Black Friday Shopping Tips

If you're one of the brave ones willing to shop on Black Friday, here are some survival tips.

1. Check online for coupons.Remember to take along copies of the ads for stores you plan on shopping at.
Plan which department in each store you will shop first.

2. Set the alarm and be prepared to stand in line at 4 or 5 AM.

3. Wear your most comfortable pair of shoes.

4. Carry a large tote or bag with a bottle of water and something to snack on.
Remember to take along some tissues-you never know!

5. If possible, get some friends together.
Form a shopping team and have each person shop at a different store for the team members. This will insure that you get most of your items before they sell out.

6. Call ahead to the stores, and ask to speak to a manager.
Ask the manager to tell you how many items of what you want are instock.
One year I stood in line at Kohls for 2 hours and was the third person in line.
They only had 2 video cameras per store to sell. Lesson learned-the hard way!

7. Go over your list the night before you ship and again the next morning.
How much money can you spend? Is there anything that you can do without - or that may be even cheaper right before Christmas?

8. Do not keep your purchases in your car where they can be seen.
Lock them in the trunk."Tis the season" for bad things, too.

9. Don't be upset if something is sold out. Ask if there will be more available later.
Some stores will restock items after 1 PM.
I learned this last year after standing in line for $7 video games. Hmmm,,,by the time I got to the counter-ALL GONE!
The store clerk told me to come back after 1 PM and there would be more available.
I asked at another store, yes, more available in the afternoon.If you totally miss out on a deal, tell yourself that it just wasn't meant to be.Maybe this is a sign that lower prices are ahead.

10. Have fun, and remember to make every dollar count.