--- Black Friday - Tips, Information, and very Frequently Asked Questions ---

[Godrockdj]

It's that time of year again! The time when true slickdealers prepare for the busiest shopping day of the year - BLACK FRIDAY :yummy: This subforum that the mods have kindly granted us will soon be flooded with a million questions, many of which will be the same and asked over and over again by different people. We all realize you're just trying to get information - as well you should, info is key for a successful BF trip - but I thought we could try and create a resource of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers here to help unclog the other threads a little. I'll start with a few questions and hope that other seasoned BF Vets will add more to the WIki :hug: If your question is not answered here or in the wiki please ask it in this thread.



What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is a nickname for the day in which most retailers go from being red (not overall profit) in their books to black (profitable!) Traditionally this has happened close to the holiday buying season

When exactly is Black Friday?
The Friday (shocking I know) after Thanksgiving. This year it is November 23rd, 2007

Why do people go nuts on Black Friday?
There are many reasons. A lot of people have off of work. Many people are home visiting families and friends and go shopping together. Mostly, as retailers noticed the higher profits on BF they've lowered prices, which increased interest more

When did BF start?
Are you writing a report or something? Seriously if you want that kind of info go to the Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_%28shopping%29)

How do you find out in advance what stores are selling on BF?
Again, several reasons. The intelligent companies realize that by releasing their ads early they create interest and greater potential profit. Most of the time, however, the bigwigs are paranoid and try to keep a tight clamp on the ads till the day before Thanksgiving. Obviously with the world the way it is today this doesn't happen - some schmuck in the factory happens upon an ad and leaks it to the interwebs for our perusal :nod:

Where can I see this advance information?
Several websites collect and post the ads every year. Here are a few:
- http://www.bfads.net - Also lets you keep a running shopping list
- http://www.blackfriday.info/
- http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/

This seems like it might be popular!
Yes, yes it is.

When do people get in line for BF?
This depends on many variables, including the specific store, your location, the deals, the weather, local laws and restrictions. Many of the bigger stores (Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc) have people lining up the night before in the bigger metro areas. For your store and area do research on the previous year

Can I pricematch to BF prices?
No. Ok, 99.9% of the time no. It's very rare.

How can I best prepare for BF?
Plan a strategy out beforehand. Figure out where you want to shop and for what. Confirm when the stores open and plan the most efficient route. Camping out? Get your chair, blanket, warm food, book, gameboy, etc ready for the night. When you get in the stores - focus and be strong! It can be crazy in the big stores and people can be jerks without coffee that early in the morning. Go with a partner if you can. Be prepared! Bring the actual ads (that come out a day before usually) to the store in case some employee gives you the wrong price for your item.

Ok, I'm camping out. How do I go to the bathroom while in line?!
This is tricky and depends on your location and circumstances. The best way to do it - go with a partner. Hopefully there is a 24 hour store or gas station nearby. Take turns alternating in line with your partner to go. Assure the people around you in line that you are only going to the bathroom. They have to go too, after all. If this is not possible come with a tent or some kind of shelter and use a bottle :lol: Ladies, well, if you must, use something wider than a bottle... PLEASE don't forget to throw these containers away immediately. If all else fails find some heavy trees and bushes!

What do you guys do with all the stuff that you bring for the line camping when you get ready to go into the store?
Hopefully run to the car to drop it off. If you are camping out all night you do need to come with the essentials - chair, food, something to do, etc. Some shoppers bring even more elaborate stuff like a tent or video game systems But usually an hour or two before the store is set to open the line will be long and people will be getting antsy - you need to be completely mobile then. So make sure you are friends with the person behind and say "Hey I'm going to run this stuff to my car, be right back". Drop it all off and then you're ready to run through the store unhindered. If you don't think it will be possible for you to go to the car then pack as light as you can - camp chair that folds into a bag, backpack of stuff maybe. Think ahead!

