How To Survive Black Friday
Thanksgiving. A time to gather with family, give back, and of course stuff yourself with the Thanksgiving meal that only comes once a year. Something that has become a very popular post-feast activity is Black Friday shopping.
Black Friday is a great way to jump start Holiday shopping. Stores present amazing deals that consumers go crazy for, and many stores open before most Americans are even finished dessert. Black Friday is a great way to score some deals before the Holiday escalation in prices, but it can be very dangerous and very easy to over spend.
In 2013, fifteen people were injured by Black Friday shoppers, and one person died after falling asleep at the wheel after Black Friday shopping. In 2008, an employee was trampled to death at a Long Island Walmart.
To avoid tragedies like these and to have a successful Black Friday experience, here is a list of do’s and don’ts for Black Friday.
Do stay for dessert. Now that big stores open early in the evening, the die-hard shoppers will be lining up, eager to get inside. Things tend to die down around 2am to 8am, so you don’t have to try (as hard) for a parking spot. This is also a great way to avoid crazy drivers who are anxious to start shopping and will do anything to score some savings.
Don’t fall for the “one-for-them, two-for-me” shopping. Black Friday deals are notorious for tempting people to buy as much for themselves as the people they are shopping for. If you need it and can afford it, then get it, but be aware of how easy it is it get caught up in these deals.
Do make a plan, come with a list, and come with a budget. Compare the stores’ deals online to see who has the best deals. Make a schedule of when you want to arrive and leave to avoid spending unnecessary time at stores. If you’re looking for bonus points, map out where you want to go, and make a schedule for the stores you want to visit. Come with a list. Just because it is on sale doesn’t mean you need it. Come with a budget. It is very easy to get sucked into overspending because of the deals. If you are using a credit card and over spend, you may end up wasting your savings on interest.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Plan out who you want to buy for and have a general idea of what you want to get them. This way, you can avoid the stress of running to the mall the night before a Christmas party.
Do come prepared. Bring a water bottle and snacks to avoid having to break to the food court. If you’re planning to be out all day (or night), bring a phone charger so you can stay in contact with your shopping buddy if you decide to split up.
Don’t look solely for big brand electronics. Although these companies will have great discounts, the prices will be even cheaper after the Holiday season. If you’re looking for a big brand TV, buy one in January, just in time for the Super Bowl!
Do carpool. No matter what time you decide to brave the crowds, parking spots will be hard to come by. Carpooling avoids needing to search for multiple parking spots if you are going with a group. It is also a good idea to go up with friends or family. Even if you decide to split up, it’s much safer to have someone to stay in contact with and to meet up with. Above all, it’s much more fun to shop with someone than to shop alone!
Don’t forget about what this season is all about. Although it is great to give and receive presents on Christmas and Hanukkah, we must not forget that this time of year is for being with the people you love and giving thanks for the thing you already have. As Dr. Suess said, “‘Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more.’”
Sources:
http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/
http://www.buffalonews.com/columns/discount-diva/dos-and-donts-for-black-friday-shoppers-20141123
http://www.kiplinger.com/article/spending/T050-C011-S001-black-friday-do-s-and-don-ts.html
http://www.kare11.com/story/money/2014/11/26/black-friday-shopping-tips/19518087/