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Step 1
Purchase a newspaper on Thanksgiving Day to figure out what sales and which stores you want to shop at on Black Friday. Also check out websites several weeks ahead of times, such as GottaDeal, to get a sneak peak of Black Friday Deals (check out in resource section below).
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Step 2
Match up coupons that you have from such resources as previous coupon inserts, the entertainment book, website print outs, etc. to the sales and stores that you are going to shop. Make a list for yourself of the stores you are going to visit, in their order, as well as put a “Q” or “C” next to each item/store where you have a coupon to use (so that you don’t forget to do so).
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Step 3
Organize your coupons by the store you are visiting first. Chances are you will be tired and a little cranky in the morning, so it is best to do this the night before.
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Step 4
Set a budget to spend the next day, and stick to this (no matter what good deals you find!).
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Step 5
Get a great night’s sleep, and set your alarm for 4:00-4:30 a.m. (This leaves you enough time to pick up or make some coffee on your way, depending on how far away the stores are from your home). Be prepared for crowds, even at this early hour.
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Step 6
If you are shopping with a second person, have a plan of attack. For example, one person may want to stand in line, while another runs to the back of the store for the loss leader product in the sales ad. Or, divide and conquer your list in each store.
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Step 7
Keep a sense of humor, and remember that you are buying these gifts for the people that you love. Even if you do not get all of the items that you want, your holidays will be wonderful and Black Friday shopping will be a day to remember!