Any other long line/campout strategies?
- Make friends with the people in line around you, especially if you are there by yourself. Thus you can help each other with bathroom breaks, snack runs, and defending your spots in line. It never hurts to be friendly!
- Scoping out your stores a few days before BF is a good idea as well. Know what you are going to buy and find out where that section is in the store. That way on the big day you won't waste precious time trying to find your items! See any big, conspicuous, empty areas? These will likely be filled with BF items that are currently hidden away in back storage! :nod:

Are any of these deals online?
Usually no. But there is a growing trend for stores with larger online presences to offer deals on Cyber Monday, which is - you guessed it - the Monday after Thanksgiving

I don't see the ad for store XYZ! Where is it already?!
Be patient. Sometimes the bigger ads won't leak until a week or two before BF. Lately there has been a lot of commotion with stores like Walmart and Macy's who have sent Cease and Desist letters to the BF websites asking them to remove the leaked ads. Most of the bigger websites, fearing legal retribution, have done so. BUT if the community knows the ad is out already (and believe me you'll know by reading) then you should be able to find it if you are a savvy user of teh interwebs ;-)

Hope this helps! Please feel free to add to the wiki and ask questions if need be :nod:

[wikipost]

Please post additional relevant questions here to be answered:

Q: Can I just buy it now and have the price adjusted?
A: Probably not. Mostly because the majority of BF items are not released to the floor until BF.

Q: But I heard about Best Buy in Butte, Montana that did a PM .. ...or .. This is their posted policy and they must PM! Or else I'll sue! .. or .. I had a friend of a friend who did this and saved $$$! .. and on and on ...
A: If you could "get a BF deal with minimal effort", then why do we need hundreds of discussion forums and websites about it? Yes, a small handful of stores like Wal-Mart will do price matching. Most stores like BB, CC, etc will not even offer customer service on Black Friday morning. This discussion comes up over and over and over again. People really want to do this and just don't believe when they are told you can't! You should know that the collective experience of many hardcore BF shoppers over many years is no Price Matching on Black Friday. No way, no day. Sorry. We can't stop you from trying, and will never be able to stop folks from preaching about these mythical stores that do price adjustments on BF .. but hopefully we can prepare you for the very low chance of success.


I can tell you that all Military PX's will PM on BF. Just be careful the item must be the same and you have to be lucky and they have it. This works well for CD's, DVD's and Video Games mostly.

Q: When should I get in line on BF?
A: If you want a doorbuster item (which of course any SD'er does!), especially a TV or computer, 11:00 pm on Thanksgiving or earlier (depending on the population density in your town - more population = earlier.)

Q: What if I don't get what I want on BF?
A: There's always cyber Monday. Have your autofill fully prepped with your CC information, etc.

Q: What can I expect at Walmart on BF?
A: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Eyh3egPw7uY and http://youtube.com/watch?v=vVvEChXulSs

[whoman101]

what happens saturday

[iairj84]

Might I add that I just found out the other day that Black Friday is not the most profitable shopping day of the year... Christmas Eve is...... Not that it matters.

Great thread! STICKY!

[h1qual1ty]

nice thread but I'm pretty sure Black Friday started before 2002. I remember Best Buy was passing out these little Best Buy themed stuffed animal toys on black friday when there was a huge line and this was sometime in the late 90's

[Godrockdj]

nice thread but I'm pretty sure Black Friday started before 2002. I remember Best Buy was passing out these little Best Buy themed stuffed animal toys on black friday when there was a huge line and this was sometime in the late 90's

It definitely started before 2002, that just seems to be the year a lot of people say the day picked up popularity big time

[seabass45]

Last year, Best Buy and Circuit City had alot of their BF items available online on Thanksgiving Day. They don't make the doorbusters available ($300 laptop, $1000 plasma), but it's a great way of avoiding some of the hassle if you don't need that stuff.

[RonDo]

If I remember, 2006 Cyber Monday was teh big suck.

[ben_r_]

Here we go AGAIN!!!!

[CaptainJ]

camping outside of the city last year was fun...minus the cold and rain...but still. I didn't even buy anything! BUT some things that will help you...

1) Get there early, if you really want that great deal.

2) Don't be prepared to haggle. Prices are usually already WAY BELOW cost as it is, so you might just wanna take what you get and be happy with it.

3) Its the busiest shopping day based on VOLUME and TRAFFIC, but not on sales...so if you can afford to wait a few days until the crowds settle...might save you a headache, or a black eye, or any other bodily harm...

