post can clear it up a bit.

Go Black Friday!

[stationchief]

yes, i understand this. it was the front page door buster camera that she got. 5mp kodak if remember correctly. basically the dirt cheap one that everyone wanted. it was over 70% off or something. all I'm saying is that we were a couple hundred people back and she STILL got the doorbuster camera, meaning that they typically have ALOT of the popular doorbuster camera because they can store alot of them in a small area, compared to a desktop computer or 40"+ flat panels. I also understand that the lines get longer every year. I've been doing the whole BF thing quite a while myself. I was just merely pointing out the fact that, in my experience, they usually stock quite alot of the digital cameras (at least at the stores i've been to).

I think we're having some miscommunication here. Hopefully this post can clear it up a bit.

Go Black Friday!

My bad, then. Guess it all really depends on the location and store you go to. Just kinda surprised me that she managed to get that.

So anyhoo ...

[nedsw33]

yeah, no kidding! i think it ALL depends on the location, ya know. Anyway, so what time is everyone camping out at???

[stationchief]

I'll most likely be at one of the only two Fry's Electronics in the state (the one in Phoenix, other one is 30 minutes away in Tempe). I plan on doing drive-bys now and then from noon onward and wait 'till I start to see a line forming. Even though most people will be gettin the laptops and desktops, I'll be aiming for the cheap computer parts. Not gonna take any chances. That's only a temporary plan, of course. Not really thought out or anything, just the current rough draft.

[nedsw33]

yeah, a rough draft is about all you can do at this point. who knows what stores are gonna have the best doorbusters and deals, ya know? at this point all we can do is make 'rough' plans and wait for the ads to start leaking, which is when we'll have to completely change those plans... haha!