Prepare for Your First "Black Friday" Shop
Are you planning to have your first "Black Friday" shopping experience? If yes, then this is the article for you! "Black Friday" can be hectic for even the most experienced shoppers, so if this article is followed step by step, your first "Black Friday" experience can run as smoothly as the pros! This planning article is fool-proof, even for the most inexperienced shoppers.
Steps
- Set your budget. It would be impractical to create a master plan, without having the funds to cover it. This step should be done weeks prior to "Black Friday." You should be asking yourself questions such as, "what will be my financial standing at the time" and "how much am I willing to spend, that is a safe amount?" Any experienced Black Friday shopper knows that there will be so many advertisements and posters that will make you comfortable with over-spending. So only bring what you want to spend.
- Decide what item(s) that you would want to purchase. The internet and sale ads can give you greats ideas on the latest items, and introduce you to products you never knew you wanted. Sale ads usually come out a week or 2 before "Black Friday", depending on the store. Experienced "Black Friday" shoppers will usually document what item(s) they want to purchase along with their price tag for reference.
- Decide on what stores to go to. In this age, stores whose major sales begin on Thanksgiving Day. So you will have to find a store that correlates with your schedule, and that you are able to arrive to the store at least a half-hour before opening to avoid massive waits. Always check multiple stores for your items, as that prices may vary! Always look for the best deal! That's the point!
- There are items like blankets and mugs that will be in stock the entire day, but there are also items like televisions and gaming systems that will be limited and will require more planning. If you are deciding to purchase an item high in-demand, but low in quantity, you will have to make this item and the store you're purchasing it from your main priority. If you plan on purchasing more than 1 high in-demand items, it would be advised to have another member join you and spit up the tasks.
- Make sure to prep warm clothing such as hats, gloves, scarves, jackets, and socks. The majority of the stores make you wait outside in a line before they open!
- Have a snack, water, or maybe a cup of coffee. It will keep you energized and awake. You will also start to feel hungry when waiting in hour-long lines, so always come prepared!
- Immediately find where your desired item is placed within the store when you arrive. This can save you from having the item run out of stock on you. Most likely, there will be a map of the store that you will be provided with upon entering.
- Do not be discouraged or afraid of what you see on television. Fights are extremely rare. Enjoy your "Black Friday!"
Tips
- "Do not buy an item that you cannot purchase twice."
- Sale ads can be found on the internet, in stores, at corner stores, in newspapers, etc.
- Research what items will be in demand at the time you will be shopping.
- Most popular stores to "Black Friday' shop at are Target, Walmart, Bestbuy, Kohl's, Ulta, Sears, Gamestop, and more!
- Always ask for receipts!
Warnings
- Avoid confrontations! Your safety is worth more than an item.
- If you feel overwhelmed or too uncomfortable, take yourself out of the situation.
- It is recommended to be at least 18 or over if you are going without a guardian.
- If you are not able to handle hectic situations, this may not be the holiday for you
Things You'll Need
- Internet access or physical sale ads
- Something to document with
- Source of income
- Warm clothing
- Choice of snacks
- Other members *optional*
