How to Get the Best Deals on Black Friday
Save Money Shopping the Day after Thanksgiving
Nov 7, 2009
For some, shopping on Black Friday is a family tradition. Everyone piles into the mini-van and off they go. But shopping without a plan might lead to long lines and a lot of frustration. Before ever leaving the house, be sure to chart a bargain-hunting course for the day.
How to Save Money Shopping the Day after Thanksgiving:
Go to each retailer's web site and search for coupons. Also, check the local newspaper for additional coupons and sale items, because time is precious on Black Friday. If the closest store doesn't have the greatest sales, skip it and head some place that offers the best deals on those items on that Christmas list.
Get to the Mall Early:
But don't get there at the crack of dawn only to find the prices aren't that great. Often, stores offer better deals early in the morning. Peruse the stores' web sites and find out which items will be marked down say from 7 to 10 a.m. Then, get to the store the moment the doors open and head straight for the sale items. It would help to find a map of the store on the internet to make sure time is not lost maneuvering around the wrong aisles.
Shop Online for Better Deals:
Sometimes it doesn't even pay to head to the mall at all. Stores like Amazon and Overstock which operate exclusively online might offer even better prices than brick-and-mortar stores. Also, sites like Ebates offer a certain percentage off of hundreds of stores, just by logging on to their site first. The savings can be as much as 10 to 15% in some cases. They also offer special coupons for certain stores.
Wear Comfortable Shoes and Stay Hydrated:
If shopping online just doesn't feel right, join the millions of others shoppers headed to malls the day after Thanksgiving. But don't wear those prized pumps. Instead, wear "comfortable" flats and dress in layers. With the masses of people headed up and down the escalators, it's bound to be warm. And it wouldn't hurt to throw a bottle of water in that bag. After all, serious shopping is hard work, and could lead to quite a work out! With limited parking spaces available, it might be a hike just getting into the mall. So go out there armed with coupons and a plan for the day. Just be sure to make healthy choices at the food court! And remember, a deal is not a deal if it simply gathers dust in a pantry or closet.
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