Black Friday is the shopping day that you either love or hate. You may dread the traffic, the crowds, or the extra work involved if you work in retail. People that love Black Friday really love the experience. They love the rush of the hunt, getting a good deal, and being involved in this national day of spending frenzy. My point is, some people like myself crave Black Friday all year long like chocolate.

Here are some tips to survive Black Friday if you’ve never experienced it before:

  • -See if the deals are available online first.
  • -Consider Cyber Monday, it’s safer and you don’t have to leave the house.
  • -Comp all your items at one store.
  • -Team up with a friend or co-worker.

What if you hate the crowds and traffic? Most shoppers aren’t aware that you can get some of the same deals in store online on Black Friday. Two years ago I went to Walmart at 1am to stand in line for a red Jeep Powerwheels for my son. Little did I know I could buy the same Jeep online at Walmart for the same price, without the line, lack of sleep, and crazy person standing beside me. Walmart sold them online the entire weekend and I felt silly.

If you aren’t able to find any deals online on Black Friday it could be because your favorite store is holding out for Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is just like Black Friday, only all the sales are online. Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Many people think they need to drive all over town and buy their DVDs on sale at one store and their toys on sale at another. Try to shop at a store that comps other stores sale ads. Collect your Black Friday ads and just visit one store. You can live through one store. Make sure you ask your store ahead of time if they will be comping sale items on Black Friday so you don’t waste time and gas.

To make Black Friday more fun and safer, invite a friend along. You two can fight the crows together and get great deals. Another option is your friend goes to one store while you hit another. She can buy what you want at the toy store while she picks up items on her own list while you get both of your items from the electronics store.

Buying items that are on sale on Black Friday can save you a bundle. Try your very best to buy all your gifts that day and you won’t have to paddle through the holiday shopping crowds again. If you have any tips for surviving Black Friday or any Black Friday stories leave a comment! We love to read comments!