Black Friday 2014: How to Shop Wisely and Safely on Black Friday
Those who are familiar with the excitement and chaos that accompanies Black Friday have an idea of how things go down on that day. For those who'll be doing this the first time, just take a look at Black Friday YouTube videos to get a glimpse of what to expect. After watching all that, it's almost tempting to stay home and avoid the rush, but if you're after the best deals, then here are some tips on how you can shop wisely and safely on Black Friday.
Be prepared
Preparation is the key to a successful Black Friday shopping trip. Go online and research all the best deals before going into the store. If possible, plan on getting at least 75 to 80 percent of the things in your shopping list from one store to avoid rushing off from one place to another. Also, doing some research will let you know what the best prices are at the stores. Having a list also ensures that you don't get 40 towels or toothbrushes that you don't need just because they're on sale.
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Also, part of being prepared is having a back-up plan just in case the item that you are intending to get is sold out. Have one or two back-up items so you won't be wandering the aisles in search of a possible replacement for the sold out item.
Bring along a shopping buddy, but leave the kids at home
The stores will be awfully crowded, and sometimes things can get a little out of hand during Black Friday so it's best to leave the kids at home with a sitter for this. You can brave the crowds alone, but you can also bring along a shopping buddy so you can help each other out.
Bring the ads and a map of the store with you
A few days before Black Friday, it's a good idea to make a quick visit to the store where you plan to shop to get familiarized with the place. If you don't have time to look around, ask for a map of the place and get a copy of the Black Friday ads, then bring these with you on shopping day.
Dress for comfort and carry the essentials
Comfortable shoes and clothes should be worn while shopping on Black Friday. It's also a good idea to carry a few snacks and bottled water, as well as some sturdy canvas bags to hold all your purchases.
Stay Calm
Accept that it will be crowded and at some point, expect to get nudged, jostled, or pushed out of the way by eager shoppers. Stay calm and don't get mad. And if someone gets confrontational with you over the last DVD player or tablet, let it go. After all, there's still Cyber Monday.
