Using the idea from here, I decided to write my own list of how to prep for Black Friday 2007.
1. Research your deals.
Many sites now provide the Black Friday weeks early. The one I use the most is bfads.net. I also recommend getting your local paper on Thanksgiving Day so can verify those ads.
2. Determine what want and from where.
Reason I recommend this is a lot of places offer the same deals. For instance one place may have a DVD set for $18 but another for $25. So this avoid duplication of effort and figure out what places you want to hit in what order. Some stores provide price matches but they tend to suspend those rules for Black Friday deals so don't count on those.
3. Check for Online Deals
You have your list of much have items and their great prices, now check to see if can beat them online allowing you to avoid waiting in line or focus on new must have goal. In some cases, stores will only have online deals so be sure to create shortcut list and check them frequently on Thanksgiving Day. Just don't count on getting the item as you will not be the only one checking so still have a store waiting plan B just in case can't get what you want online at the price you want.
4. Prioritize your goals.
Stores open early, and with limited quantities so its literally the case of the early bird gets the worm. Unless your in teams or lucky you can't store hop successfully for those high ticket, low item deals. With most stores all having lines, you probably have only one shot at one store to get that huge deal so make it count.
5. Try to work with a team.
Teammates can help with the long lines and wait with tag teaming and supply runs. They can also help hit multiple stores at the same time increasing your chances of success. But remember that its generally one per customer so your bud shouldn't be eyeing that deal too.
6. Get plenty of sleep the night before.
Stores open early, but all that means is you have to get in line even earlier. The better the deals (and more likely the more limited the quantities) the earlier you have to arrive. That means no sleep as between getting up to prep and celebrate for Thanksgiving you may not get that nap that allows you to go from doing the family things to getting in line. Its possible as a result you might be up for 24 hours or more so just be aware of that.
7. Be prepared for the line.
You will have hours of waiting to go so you need some basic supplies. Dress comfortably and for the weather, you will be outside in the elements so add some layers. You can always remove layers but once in line its hard to add them. A blanket wouldn't hurt either. Entertainment is a must such as a book or a gameboy, but note plugs may not be available so don't depend on power for that laptop or DVD player. Be sure to fully charge everything to day before. Also standing is just painful and tiresome so bring something to sit on whether a fold up chair or cushion. All lines are different, don't rely on the kindness of strangers to hold your place during that the long wait so don't over do it on the drinks and food before heading to the store. It doesn't hurt to over prepare but you want to line just enough stuff that will get you through the wait (and pack up quick) but not necessarily require you to have to leave the line to get more. Once you get a feel for how the line is being handled (friendliness etc), trips to the car may be possible. Don't forget your list! It would stink to get there, wait it out, and then forget key items.
8. Leave the kids home.
Seems obvious but you would be surprised how many people will show up with kids and wait hours in line with them. No Black Friday deal is worth the hassle and aggravation to yourself and others in trying to control bored kids for hours or simply just trying to keep up with them. Its also irresponsible as its probably going to be cold. Kids also will divert you from your gameplan and push you to buy items you may not have planned on. To put it bluntly, they will get in the way.
9. Get there early.
Hopefully you have your list, your supplies and an agenda. But its no good if people already wrapped around the building because you showed up just before the store opens. So determine when the store is opening that day and show up even earlier. How early is hard to determine because it can vary wildly but generally the better the deal is the earlier you should show up. Also just how much is your time and effort with it to you to save those dollars. If your saving only 10 bucks maybe not, but if its a few hundred, maybe it is.
10. Be realistic and have fun.
Know going into this that you may not get some or any of the items that you want. Most of the best Black Friday deals are in limited quantities so things could sell out very quickly. Some stores give out "coupons" for the BF items before the store opens so keep an eye on that. If they run out of coupons to the first 10 people in line and your 40 back well you know that your probably out of luck. If your realistic in your goals you can plan better and handle the stress of waiting better. Most people take the waiting and shopping entirely too seriously for mostly unrealistic goals. This can lead to conflict and sometimes violence and really no sale is worth that. If you go in prepared but with proper expectations you can actually have fun doing this. The point is a good deal but also hopefully done in the spirit of giving and if your more stressed about the deal then the pleasure you hope to give then your missing the whole point of Christmas.
So there you go, my Top 10 list of how to prepare for Black Friday based on my experiences from last year. I achieved only a tiny tiny fraction of my goals but I fun in the effort and actually came away with some great presents as a result. Because I went into it prepared and in the proper mindset, it had fun and plan on doing it again this year.
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