4) Study the ad that Sunday before. Check out everything that is going to be offered at your store of choice and be ready. Don't just go to look around at 5am. Those people who know what they want will knock you over. (This is being said from experience...)

Be safe out there and have fun!

[Scottk]

Should I bring my friend who is an NFL linebacker with me?
Definitely. LOL

[shhaggy]

camping outside of the city last year was fun...minus the cold and rain...but still. I didn't even buy anything! BUT some things that will help you...

1) Get there early, if you really want that great deal.

2) Don't be prepared to haggle. Prices are usually already WAY BELOW cost as it is, so you might just wanna take what you get and be happy with it.

3) Its the busiest shopping day based on VOLUME and TRAFFIC, but not on sales...so if you can afford to wait a few days until the crowds settle...might save you a headache, or a black eye, or any other bodily harm...

4) Study the ad that Sunday before. Check out everything that is going to be offered at your store of choice and be ready. Don't just go to look around at 5am. Those people who know what they want will knock you over. (This is being said from experience...)

Be safe out there and have fun!

It's not the busiest shopping day based on volume or traffic, every weekend day between black friday and Christmas is bigger.

[CaptainJ]

It's not the busiest shopping day based on volume or traffic, every weekend day between black friday and Christmas is bigger.

Actually...if you do your research, the busiest day is the saturday before christmas. BUT in terms of sheer volume and people in one place at one time...Green Friday is the busiest.

[FigureSk8er7]

Is it a good idea to go to the stores where you really want something at and put it on hold the day before?

[fym]

Dont really agree with number 4. I find that most of the flyers/ads come out on thanksgiving day, not the sunday before BF.

camping outside of the city last year was fun...minus the cold and rain...but still. I didn't even buy anything! BUT some things that will help you...

1) Get there early, if you really want that great deal.

2) Don't be prepared to haggle. Prices are usually already WAY BELOW cost as it is, so you might just wanna take what you get and be happy with it.

3) Its the busiest shopping day based on VOLUME and TRAFFIC, but not on sales...so if you can afford to wait a few days until the crowds settle...might save you a headache, or a black eye, or any other bodily harm...

4) Study the ad that Sunday before. Check out everything that is going to be offered at your store of choice and be ready. Don't just go to look around at 5am. Those people who know what they want will knock you over. (This is being said from experience...)

Be safe out there and have fun!

[MagicMushrooms]

Actually...if you do your research, the busiest day is the saturday before christmas. BUT in terms of sheer volume and people in one place at one time...Green Friday is the busiest.

now what is green friday?

[TrekChick]

This thread should be a sticky to prevent the hundred other question threads that will enevitably appear.

Just reading through this stuff is giving me goosebumps already :D

[HookedUpStang]

hey guys, i have posted my personal experience BB BF 06 (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=115787&t=627376) and i will be answering questions and helping out new BF shoppers... Incase you dont know me or my rep, i am a cutthroat SDer

[zohyeahz]

Is it a good idea to go to the stores where you really want something at and put it on hold the day before?

99% of the time this won't work for a variety of reasons:

Stores keep the BF inventory off the floor (it's in a storeroom until Thanksgiving day)
Stores limit BF to only in-store purchases (no previous purchase/layway)
Stores will not hold items until BF
The model numbers on BF items are BF only and not available any other day

[DryEyes]

also someone should inform people the best strategies about how to wait inline for 12 hours and still be able to defecate and urinate without getting thrown out for public indecency.

[g-man430]

also someone should inform people the best strategies about how to wait inline for 12 hours and still be able to defecate and urinate without getting thrown out for public indecency.

Well, here's how I did it. There was a Walmart that was open 24 hours just across the street from the Best Buy I was at. Me and my friend would take turns and go to use the bathroom there when we had to. While one went, one would stay and save both our spots. I guess you could always find a tree nearby.

[phistyle]

Here's the biggest tip .........how about all you Sder's stay home so I don't have to wait in a long ass line that will form on BF lol...

