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Step 1
Check out the sales ads in advance. Local newspapers usually carry the fliers the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving, but Black Friday sale prices can be found online in early November. If they are not listed on your favorite stores' websites, just enter "Black Friday sales" and the store name into your favorite search engine.
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Step 2
Look to see if the sales will be available online. Not only will many stores offer the exact same prices when making online purchases, but the shipping and handling is often free on such days. While on their site, check to see if they will be offering additional sales or incentives to online Black Friday shoppers.
These items can be purchased without having to wake up at 2 AM, stand in line for an hour, or even change out of your pajamas. -
Step 3
Earlier in the week, go to the store and place the items you wish to buy on layaway. Make sure to get the exact item being advertised (size, brand, weight, etc.). Then on Friday, go later in the morning to get them off of layaway. Ask the cashier to make a price adjustment on sale items. You may be charged a small fee (usually $2 or less), but it will save a lot of time and headaches in the long run.
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Step 4
Take sales ads to stores that offer price matching. Some even offer to give an additional 10% off competitor prices just for shopping with them. This way, you need go in fewer stores to get the exact same sales.
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Step 5
If large stores and long lines can't be avoided on Black Friday, compare lists with a neighbor or friend. If you both need to go to the same four stores, you can each take two. Remember to get separate receipts in case items need to be returned or exchanged later.
