This post is Sponsored by Walmart but my opinions are 100% my own!
Sorry to break the news to you but it’s time you start thinking about Surviving Black Friday. Have you walked into a store since Halloween was over? You will not only notice that the candy is discounted, but you’ll probably see a lot of Christmas stuff coming out. Not just decorations, but gifts too! Crazy, right? But it is November so what can we really expect!
Now that November is here, it’s time to start thinking about how to make your hard-earned dollars stretch for the holidays. One way I do it is by shopping on Black Friday. Yes, I said Black Friday! While some people cringe at the idea of fighting the crowds, I love the deals I get so it’s worth it to me. Besides I live in an area where it’s not that bad to shop on Black Friday.
5 Tips on Surviving Black Friday Shopping
But you can’t wait until Black Friday and expect to save a lot of money. Depending on what is on your shopping list, you may not find deals for the items you want. You need to start thinking about it now. I’ve done this a few years now so I’d like to share with you some tips on surviving Black Friday shopping, and hopefully saving a lot of money.
Make a Plan Ahead of Time
Gather the ads as soon as you can and make a list of what you want and where. If you can’t make it to every store in the time allowed (some stores have door buster deals that don’t last the entire day), figure out the best savings and go there first. Then check out the stores website to see if they have a map of where everything will be so you can even plan where to go first. The best deals will probably go quick and you want to try your best to not miss them.
Check Price Matching Policy
Some stores will price match other stores on Black Friday. Check with the store before hand and if they do, combine two stores into one by price matching. This will save you time and gas money! But make sure the product is the same exact brand, size, model number, color etc.
Grab A Friend
If you are planning on visiting stores at a very early or late hour, you may want to grab a friend to shop with you so you aren’t alone.
Bring Supplies and Dress Accordingly
If may be cold where you are and you may be waiting outside in line for a while. Bring hats, gloves, scarfs, hand warmers and heavy jacket. And dress comfortably and wear good shoes! It may be a long few hours. Grab a coffee on the way out as well to wake you up or keep you awake!
Keep Receipts
Because these prices may not be the best they are going to be all season, keep your receipt in case you have to return something. As we get closer to the holiday, they may lower prices even more. If you have your receipt, you should be able to exchange it or return it. And ask for gift receipts too!
If you really don’t want to go into the stores, you can also shop at Walmart.com on Black Friday and get some deals while still in your pajamas.
What deals are you going to be looking for this Black Friday?
I haven’et done black friday in forever, I remember it was pretty fun, last few years, there hasn’t been a specific thing I needed or wanted though that meant waking up at the butt crack of dawn.
My daughters and I always look forward to our Black Friday shopping trips. We usually make a weekend of it and have tons of fun! You have pointed out some great things to help it go smoothly!
I never go shopping on Black Friday–it’s just not my thing.
I definitely hear you on making sure you’re dressed to go shopping. There is nothing worse than wearing uncomfortable clothing when you have a full day of shopping ahead of you. And coffee is always a great pick me up!!
This year I’ve got a few things I’m wanting so I’ll definitely be doing the price compare watch. However, I’ll probably do my BF shopping from home.
I skipped Black Friday last year since I was 8 months pregnant. I did grab a lot of online deals that day though – and I may go that route again. I’ll be on the lookout for toy deals for two boys!!
So funny that you posted this. I just started thinking about it this week!
You have to start making your game plan!!!
Price matching has to be my favorite ‘feature’ if that makes any sense. Knowing I’ll get the best deal no matter what is always reassuring.
I’m totally ready! Price matching is a good idea.
Dressing properly and bringing a friend are two important tips. Black Friday is a long day, and you don’t want to do it in heels.
I am more of a Cyber Monday shopper. When I do shop Black Friday, I usually target moree obscure deals that don’t sell out fast. I am just not up for waiting in crazy lines.
I’ve only done Walmart Black Friday once with my mom. It was INSANE…but a little fun and exciting too lol
I’m like Robin, I’m all over Cyber Monday because I don’t have what it takes to handle Black Friday. I did it a couple of years ago and someone in industrial boots stepped on my foot and I wanted to punch the guy! He did even say he was sorry. Then we had to go stand in line for more than an hour, and I was just done! However, I love to hear everyone eles’s stories about the fun and insanity and the great deals they scored.
Oh good gosh. This post just isn’t relevant to me. I don’t go out shopping on Black Friday. No one could pay me enough to do it. I actually live a couple miles away from a long stretch of malls and I avoid that area for most of the holiday season. I do a lot of online shopping.
My husband and I head out about 6. the crowds are less but there is still stuff to find. it is our time.