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Top 10 2009 Black Friday Shopping Tips

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  • Top 10 2009 Black Friday Shopping Tips

    1. Look at Online Buying Guides first
    For those of you who already have the your desired items in mind (TV, Laptop, Camera, Printer, GPS, Vacuum Machine, etc), there are existing Black Friday buying guides for each popular category, so that you only need to do minimal research.

    2. Start your Black Friday on Thursday
    A lot of the big stores will have most of their Black Friday sales online from Thursday, until the following Monday. Avoid the crowd by shopping Black Friday Deals Online.

    3. Plan Ahead, Know Your Stores
    Go to the stores on Wednesday (many are closed on Thursday) and make sure you know where the sections you’ll need are located. This will ensure you to grab the best deals within minimal time.

    Different stores have different opening times. Make sure you have a clear plan on which one to go first, second, and third, etc…

    4. Do Price Comparison Online Before You Go
    Sometimes you will be spending the whole Black Friday morning buying things you thought are cheap, only to find that they are actually cheaper online. Do the price research online first before you go.

    5. Bring the Black Friday Ads
    Be sure to have the Black Friday ads on hand. It’s not only for your own reference; many stores have price match policy, so you can show them the exact product in other stores which could be being advertised for less.

    6. Free After Rebate Items
    There are a lot of Free After Rebate Items during Black Friday Sale. However, do remember to submit the rebates on time, and also keep a copy of the rebate form in case your rebate mail gets lost.

    7. Go to the Less Crowded Store
    It may take you longer to drive to a store which is further away and located in a less populated city, but that extra drive might worth it — you will find less people in the store and have better chance to get that hot item you want.

    8. Bring Someone Along with You
    Remember that long checkout line? It would be nice if someone comes along with you and start in that line while you are in the store fetching things….

    9. Go For the Less Popular Items First
    This one might surprise a lot of you, but sometimes you should go for the less popular items first! If you get into the store very late and don’t feel you have a good chance of getting the really hot items, change your strategy and go for the less popular items first.

    10. Use the Credit Card with Best Protection
    You never know what will happen to your Black Friday purchase. Always use the credit card with the best Warranty Coverage, return protection, and sale price protection — Some of the credit card companies will offer this protection and refund you the difference if a product you buy is marked down further than the price you paid within a certain time frame (usually 60 days).
    Last edited by jeffrey; 11-25-2009, 08:45 AM. Reason: forum rules

  • #2
    #11: Wear body armor.

    #12: Consider investing in a wheelchair. You're less likely to be trampled, and if all else fails, you're prepared for the long road to recovery! (assuming, of course, that you survive)

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    • #3
      #1: STAY HOME

      If you must shop, go to amazon.com and order whatever you need.
      Steve

      * Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
      * Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
      * There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.

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      • #4
        Originally posted by disneysteve View Post
        #1: STAY HOME

        If you must shop, go to amazon.com and order whatever you need.
        SO AGREE!!!!

        Comment


        • #5
          I usually go later in the day, if there are none left i guess i didn't need it that bad anyway.

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by irmanator View Post
            I usually go later in the day, if there are none left i guess i didn't need it that bad anyway.
            Actually, I have to agree. We have shopped on Black Friday before, but always later in the day. By then, we find the crowds are no worse than any other day.
            Steve

            * Despite the high cost of living, it remains very popular.
            * Why should I pay for my daughter's education when she already knows everything?
            * There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going.

            Comment


            • #7
              I am planning on staying home and watch my email inbox. I am sure the promotion/discounts will start floating in around Thursday afternoon. Going to stores like best buy on Friday sounds like a suicidal mission to me.

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              • #8
                Here is the only tip you need in regard to Black Friday:

                1. Do not shop on Black Friday. This is because the deals will only get better as we get nearer to Christmas, and often the best deals are after Christmas. Let the lemmings get all worked up in a lather about Black Friday...this is precisely what the retail industry wants you to do. Don't play into their hands. Don't go with the crowd...

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                • #9
                  11th tip

                  only take cash with you. if you are using a piece of plastic you are going to spend more money than you intended .

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by disneysteve View Post
                    #1: STAY HOME

                    If you must shop, go to amazon.com and order whatever you need.
                    Yep! That's how I do it.

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