Black Fri-YAY
Black Friday is a terrible holiday. There, I said it. I personally treat it as a part of my 4 day weekend recovering from my turkey hangover. If time is money, I’d rather spend mine warm in bed away from people, but that’s just me.
However, some choose to spend it in lines or waking up at 4 am to wait in the cold for sales. To most, the risk of being trampled is worth that $300 HDTV. If you’re like the millions of Americans who just can’t turn down a deal that’s TOO good, you should benefit from these tidbits below!
Get the Thanksgiving Newspaper
This is an old school tip, but the newspaper is made for a reason – to reach the biggest audience possible (I mean, back in the day it was, right?). Inserts and ads were put in by companies in hopes that consumers (you) will find them and travel to their stores. If you look at the paper that day, take a good hard look. You can find deals that you would not have known about otherwise, and it’s all there in a neat stack and folded for you!
Think About Who You Bring
Seriously. Think about it. No elderly or kids for multiple reasons. Early hours mean that they could be cranky, or sleepy. When the mob pours in like wild animals to get the best deals first, you don’t want to have to look after poor grandma or little Timmy. It’s best to take someone who doesn’t complain a lot about lines, being in the cold, or the crowds. Significant others is a gamble as well, as these are hot breeding grounds for discontentment.
Hit the Big Stores First
Chances are the big box stores are going to be gutted out of deals as soon as the doors open. These will have the best deals, but the wider reach of customers. This means more people and less of a chance of getting what you’re out looking for. Hit the smaller places next. Chances are, people don’t even have them on their radar, or haven’t had as much of an outreach.
Calculate Your Risks vs. Reward
Ok, so you don’t want to have to fight a Karen over 50 cent off socks….unless you REALLY think it’s worth it. To me, nothing is worth any of this trouble. If Black Friday is your jam though, just make sure if you’re jumping into the department store mosh pit, that your injuries or conflicts are worth the savings. Most importantly, is it worth your dignity? Most American’s would think so.
Don’t Limit Your List
A lot of people tend to narrow their list to just Christmas shopping for loved ones. What most don’t realize is that Black Friday is a sale on EVERYTHING. That means home goods and products that you use on a daily basis. Take advantage while you can, and you might as well for standing in line for over 4 hours at the crack of dawn!
Most importantly, stay safe! At the end of the day, your family and friends would rather have you safe and happy than to get a marked down gift. Remember what the Holidays are really about and to be kind to your fellow humans. I’ll be at home….
