The Black Friday Crunch

If you are like me nothing beats the sound of carts crashing, cash registers ringing, and the feel of grasping that perfect bargain. Black Friday is more of a religious experience then just another shopping day.

In our excitement to grasp the best deal we sometimes forget that strategy and not chaos is our best weapon. The smart shopper puts as much attention and forethought into shopping as any hunter stalking his prey.

So what is the plan? How can we guarantee to come home our hearts warm and our bags full? I just so happen to have a list of tips that might help keep away the shopping blues.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare!: Don't just rush out Friday morning and hit the first store in site. Get all the flyers you can. Flyers are your friends! Review websites like http://bfads.net/ and http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/ that offer scans of actual store ads and visit their message boards for tips from other shoppers such as yourself. Know what is available! There won't be time to window shop on the big day!

Next, you should make a list of the items you want and which store has it. Then visit those stores a few days before hand. Know their layouts and check for Black Friday maps. These maps will tell you exactly where in the store you will find your desired item. Some stores post these a few days before the sale, others hand out flyers that morning. If you don't see one, ask a clerk when they will be made available. Try to get a copy. If they are posted take a picture at the very least. If the clerk tells you they won't be giving out maps then ask them where your item will be located the morning of the sale. If they don't know ask them how you can find out. The important thing is for you to have a good idea where to find your items as quickly as possible within each store you plan to visit.

Knowing the store layout is a big plus but don't forget to consider which store you plan to visit first. For the most part you are going to want to start with the store that has the 'must have' items on your list. Remember, Black Friday is more like a race then a pleasant outing and popular items will go quickly. So plan carefully and don't vary from your lists.

Time is Key, Dump The Baggage: You are going to be rushing through crowds of other shoppers. You need to move quickly and stay focused. You can't do that if you are dragging children behind you or attending to an infant. If there ever was a perfect time for a sitter this is it!

If at all possible you want to shop alone. Why? The fewer people to deal with the quicker you can move! If you have all your shopping done and are ready to move to the next store waiting on your sister-in-law can become an annoying and maddening process. Save the bonding for another shopping spree.

Comfort Matters: Make sure to take a drink, a snack, and go to the bathroom before you leave. You might think you don't need this, but how are you going to feel after running through a couple stores? Think about your comfort. The more comfortable you are the easier the whole process is going to be. Nothing is more irritating then standing in a long line while you have to use the restroom.

Black Friday is not the day to wear your best clothes, mess with makeup or try out that new pair of shoes. Think about it! It is 4 A.M., you are sweaty, no one cares what you look like and if your feet hurt you are just going to slow yourself down. So think of today as the day you get to be totally comfortable.

Remember to listen to your mother's advice and wear layers. All those people rushing around like mad are going to create a lot of heat. So that favorite sweat suit might turn into an oven rather quickly.

The most important tip I can give you is to enjoy yourself. Through all the pushing and shoving think how proud you'll be when you get all your treasures home.