How To Make The Most of Black Friday
I posted this last year, but thought it would be a good reminder with BLACK FRIDAY just around the corner!
I sometimes do not know what to think about Black Friday. For weeks, there have been commercials about when certain deals are starting for weeks. In fact, many stores have started their “Black Friday” sales at the beginning of the month! Then I wonder, why do we make such a big deal about Black Friday?
To be completely honest, it’s sad that these sales technically only happen during the holiday season. It begs the question, if all of these stores claim this is their “Black Friday”, why don’t they have these type of sales more often? Why wait until November and December? Yes, obviously this is the big buying season – I get that. But if these stores can afford to have these types of sales, think about how much we are overspending the other 10 or 11 months?
The older I get, the more I enjoy shopping online! With some things, I enjoy supporting the local business owner, but when it comes to most things, I am able to save money by shopping online in the comforts of my own home, with free shipping. Because we do not live close to many stores, we have to factor in what it costs to drive into town!
Are you a Black Friday shopper? Do you dread the day or look forward to it? I know that for many, it’s a rush. Yes, I do enjoy going out that day, even though I do most of my Christmas shopping beforehand. Mostly it’s because I love Christmas! The spirit and love, I just can’t get enough of!
I usually spend Black Friday with my family, which is time together more than anything. At lunchtime, we gather for a meal, regroup, and decide if we need to stop at a few more stores afterwards. If not, we head home.
How about you? What does Black Friday look like for you? How do you prepare for Black Friday? In all of the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget some very simple steps to make your day that much more enjoyable!
How To Prepare For Black Friday:
1. First see if there are any items you can buy online, ahead of time. You can save gas money, often get free shipping, and even prepare your “shopping cart” days and weeks before, then day of, click “submit order”.
2. Check the newspaper for sales ads. Are there any helpful coupons?
3. Make sure it’s a good deal. Is it going to be worth standing in line for? Or can you buy 2 days before or after, without the hassle?
4. Make a list. A list will be an incredible time and money saver! If it’s not on the list, do not buy it!
5. Write down a list of stores to go to. Why get stuck in traffic on a road you have no use traveling on? Know what stores you need to go to and even draw a map if needed! Plan your route!
6. Keep hydrated. When you are doing all that walking, you might get thirsty and hungry by 9:30am! Bring water and a granola bar to tie you over until lunchtime. This also prevents you from buying those aisle items that are only full of sugar and are not real craving quenchers.
7. What is the return policy? If you may have to return the item, is it worth buying?
8. Wear good walking shoes! Yes, it’s always fun to look cute and trendy, but are you going to pay for it throughout the day? Let’s be honest – we’ve all seen our fair share of “just out of bed-ers” who did nothing but jump straight into the car and go shop! Don’t waste your time looking perfect – spend time dressing comfortable!
9. Have fun and don’t be greedy. If you want to see one of the worst sides of the American society, shop on Black Friday. Why does it always seem like there are some who just “ruin” the fun? They are pushing, shoving, yelling at the cashier, you name it. What if we all went into the day with an extra dose of patience and a Christ-like attitude?
10. Check your receipts. Make sure all the discounts were taken off and you were charged the right amount.
11. Wrap! When you get home, if you have time, why not start to wrap some of those gifts? Get a head start!
12. Be THANKFUL. This is supposed to be a fun time – spend time with your family and friends. And remember what the day before was – THANKSGIVING. Be thankful for what you have (even if you weren’t able to get all you wanted to). We all have more than we need!
HERE is a FREE Black Friday Shopping Printable!
