How to Survive Shopping on Black Friday

The day after Thanksgiving is known by many as Black Friday. Black Friday is notorious in the retail world for mayhem. As a shopper, there are a few things you can do to make shopping on Black Friday a little easier.

First, know that there is probably nothing so important that you need to be at a store at 6 a.m. If a store is running morning specials, they probably run til about noon. Otherwise, wait until late afternoon to shop on Black Friday. The crowds will have lessened, and a new shift of employees, who actually got sleep that morning, will be in.

Secondly, pay attention to the ads you see for Black Friday. A morning special may only go til noon or 1 p.m. Night specials may only run after 5 p.m. If you show up in the middle of the day expecting either a morning special or a night special price to be effective you may be disappointed.

If you're using a coupon, be sure to read all of it, front and back, before going to the checkout counter. Make sure it isn't expired and that it is valid in conjunction with the sale going on that day. Also, make sure the brand or type of item you selected is not excluded. If you get to the front of the check out line with a coupon that doesn't apply to your items, it is likely that no amount of debating with the cashier will get you that extra discount.

If you are clearance shopping on Black Friday, and find something that is more than half off but isn't in your size or the right color, don't be heartbroken if the store doesn't have any more of that item. If it is more than half off, it may have been on clearance for a long time. Additionally, stores typically don't continue receiving shipments of things that are permanently reduced in price.

When shopping on Black Friday, organization is key. Determine how much you're going to spend total, and how much per person. Decide which stores or malls you're going to and plan your route so you don't end up running all over. Have any coupons and method of payment ready at the checkout counter. If you wait until your purchase is completed, and then mention your coupon, your purchase will likely have to be rung all over again. This obviously eats up some of your time, and will give you an annoyed cashier.

Lastly, remember that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. The more ornery you are with other customers and retail employees, the more orneriness you will probably receive.