[i916it]

# Stores limit BF to only in-store purchases (no previous purchase/layway)
I was wondering if you could just buy the item like say a day before and return it and buy it on BF on the same day?
^is that really the TRUE TRUE answer?
1 Stores keep the BF inventory off the floor
What if I hide it behind say...the office supplies where they would never find it or something? Would that be possible?

[redman]

For all you going out on Black Friday; Ebayers or noobs my six suggestions are:

1. Don't shower the night before
2. Eat a lot of beans two days before (it will avoid others to the area where you see a good deal).
3. Stand behind an chubby guy when waiting in line (so you won't be trampled).
4. Don't camp out unless you got a notebook with wifi access. If you do camp out make sure you give everyone in line a diuretic.
5. Make sure you don't have a credit card who's home base is in Delaware (that state allows very lax rules for credit card companies to get away with murder).
6. Do don't EVER go in debt (new technology is the best immediate selling item for Ebayers on BF but are not very good investments). And study PC World's ugliest Products in tech history (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,137988-page,3-c,electronics/article.html).

...BTW, BF is associated with the October 1929 stock market crash which lead to the great depression. Those are my six suggestions; hope this helps.:rolleyes:

[dzap]

For all you going out on Black Friday; Ebayers or noobs my six suggestions are:

1. Don't shower the night before
2. Eat a lot of beans two days before (it will avoid others to the area where you see a good deal).
3. Stand behind an chubby guy when waiting in line (so you won't be trampled).
4. Don't camp out unless you got a notebook with wifi access. If you do camp out make sure you give everyone in line a diuretic.
5. Make sure you don't have a credit card who's home base is in Delaware (that state allows very lax rules for credit card companies to get away with murder).
6. Do don't EVER go in debt (new technology is the best immediate selling item for Ebayers on BF but are not very good investments). And study PC World's ugliest Products in tech history (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,137988-page,3-c,electronics/article.html).

...BTW, BF is associated with the October 1929 stock market crash which lead to the great depression. Those are my six suggestions; hope this helps.:rolleyes:
pick me, pick me!! I wanna help crash the economy!! Since our money is practically worth as much as Canada's dollar now..there's no point really anymore is there?:rolleyes:

[shhaggy]

Actually...if you do your research, the busiest day is the saturday before christmas. BUT in terms of sheer volume and people in one place at one time...Green Friday is the busiest.

Maybe that's true in regard to people lining up all night and walking into the store all at once, but in terms of sales, overall volume, and people, it's not even close. Every Saturday after that Thanksgiving weekend is more popular than the last, culminating in the last Saturday before Christmas, as you mention. If you want to judge 'volume' by people who stand in line before opening, then you're right. But it's a pretty pisspoor evaluation tact to take. Realistically speaking Black Friday sales are mostly restricted to mornings, by 3pm it's like any other weekend shopping day. Get closer to Christmas and the weekends will be PACKED with shoppers from opening to closing.

[Godrockdj]

This thread should be a sticky to prevent the hundred other question threads that will enevitably appear.



:rolleyes: Yes, this is already happening...

[Scottk]

I think its more like this. The day after Thanksgiving is the first day that most people start buying stuff for Christmas. So the retailers want a big Friday to set the trend for the rest of the seasons and to give them lots of cash early on.

[doobliebop]

I have successfully PM'd every black friday I've gone out at almost every store. BB, CC etc... the thing they say is that they won't PM a limited quantity item, so if the store has 3 LCD tvs for $1, you're sol, but if they just advertise the price of something as x$ then you can PM it.

[redman]

Wikipedia on the truth about what reference.com (and practically every independent encyclopedia says about the true history of the term black Friday) which is not mentioned in Wikipedia at this moment. My post is at about 9:40 CT and I want to see how long it will be deleted by one of the millions of retailers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_(shopping)

Brief History
From Encyclopeida.com (Sponsered by Investopedia.com) "A day of stock market catastrophe. Originally, Sept 24, 1869 was deemed Black Friday. The crash was sparked by gold speculators." "The term "black" has been used to describe other disastrous days in financial markets. For example, on Tuesday, Oct 29, 1929, the market fell precipitously that day has been coined Black Tuesday, signaling the start of the Great Depression."


