(1) Be prepared. Before you head out to the store,   research the Black Friday adsand outline exactly what you would like to purchase.   And to be extra prepared, you can even research the layout of your store, so   you’ll know exactly where to head to grab the items on your list.

(2) Be ready to stand in line for quite a long time.   Wear comfy shoes and appropriate outerwear and consider leaving the kiddos at   home if this is not possible, bring toys or other items to keep them entertained   while shopping.

(3) Know your store’s hours (some stores are opening   on Thanksgiving night while others are waiting until the wee hours of Friday   morning). The early shopper gets the discount.

(4) Familiarize yourself with each store’s price   matching and/or coupon policy. Keep in mind that many stores have created   special price matching policies specific for Black Friday.

(5) Make a list! This will keep you focused and   will definitely help to prevent you from being tempted to purchase additional   items that are not on the list.

(6) Remember to ask yourself whether the great deal you   see is actually a great deal for you. You may also want to research online   prices versus in-store prices, as you can often snag better deals online even   when you factor in shipping costs. Plus, think about the time and gas saved   when shopping online!

(7) Keep those receipts! After the adrenaline rush   is over, you may realize that you got caught up in the Black Friday craziness   and purchased items that you really do not want. As long as you have the receipt,   you should be able to return them and get a full refund.

(8) Go with your mom, sister, or a friend. Plan   ahead and plan to split up so you can snag items for each other. If you don’t   want to go to separate stores, you can each start out on separate ends of the   same store and meet in the middle after you’ve snatched up as many of the   things on your (and each other’s) lists as you could along the way.

(9) Gas up the night before so you don’t waste precious   sleep OR shopping time at the pump. Also, map out your route based on   store opening times to minimize backtracking and missing out on doorbuster items   you’re planning to purchase.

(10) Don’t give up! If the item you are looking   for is not on the shelf or display, check the front of the store where other   shoppers may have left items they weren’t sure about before checking out.   Or, check with your cashier to see if someone happened to change their mind   at the register and leave the item you were looking for there.

(11) Be friendly. You will be amazed at how people   will help each other, even in the craziness, if they are approached with kindness.

(12 ) Skip Black Friday and wait for Cyber Monday instead!   There is nothing better than snagging *HOT* deals from the comfort of your own   home in your favorite PJ’s!