School me on Black Friday

financialdiva · November 2013

I have never gone out on Black Friday. I am starting to see some ad's come out and I am seeing some good deal at Target and Toys R Us, so I am thinking it might be worth it this year to venture out.

The deals I am looking at aren't the huge door busters, but I am wondering if I didn't venture out on thanksgiving, will it still be worth it? How early do I need to get up on Friday to make sure I score a good amount of deals? (Items I am looking at are on sale all day)

Any tips and tricks from veteran Black Friday shoppers?

It's okay, you can call me crazy if you want to.

Karla CS · November 2013

DH used to work at one of the big box retailers and worked Black Friday every year.. According to him, all the 'deals' fall into one of three categories:

1. Amazing deals on midrange items. In VERY limited quantities. The probability of actually getting them isn't so great. If you're picky about the brand, probably not worth your time, especially considering sell out risk is so high.

2. Meh deals. Acceptable prices on a range of things. These items usually won't sell out very quickly, but you could probably find the same items on sale for the same price or better throughout the year.

3. Non deals. Looks like a decent deal if you haven't done any research, but you can almost always find them cheaper without a whole lot of work.

Maybe he's cynical from years of working Black Fridays (actually, it was one of his favorite days to work because they were allowed to be rude to customers, didn't have spend a whole lot of time on customer service, etc), but since he's the 'reigning expert' in our house, we just skip it.

financialdiva · November 2013

I would say most of my items I am looking at fall into your #2. I am sure I could find them even for a little more during other times during the year, but I am kind of excited to do this since while I will only save a little, it would be on a lot of items.

Maybe I will start small, and only go to Target.

financialdiva · November 2013

How early do you usually go to target @privacywanted

blushingbride_08 · November 2013

Do your research and map out a plan. Go with a team and leave the LO at home if possible. Get there early and know what you want. Don't get distracted with things that are regular priced or not deeply discounted. The best deals everyone else wants too so decide if it is worth the time and effort. I'm usually done Black Friday shopping by 10am and that's when the late comers think they will get a sale. I'm a Black Friday pro!

blushingbride_08 · November 2013

blushingbride_08 said:

Do your research and map out a plan. Go with a team and leave the LO at home if possible. Get there early and know what you want. Don't get distracted with things that are regular priced or not deeply discounted. The best deals everyone else wants too so decide if it is worth the time and effort. I'm usually done Black Friday shopping by 10am and that's when the late comers think they will get a sale. I'm a Black Friday pro!

Also I say go with a team bc one person can be waiting in line while the other is shopping. Then you can just take you stuff to the register. I've seen ppl camping outside stores but I can't deal with that.

Karla CS · November 2013

I work every Black Friday (stupid federally regulated institutions!), so it's never even been an option for me. (I could take a vacation day, but then I have no valid reason as to why I can't go to the inlaws for Thanksgiving..)

MammaBear81 · November 2013

Karla CS said:

I work every Black Friday (stupid federally regulated institutions!), so it's never even been an option for me. (I could take a vacation day, but then I have no valid reason as to why I can't go to the inlaws for Thanksgiving..)

this, and I also prefer Cyber Monday... all the thrills of Black Friday in the comfort of my own bed

ksyknelvr73 · November 2013

I actually scored a ton of good deals last year on Black Friday online. A good portion of stores now offer the same or very similar deals online on the same day. It was a delightful experience

emberlee3 · November 2013

I have to work on Black Friday, but even if I didn't, I would never in a million years go out shopping that day.

LoCarb · November 2013

I agree with @Karla CS. Long lines for very limited quantities of the good deals.

Have you signed up for TRU emails? Once a week, I will receive a 'red hot' email of items on sale for one day only (25-75%off). Over the past 3 months, I have been building a closet full of gifts. Even these 'red hot' deals are of limited quantity and several times I was too late to the game.

I prefer to online shop. Most stores offer the same deals online with free shipping. Many stores already have their BF preview catalog available to scope out.

financialdiva · November 2013

Ok, so from what I am reading, it sounds like Target and such are having almost the same deals online as they are in stores. I think I love this idea more! Anyone know what time those deals start? Thanksgiving morning? Friday?

SoMoNY · November 2013

I'm lazy, I'm all about Cyber Monday

You would have to offer a Mac Book Air for $399 to get me out to the stores on BF

Meery82 · November 2013

MammaBear81 said:

Karla CS said:

I work every Black Friday (stupid federally regulated institutions!), so it's never even been an option for me. (I could take a vacation day, but then I have no valid reason as to why I can't go to the inlaws for Thanksgiving..)

this, and I also prefer Cyber Monday... all the thrills of Black Friday in the comfort of my own bed

I was going to post pretty much this. I love shopping online. I always work Black Friday because no one else wants to. Otherwise, I wouldn't dare leave my house that morning!

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