Historical facts of Black Friday. My guess it will be wiched out from Wikipedia by retailers soon (many know what I'm talking about). I didn't even mentioning that in Oct. 1929 was the result of so many people getting into dept up the ying-yang throughout the United States and the domino effect that effected the rest of the world (in December).

[raynepoe]

I am so excited to camp out, thanks for all the tips! I camped out 2 weeks be4 Christmas for a Wii last year and thought it was awesome, I don't remember the pee problem though?!?!? I showed up at midnight and got my wii at 9.... Now I'm impressed with my own bladder....
Will systematically rep y'all! This is my 1st BF - I guess it's like SD rite of passage!

[shannymonster]

Some added tips:
1. Keep snacks in the car as you run from place to place like sandwiches, jerky, and drinks. I like to have bottled water and cans of diet coke, though some may not agree with the coke because it is caffeinated and has a diuretic effect I like the fact it gives me an extra boost.

2. Leave the kids and babies at home in their nice warm beds. I have yet to see a kid who is thrilled to be up at 5am so their dad can score a new video game. They make for very grumpy, unhappy kiddos and very frustrated parents.

3. BF fun is better in tag teams of 2 or more. The BB line in my area can be 30-40 min long. If you have a team one can grab a spot in line as the others descend upon the other areas where people want stuff (DVD's, CD's, electronics, games, etc.).

4. Definitely know your ads and have a list ready. I have a strategic list with each ad so we know exactly what is needed to get out as quickly as possible.

5. Charged cell phones on vibe/ring.

6. I usually walk the lay out of the stores I am most interested in the Wednesday before because you can see what is going where or they may have the LCD TV's out that you are aiming for so you know where to go (barring that you have to have a ticket for them).

[drfunk85]

I've gone out with my dad the last few Black Fridays. For me, it's a lot of fun. We usually don't take anything too seriously. We show up a little bit early and if we can score a decent sale, it was a success. If not, we still have had a good time getting caught up in the holiday spirit. Sure there are a lot of people out who act greedy and can piss you off, but I have had plenty of experiences that have been very positive. Talking to people in line about what they are getting, why they are getting it, is usually pretty interesting. Last year I gave a few different dads tips on how to score a Wii for their kids in the coming weeks. They thanked me a lot.

[zohyeahz]

# Stores limit BF to only in-store purchases (no previous purchase/layway)
I was wondering if you could just buy the item like say a day before and return it and buy it on BF on the same day?
^is that really the TRUE TRUE answer?
1 Stores keep the BF inventory off the floor
What if I hide it behind say...the office supplies where they would never find it or something? Would that be possible?

Guess I should have been more specific. It's not on the floor AT ALL. Thanksgiving day, the store employees haul it out of a store room and place it on display. It is NEVER available in store.

[*kingpin*]

all these crap to save a few bucks, get real.

[Scottk]

Some added tips:


2. Leave the kids and babies at home in their nice warm beds. I have yet to see a kid who is thrilled to be up at 5am so their dad can score a new video game. They make for very grumpy, unhappy kiddos and very frustrated parents.



I don't know. My one nephew is about 11 and liked going to Wal-Mart last year.

[avalon]

*puts on black-friday party hat*

woohoo!

[note235]

not a few bucks but a couple hundred

[dementia]

like shannymonster said, going out on wed and scoping the place out can be helpful. Last year I was at BB right before they closed and they had started pulling the pallets out and putting them in place. Gave me a chance to see what was going to be where. Didnt give me a huge edge, but did help some, nonetheless.

[israel]

Bring a few smoke grenades for the minutes leading up to opening

[GenerationSlick]

Bring a few smoke grenades for the minutes leading up to opening

Funny how on the same day you give Thanks for things then chuck smoke grenades in front of a BestBuy. I wonder how fast you can run when you have a mob chasing you. Kicking a guy's butt and then buying some BF items on the same day is a good BF. Great tips OP as well as others. Thanks.

[dementia]

when camped out, be sociable and friendly with your neighbors in line (chat, offer to share snacks, etc) this will payoff in several ways (can help each other grab stuff in the store, help each other take pee breaks, etc). For example, people next to me in line and I took turns leaving the line and driving down the street to the convenience store for bathroom breaks and breakfast snacks.

