The Best Black Friday Deals: A Quick Guide

The day after Thanksgiving is the day that most merchants refer to as "Black Friday". They call it this because it is the one day where they can hope to bring their accounting books from the negative (red ink) to the positive (black ink). They want to get you into their stores and will be offering huge discounts to entice you. Here are some suggestions to make sure you get the best deals this Black Friday.

1. Get the Thanksgiving Day paper

The Thanksgiving Day paper should have the most circulars, ads and coupons in it than any other day this past year. Whether you typically have the paper delivered or not, get this paper. You will not be able to do proper research into the best deals without it. These adds will also give you insight into the stores extra bonus times, given only at certain hours throughout the day.

2. Know what you want before Black Friday

This is especially important if you are planning to buy an electronic item. You want to have your research in as to whether the item is ranking well among consumers or not. Don't buy a faulty product just because you can get it cheap. Make good decisions about what you want to buy before Black Friday. Check out consumer reports and web sites like www.about.com before you commit to your Christmas list.

3. Compare, Compare

Check out the prices on everything on your list at www.pricegrabber.com. Also check over the prices listed in the ads from the newspaper. If it's a popular item chances are high that more than one store will be selling it, find the store that has it for the lowest price. Be careful for scams on super low priced products. If you happen to be in the market for a computer or printer, make sure the price includes all the components, such as the cables! If the merchant is selling these most important parts separate, the price will be affected.

4. Get up and Get Going Early

If you want to make the most out of the bargains you need to get out there when the doors open for the Early Bird deals. Typically shopping between 5 in the morning to before noon, you will be guaranteed to get the products you are looking for at the lowest prices. If you are planning on visiting more than one store, don't get side tracked. Make a route and plan your stops. Purchase only what you were really after at each store to keep from taking too much time and missing the specials at the other stores on your list.

5. Stay up Late

If you can make it through the sleepiness from the turkey and full day of events, get online for great discounts! You can get great Black Friday specials after midnight of Thanksgiving. Order your products online and pick them up at the local store. This will keep you from the long lines or the disappointment of having the store sell out of the item. Watch for some stores like CompUSA who will open their doors at Mid-Night to begin their "Early Bird" specials, personally, I'd have to rename this to the Night Owl Deals!

6. Keep the circular handy

Although the store advertisement may have a specific price advertised it may not be properly marked at the store. Therefore, as long as you bring your circular you can prove the price and they have to honor their advertisement. Don't forget some stores also guarantee lowest price match guarantees; they will need to see the circular from the competition to honor this deal as well.

7. Be aware of Policies

You may want to check the store policies before you go on your shopping extravaganza. This may help you to delete a couple of locations from your list. Certain stores have very stringent return policies and it may not even be worth the few dollars saved to purchase from these merchandisers. Those few dollars may be gobbled up with fees for restocking or open box, etc.

8. Make returns easier

When you are purchasing gifts for your loved ones, go the extra step and ask for a gift return receipt. These return slips will not have the price of the item on it but it will make returning the item that much easier. Because it is a gift with out the return receipt, your family and friends will not be able to return their gift without much hassle.

9. Charging can be beneficial

If you are a responsible charge card holder and you have a plan in place for paying off your credit card after the holidays, then charge away! Check with your credit card company and check out the great benefits they may offer for charging with them. Your credit card may have an extended warranty on your purchased products, offer cash back, give you guaranteed refunds, give an additional percentage off at the register, and even refund you if a product marks down even further after your sale!

Remember to get a plan together to avoid the crowds and maximize your savings for stellar deals this Black Friday!