Black Friday shopping has earned a nasty reputation over the last few years. Synonymous with ruthless shoppers and hours of waiting in lines, there aren’t many people eager to jump on the bandwagon if they can help. But when the deals are just too good to pass up, how can a Black Friday newbie shop like a pro?
Veteran Black Friday shopper Melissa Grubb of Kingsley, Iowa, shares her tips and tricks for a successful and less stressful Black Friday experience.
First things first: Do your research. Make a list of all the items you'll be looking to purchase and how much you're willing to spend on them. “Get the ads as soon as humanly possible,” said Grubb. Newspapers usually hit the stands -- and doorsteps -- earlier before shopping begins.
Figure out whether braving the cold is actually worth it. Local stores like Bomgaars Supply Inc. embrace Black Friday.
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"Black Friday is our Super Bowl, it's when we offer the best prices of the year," said Joe Boyle, manager of the Hamilton Boulevard store. "We're pretty fortunate. Our customers are good, respectful people and our employees work as a team to make it a great time. Everyone has fun."
Prioritize your list! Know which items are expendable and which ones are your top priorities.
Once you figure out where the best deals will be, you can plan accordingly: know which stores you’ll be going to and when they open. Pay attention to the details on your coupons.
Every customer that shows up before 10 a.m. at Bomgaars gets an early bird coupon which can be used anytime that day.
"Customers can come grab an early bird coupon, leave and come back before the end of the day," said Boyle.
If you’re hitting a store you don't know well, check it out before Friday. Even though the store will probably rearrange its popular merchandise before doors open, knowing the location of each department will give you an advantage.
If you can, form a group ahead of time. “The more people in your group, the more places you can cover,” said Grubb.
If all of your shopping is in the same store, use the picker-runner-cart system.
Have one person take the cart. This person will keep tabs on everything that’s been collected and monitor the checkout lines. The picker maneuvers (politely) through the crowds of fellow shoppers to grab the items on the list and hand off to the runner. The runner then takes each item to the cart and continues this process until the list is complete.
Depending on the size of the checkout line and the number of items on your list, the cart person can hold a spot in line while the picker and runner are doing their thing. Just don’t be that person who holds up the checkout line waiting for that last item.
If you’re planning on going to more than one store, split up and cover more ground. Decide on a meet-up location to exchange money and swap merchandise once all the shopping is complete.
Having cash may be helpful, depending on your personal and group preference. Cash is more efficient than cards and easier to stick within your budget. If you’re set on using debit or credit, settle the uneven funds before you exchange the merchandise. Have blank checks on hand or money-splitting apps on your smartphone, such as Venmo or Google Wallet.
On "the day," remember to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes.
“Sometimes letting your fingers do the walking rocks,” said Grubb. Have your phones fully charged and bring a battery pack, just in case.
Most important, “have fun,” said Grubb. “The list is not life and death. Share a smile, a laugh and help your fellow shopper where you can.”
