Black Friday Tips

Top 10 tips to Black Friday success

Since Black Friday is a day unlike any other in our shopping year, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your efforts:

1. Plan ahead. Check out Web sites (listed below) that offer leaked information about the upcoming sales. It already has been reported on these sites that Walmart is supposed to have a 50-inch TV for $598, and Kohl's will have a Vivitar digital camera for $59.99.

Also, some stores and malls already have released their Black Friday circulars and they are included there as well.

2. Check the ads. Although many of these sites and news agencies have gone to great lengths to get the scoop on these deals, you won't know for sure about some of them until you see the store's ads.

3. Know what you are looking for. Between the sites and the ads, get a good idea of what you want and go after it. This is not a good day to meander if there is a specific deal you want.

4. Compare prices. Either using the ads or online with sites such as PriceGrabber.com, find out how good a deal you are getting.

5. Bring the ads with you. If you are shopping at a store that offers lowest price guarantees (like Walmart and Lowe's), show them the ad and take advantage of the store's offer.

6. Have a game plan. Map out the stores you want to hit and when, depending on sales you don't want to miss and when the discounts are being offered.

Also, either pack a meal or figure out where you may want to eat. Wear comfortable shoes and don't carry a heavy purse (or any purse, if you can help it).

7. Shop early. Most stores offer their best discounts between 5 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Black Friday. Target is one of the few that is offering the same level of discounts all day.

8. Shop online. You can avoid the crowds and get most of the same deals by staying home and shopping at the stores online. Many offer their Black Friday discounts starting after midnight. Check the specific store online for complete details.

9. Shop with your receipt. If you want to make sure you get an item at the Black Friday sales price, buy it early in the week and come back on Black Friday for a price adjustment.

Most stores will refund you the difference within a certain time frame. Check with your chosen store before you do this, however, to verify the specific rules of that store.

10. Keep your identity safe. It might be chaotic out there, so take only what credit cards or checks you need. Clean out your wallet and don't carry anything with your Social Security number on it.

Source: http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20091122/ARTICLES/911209861?Title=Your-guide-to-the-best-Black-Friday-deals