[zohyeahz]

I don't know. My one nephew is about 11 and liked going to Wal-Mart last year.

I took my 10 year old nephew last year so I could get 2 laptops instead of one at circuit city. Bribed him with one of the $10 MP3 players they had (maybe it was $20.) He thought it was awesome camping out. Stayed up all night giggling and acting silly with my neighbors (in line with me.) My seven year old, however wouldn't be caught dead out there, so I guess it depends on the kid.

[SlickChik]

all these crap to save a few bucks, get real.

You DO realize where you are, don't you??

[dontbanme]

all these crap to save a few bucks, get real.

LOL, Thanks for waking us up to reality. I am sure you are right. I do the BF shopping only as a sense of adventure. Last year, I bought many items which had MIRs, but ended up not sending any (easily hundreds of dollars). But it was sure fun to get up early and succeed. Guess like losing money at casino..it is fun.

[equallydivided]

Wikipedia on the truth about what reference.com (and practically every independent encyclopedia says about the true history of the term black Friday) which is not mentioned in Wikipedia at this moment. My post is at about 9:40 CT and I want to see how long it will be deleted by one of the millions of retailers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_(shopping)

Brief History
From Encyclopeida.com (Sponsered by Investopedia.com) "A day of stock market catastrophe. Originally, Sept 24, 1869 was deemed Black Friday. The crash was sparked by gold speculators." "The term "black" has been used to describe other disastrous days in financial markets. For example, on Tuesday, Oct 29, 1929, the market fell precipitously that day has been coined Black Tuesday, signaling the start of the Great Depression."


Historical facts of Black Friday. My guess it will be wiched out from Wikipedia by retailers soon (many know what I'm talking about). I didn't even mentioning that in Oct. 1929 was the result of so many people getting into dept up the ying-yang throughout the United States and the domino effect that effected the rest of the world (in December).
As predicted, CHANGED!!!!! So of course, I added it again.....

[sweetndesign]

Always carry all of your bf flyers because some stores do match
When my kids were small i would carry all bf ads to KB toys
They would match even if they had a slightly better item
got the playstation with controllers and 2 games matching to the basic playstatin walmart had on sale

[Big Tuna]

I am a freak when it comes to BF. I get the ads, I study them and go online and find if an item I want is going to be cheaper on like Amazon or something. When I actually go out, I create a timeline and a list of items from each store, with a cutout from the ad next to it on the list so I know I am getting exactly what is stated in the ad (how much would it suck that you wait in line at BB for two hours and it turns out you grabbed the wrong camera version?!). I break it down by department and by store, then head out.

Is this a little crazy? LOL...but it works. Keeps me sane. best tip I could give anyone going out on BF. And, its easier than carrying around a bunch of fliers. I am even going to put my pages in a binder this year

[equallydivided]

Oooooh, binder.

Another great idea, but only for shock value. When I get to the checkout and plop my huge binder onto the counter... the look of fear on the cashiers face.

Ohhhh, priceless!

I can almost hear it now "Just tell me, I don't need to see it". Sweeter words were never spoken...

Rep to you!

[jameswho]

Best Tip I can give - DO NOT BUY CRAP just because its free after rebate, if you don't need it. I bought a camcorder bag, mini-dv tapes, laminator, and CD cleaner about 4 years ago that I haven't opened yet. By the way, I don't even own a camcorder. I could have saved myself the tax money atleast on these that are just occupying space.:vomit:

Of course there is one thing to consider - the thrill you get when you walk out of the store with something - it makes up for the 2 hours you stood in line in the cold.:)

[lokee]

Tip for those BF shoppers getting electronics. I have always seen the big box stores pushing accessories or what nots if you have certain items in your cart. This takes up valuable time and can keep you from snatching other killer deals at that store. If I can get around them, then I just ignore that person but there has been occasions where I say toss it in and then ditch it on another isle before I check out. Here is a list of what I have had to put up with.
USB cables, not the cheap ones.
ink/toner if you have a printer in your cart.
hdmi or a/v cable if your toting around a vcr, dvd, or tv.

