With the Thanksgiving season comes the deals for the holidays. Most people will take advantage of these sales during Black Friday, Nov. 25. However, it is not the safest and most convenient of days. If you plan on shopping for your family this week, here are a few tips on how to survive the craze that comes along with the holiday.
1. Plan ahead
Don’t just go and jump into shopping. Know what you want to get first. It will make it easier to ensure you get the right thing so you don’t have to deal with the hassles of returns. It will also make the your shopping trip go much more quickly if you can hit your favorite store first, or the best deals first. Planning your route and what you want to get makes things more convenient and faster.
2. Use apps
Using apps is a quick way to find the sales on your phone and exactly where to go. It makes it easy to get the best bargains on time before someone else can get to them.
3. Take ads with you
If you don’t have an app, take the ads for which stores you plan on going to. You will still be able to see where everything is and plan what you want to get based on the sales. There may also be coupons, which will make your purchases even cheaper.
4. Shop online
What better way to shop than in your pajamas? A lot of stores do online sales that are just as good, if not better, than the sales in store. You won't have to fight the crowds or get out of bed, and you'll get all of your purchases delivered to your doorstep.
5. Shop early
A lot of stores open sales early — some even start Thursday evening. This is good for those who want to get a head start or simply line up early if the store isn't open yet. The first ones inside are usually the first ones out of the crowds.
6. Use the buddy system
Never go alone. The horror stories of people fighting over items, pushing others and jumping over displays are true. Don't face that spectacle alone — take a friend or family member as back up, and someone who can watch and make sure no one will take things out of your cart.
7. Take advantage of second-hand shops
These may not be ideal, but they usually benefit the community. There are also less crowds and usually even better deals. Shopping in local stores is typical for Saturdays after Thanksgiving, but it is not limited to just then.
8. Stay away from big electronics
Unless you are shopping online, stay away from big electronics. These are hot items on Black Friday. People are going to be the most aggressive and this section will be the busiest. Also, because of how busy the store will be, chances are slim you will be able to speak with a representative if you need assistance.
9. Dress comfortably
You are going to be running around frantic and dealing with unfriendly people, so you are going to want to be comfortable. Not to mention you will probably be standing for a few hours, especially when waiting to check out, so you will want to avoid heels or uncomfortable shoes.
10. Just don’t go
If the craze of Black Friday is too much for you, simply don’t shop. Just because it is a big deal in the nation does not mean that you have to go. It is becoming a trend that places will be closed for the holiday season so people can be home with their families. There is also Cyber Monday on Nov. 28, the Internet's version of the shopping holiday, so if you'd rather stay home, you can wait a few extra days and shop from the comfort of your home.
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