How to Black Friday Shop Like a Pro #BlackFriday #Shopping

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I never used to Black Friday shop because I just thought it was too hectic to try and navigate through the crowds of crazy people. Well, now I am one of those crazy people, and although I may not be the best Black Friday shopper out there, I come pretty close! If you want to score big on Black Friday deals without losing your head, literally, here’s how to Black Friday shop like a pro!

Shop the Ads First

Yes, there are Black Friday items you can score that aren’t in the ads, but they will still be on sale after Black Friday, trust me. The items in the ads are the items you want to look at. They are the things that are going to be marked at unbeatable prices that you won’t find the rest of the year. However, you won’t be able to grab everything, so pick out a few items from each Black Friday ad that YOU HAVE TO GET!

Make a Schedule for Yourself

Not all stores will open at the same time. This can make things difficult, but it can, also make it easier to get what you want from each store. The key to Black Friday shopping like a pro is setting a reasonable schedule of the stores you want to shop at. You will need to give yourself at least 2 hours in each store. Here is a sample schedule you can follow:

• 6:00 PM Walmart- Be there at 5:00 PM to grab what you want and head over to wait in line.
• 9:00 PM Toys R US- If they open at 9, you want to be there no later than 8. Get your ticket and wait in line.
• 10:00 PM- If you go to Toys R US to any store, you will make it out fairly quickly. Head to your next store of choice.
• Continue adding in the stores and balancing times.

Forget the Cart!

Never, I repeat NEVER grab a cart! Carts are not for Black Friday pros, and if you get a cart, you’re sure to wonder why you did that. With thousands of people scrambling to grab the lowest prices of the season, you don’t want to try and maneuver a cart through the chaos. This is why you only pick a few ticket items from each store. You want to be able to run in, grab what you want and head for the checkout before anyone else. If you want to make it with the big dogs, leave the cart at the door.

Scope Out Your Merchandise

You can usually get your Black Friday ads a week before, so head to the stores and scope out the merchandise. The stores may not have the items out yet, but you can get a good idea where your items are going to be placed. In fact, you can even ask associates where each item will be on the day of the sale. I did this at Walmart, and they were happy to tell me their whole Black Friday layout. You don’t want to be searching the store for what you need the day of the chaos. This makes it easier for you to walk in, find what you want, grab it, and head to the checkout.

Avoid the Mall

Yes, I know the mall has such great deals on clothes, shoes, and other items, but I am telling you to avoid it. Seriously, there are too many people in a small place. If you have big ticket items to get, you aren’t going to make it through the mall in time to get to them. Unless you plan on camping out at the mall the night before, I would suggest you avoid the mall like the plague itself.

Check Online Before You Go

Most people don’t know this, but many stores will have the same prices online as they do in stores. They can be so tricky can’t they? This is especially true for stores that are in the mall like Macy’s, Kohl’s, and American Eagle. So, check those online prices and compare them to the ad. You may not even have to leave your house. If you couple those online prices with EBATES, you can get cash back on all your Christmas shopping.

What ways have you learned to Black Friday shop like a pro? Share your Black Friday tips in the comments below!

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