![1977-puff-the-cat-sleeping[1]](http://www.thecheapchick.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/1977-puff-the-cat-sleeping1.jpg "1977-puff-the-cat-sleeping[1]")
I don’t care how big the sales are, this Chick needs her beauty rest.
Tip For The Day: Some of you frugal and fabulous folks out there may be contemplating stepping into the Black Friday shopping arena for the first time. Just for you, today’s Fox 9 segment (HEY! I’m on at 9:30 AM! Turn it on!) and this companion post contain my New and Improved Black Friday Survival Guide.
Here’s a quick tip to get us started – don’t go to the Black Friday sales at the Walmarts in Long Island. You may just get trampled to death.
Tip For Thanksgiving: Eat like there is no tomorrow, take a nap, and then go for a walk. Or, if your family has Thanksgiving dinner at the actual dinner time (6:30 PM) like mine does, take a nap, go for a walk, watch football, and THEN eat like there is no tomorrow. Oh yeah, and play with this guy:
I mean, your own cute kid. Don’t be bogarting mine.
Further Elucidation Of My Cheap Deal: Last year, my most awesome XP (executive producer) and I put together a survival guide for Black Friday shoppers. This year, I’ve expanded to include even more tips and ideas for getting out alive and with your wallet intact. Plus, I’m throwing in two bonus tips that won’t be in my Fox 9 segment this morning. Those are just for you privileged insiders.
Or, you know, anyone reading this blog. Hi there!
The NEW & IMPROVED Black Friday Survival Guide:
1. Know exactly – or as close as you can – what you need to buy. If go you into Black Friday with the idea “oh, I’ll just browse until I find the right gift,” three things can (AND WILL) happen. One, you end up buying things no one wants, because you’re overwhelmed by the amazing sale prices. Two, you end up over-buying, because you aren’t really sure what you need. Three, you waste time and aren’t able to hit all the sales before they end.
Remember! These sales don’t last all day – some end well before store close on Friday. According to Kohl’s website, their early bird deals end at 1 PM.
2. Research which stores carry what you need. You can do this either online at the store’s websites, or hit the stores today after work to scout out their goodies. Don’t waste time on Friday going to retailers who don’t have what’s on your list.
Cool online feature – Kohl’s website allows you to create your shopping list (so you’ll know in advance that they have what you need and whether or not those items are on sale) and then take it to the store on Black Friday. Kohl’s opens at 4 AM, in case you’re insane and plan on shopping that early.
3. Research the sales themselves. Most stores have posted their sale hours and discounts on their websites – simply click on the Weekly Ad, or the Today’s Ad button, remembering to check for online coupons. Also remember – some stores offer different deals later on in the day, so make sure you know when the items you want will be on sale.
If you prefer to go Internet-free, check last Sunday’s paper, or Thursday’s paper for the ads. They’ll also have coupons for additional savings.
Shop even earlier! www.macys.com is having an online Thanksgiving Day sale, so you can shop after you eat your turkey. Macys’ bricks-n-mortar stores open on Friday at 5 AM.
4. Check out the return policy before you buy. Either check online at the stores’ websites or call/stop by the stores before Friday. Just in case you get caught up in all the deals and end up buying what you don’t need. For example, JC Penney’s states their return policy online on their customer service page.
5. Plan your revenge attack. Determine which store you need to hit first, and then prioritize the rest of the places you want to go. And don’t forget the smaller stores! One of the best Black Friday sales is at Half Price Books from 7 to 10 AM – 20% off already inexpensive books, baby.
6. On the morning of Black Friday, get there early – I’d say at least an hour (have coffee at the ready). But only go if you REALLY want whatever they’re offering at the official Start of the Sale. The sale prices will still be there a few hours after the doors open. And most stores will restock throughout the day.
Also – watch out for the insane, Walmart-in-Long-Island-esque people If folks start pushing and shoving at the front of the doors, get out of the mob. You don’t need to be trampled to death the day after Thanksgiving.
7. Which brings me to my next point – be POLITE. We’re all adults here. Do you really want the memory of tearing that cashmere sweater out of someone else’s hands hanging over you when your mom unwraps her gift? Be nice to your fellow shoppers, and more importantly, to the store staff who’s busting their collective humps just to help you out.
8. Have a shopping buddy. You need someone to stop you from buying things just because they’re on sale. Or wait in line for you while you grab your last few items. Or get you a snack while you hit just one more sale. Or drag you kicking and screaming from the mall when you’ve reached your credit limit.
Bonus Round:
Yesterday morning on Fox 9’s news, I watched their segment about Black Friday with the dude from Consumer Reports in New York. Tom asked him about store credit cards and extended warranties. Here are my feelings about the two:
1. Store Credit Cards. I mostly agree with the NY guy – only get the store card if it will save you 10% or more on your purchase… and you’re getting a ton of stuff from that store. Otherwise, it’s not worth it. I will go on to add this – ask what the payment policy is on the card. If you’re allowed to pay your balance in full at the store, right after you’ve used your card? Get the card, charge your stuff, get the discount, and then write a check to pay off the balance. I did this (per the clerk’s recommendation) at Fashion Bug.
2. Extended Warranties. The NY guy, my secret posse of engineer geeks, my Dad, heck, MYSELF all agree on one thing. DON’T GET THE STORE WARRANTY. If you really want a warranty, see if there’s a manufacturer’s warranty available. They tend to cover more and cost less. But honestly? You really don’t need one. Save your money! Then send it to me! Or… not.
So let me ask you this – are you going shopping on Black Friday?
5 Comments
No, I am working on Black Friday. I don’t get to sleep in my own bed because I work too far from home to want to drive that early. Then I’m bowling. I will buy a couple things when my shift is over, and they aren’t even presents… Sad.
Shop Till You Drop Day. Indeed I will be out, early, at the Outlet Mall with other female family members.
And your Piglet is mighty cute.
Hells no, I shall be curled up in my jammies most of the day, maybe make some chocolate dookie bars and chill with the loinfruit.
Nope. Gotta work. But I wouldn’t shop Friday unless I really, *really* needed something or a few things from Cub, Target, or the like. Too crazy on the roads and in the stores. I’d rather chill at home with family and friends after work. Plus, my finances took a huge nosedive this year. I remember working retail the day after Thanksgiving. Ugh.
Btw, sweet pic of Piglet!
He’s stylin’ and profilin’ in those fashionable jammies.