So, black friday is not for everyone. There are people that doesn't like crowds, or the thought of waking up at 4:30am, and yet there are people that these things seem perfectly fine. Or even have a little fun.
In short:
- Have fun!
- Plan (you'll need at least 24 hours to plan for this, if not more).
- Don't set your expectations too high (you will not get "everything" you planned for, but you will get some of that list)
- Be courteous (and forgiving, there are other people on this too).
- Plan (you'll need at least 24 hours to plan for this, if not more).
- Don't set your expectations too high (you will not get "everything" you planned for, but you will get some of that list)
- Be courteous (and forgiving, there are other people on this too).
Have Fun
The first step for a good Black Friday holiday is thinking of it as a "Game". It's essentially trying to get the best bang for your buck while not falling into the "traps" that are sprung by the different retailers (hey they are merciless, so should you :) , while at the same time having fun.
It's like the kid's game of treasure hunt. You made the list, you have the list, and you try to get it all of the list before the end of the midday (or maybe a little after). If you tend to get angry or emotional, then this might not turn to be a pleasant experience.
Plan
You just can't wake up at 9:30 am and say "Ok, I'll try this Black Friday thing." By then most of the "good stuff" is gone. The people that are going out have done this a lot of times, and know that the early bird does get the worm (most of the time anyways).
I remember a woman going to a Home Depot around 10:30am looking for a prime time promotional item (which was of course gone by 5:30am). When she asked the home depot staff where could she find the item, the staff member looked at her ludicrously and said "umm.. they were gone 4 hours ago". The woman then proceeded to go on a rant on "How can you advertise this if they are not going to be in stock.", to which he just smiled and said "it's black friday". I then approached the staff member and told him "was she expecting to have everything in stock by this time?", he just smiled back and said "I think he might have never done this before."
So this guide will help you, even if it's your first time, to at least get some basics right.
Don't set your expectations too high
Repeat after me, "I'll not get everything I plan for, and that's perfectly fine".... ok, say it again..."I'll not get everything I plan for, and that's perfectly fine". Breath in, breath out. Everything set? good.
For some people this is the hardest part of Black Friday. You wake up, you everything right, get the list of items, plan your route, even put the automatic coffee machine set for 4:10am. You go and drive, and wait. And yet, sometimes, even with everything planned, you might not get everything that you were set out to get.
It happens. We will go over how not to get frustrated if there is something you really want (I'll be posting that a little later). But the point is, that is very rare that you get everything on your list. The only exception would be if your list contains only a couple of items, and you're willing to go thursday 11:00pm (or earlier) to wait for your items.
Just some quick pointers:
- If you have an item that you really like, chances are there are probably "substitutes" for a little more. Just plan for these substitutes along the way
- Remember there will be an "unwinnable" promotion (the bait to get you in the store). You can try going for these, just don't "cry for me Argentina" if you don't get it. (and plan for other items in that store as well. Don't just go to the store for the unwinnable item.
Be courteous (and forgiving, there are other people on this too).
Just follow the "golden rule". And be patient. There are some people that are "going for the kill" and as such will get pretty angry. Avoid them, ignore them, and enjoy yourself. You will also run into people that have the same spirit as you and will see them smiling while the jet around trying to get those precious items before they are gone. Be courteous, but fair. If you had your hand on that last dvd player, say so, and get it. If you didn't (but were very close), let it go. There are more things than just that one thing.In all, have fun! it's a treasure hunt, and if done properly it will save you a bundle, and will get you some nifty extras.
