Are you a Black Friday fan? I’m more of a Cyber Monday girl, myself. But yes, I have to admit that last year, I was out in the JCPenney parking lot with my patient husband, waiting to snag a couple of dirt cheap Christmas gifts that really did wow the receivers. Who could pass up a restaurant-quality waffle iron for my dad that I ended up getting for $9.99 after rebate (the original price was $69!)?
The problem is, this year, retailers have changed the rules. Target is closed on Thanksgiving but is opening at midnight for Black Friday. Kohls is doing the same. And Best Buy. And Amazon is listing incredible deals all week long. Yikes!
What can you do to prepare for Black Friday? Here are some tips:
- Check out the ads online. I was disappointed to find “pre-Black Friday” ads in yesterday’s paper, but no real Black Friday ads. But if you look online, you can find them. There’s a wealth of information and speculation at SlickDeals.net’s Black Friday forum. You can also check bfads.net or blackfriday.info.
- Make a list, and check it twice…to make sure it fits in your budget. Sure, there will be tons of awesome deals to be had, if you’re independently wealthy. But make sure you’re not buying it just because it’s a steal. There’s no sense buying something on super sale if you have to put it on a credit card and pay 29% interest on it.
- Think about shopping locally. In my area, that’s hard to do, because we live in Podunk. But don’t forget the little guys. In fact, there’s a new event besides Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Shop Small Saturday. You can find out more about it on their Facebook page.
- Organize your coupons ahead of time. With the advent of mobile apps, coupons are even easier to have access to, but you can still find some great ones online. For instance, there’s a printable coupon for 10% off Apple iPods at Target, which expires on 11/26. Combine that with Target’s 8 GB iPod Touch Black Friday doorbuster deal, and you’ll snag a $40 Target gift card and the iPod Touch for around $175. If you have a Target Red Card, you can take an additional 5% off, making this about $125 after coupons, discounts, and gift card value. A sweet deal if you’re in the market for this nifty electronic device!
- Plan your strategy. Figure out which stores are giving what incentives for being there when they open, and decide now what you course of action will be. It pays to plan ahead!
- Pack a snack and something to drink. Who has time to stop and eat? The serious shopper will keep a quick snack and drink on hand. You want to keep your energy up so you can make it through the herds of people!
- Go with a friend. It makes time in line seem shorter when you have someone to talk to. Plus, if you get a really great deal, you’ve got to have someone to share it with! When my husband and I went, we actually went out for breakfast together after we got what we came for. What a nice treat!
- Be kind. Although there will be people who are rude, decide to show special kindness to others. Have extra coupons? Pass them around. You’ll make instant friends, and be able to be a blessing to others just be spreading a little kindness.
Do you have other tips that have worked for you? Please share! 