WATCH YOUR CART! I got a printer on BF and noticed somebody had placed a usb cable and the correct ink carts in my basket.

[Godrockdj]

Good tips, thanks, I'll add them to the OP

[bbyboo1323]

I love BF. Last year I was in SC and Thanksgiving weekend (Fri-Sun) was ALL TAX FREE!! I think i saved $200 + just in sales tax

[tsdestiny]

What do you guys do with all the stuff that you bring when you get ready to go into the store? Do you go to your car and put stuff up maybe an hour before the store opens?

[Bdubslawman]

5. Make sure you don't have a credit card who's home base is in Delaware (that state allows very lax rules for credit card companies to get away with murder).
Which cards DON'T have some toehold in Delaware? Doesn't matter what address you mail the bill to ...its like the large corporations taking advantage of all the benefits of the U.S. while having a paper hq off shores... Delaware, isn't the only state that has been bought by the lobbyists and has changed/loosened their regulation to allow obscene rules fees penalties for consumers.
Crash in 29' was on a Tuesday...Black Friday has nothing, in this case, to do with a negative event.

True that there are some BF sale/ad items that are not regular stock and so they aren't available in store until that morning. But there are plenty of items/sales that are simply lowered prices on regularly stocked items. These definitely can be found and purchased for PM.

[Godrockdj]

What do you guys do with all the stuff that you bring when you get ready to go into the store? Do you go to your car and put stuff up maybe an hour before the store opens?

Basically yes. If you are camping out all night you do need to come with the essentials - chair, food, something to do, etc. Some shoppers bring even more elaborate stuff like a tent or video game systems :lol: But usually an hour or two before the store is set to open the line will be long and people will be getting antsy - you need to be completely mobile then. So make sure you are friends with the person behind and say "Hey I'm going to run this stuff to my car, be right back". Drop it all off and then you're ready to run through the store unhindered. If you don't think it will be possible for you to go to the car then pack as light as you can - camp chair that folds into a bag, backpack of stuff maybe. Think ahead! Good question I'll add it to the first post :nod:

[krazeekid7]

Q: What can I expect at Walmart on BF?
A: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Eyh3egPw7uY and http://youtube.com/watch?v=vVvEChXulSs

[Godrockdj]

Added some info about the stores whose ads have leaked and are trying to pursue legal action to remove them.

[Godrockdj]

:bump: Now that the ads are rolling in, please take the time to read through the FAQs so that we don't have a million threads all saying "Can I buy this the day before and return...." and taking up space on the board. THANKS :hug:

[krazeekid7]

Bump. This should be stickied.

[Godrockdj]

Bump. This should be stickied.

As sticky as the floors of the local WalMart :lol:

[breezygirl]

I just wanted to say thanks to the OP and everyone's contributions. I don't know if I'll get in on any deals that friday since I'll be in a different state (and will not have my own car to rely on). This gives me more insight though; if I must I will go prepared.

[shardian]

Best Buy tip:

Keep an eye out for stray doorbuster tickets. Some people get tickets, then toss them out or leave them in their buggy in the parking lot when they decide not to get something that they really didn't come for. Last year, I found a $180 desktop ticket in a buggy outside the store around 8am.

[Godrockdj]

Best Buy tip:

Keep an eye out for stray doorbuster tickets. Some people get tickets, then toss them out or leave them in their buggy in the parking lot when they decide not to get something that they really didn't come for. Last year, I found a $180 desktop ticket in a buggy outside the store around 8am.

By buggy, I assume you mean cart? :confused:

[KristenM]

If something you want appears to be gone and it's not a huge item (size wise), look around the store. I've never once camped out and have always shown up right before (or even a few hours after the doors opened) and usually can find what I want somewhere in the store (last year out of 17 items I wanted, I got 15 of them). People pick up items and then decide they don't want them and *unshop* and toss them out somewhere in the store.

[krazeekid7]

Oooo thanks. Didn't know we can price match at wal mart : )

[Godrockdj]

If something you want appears to be gone and it's not a huge item (size wise), look around the store. I've never once camped out and have always shown up right before (or even a few hours after the doors opened) and usually can find what I want somewhere in the store (last year out of 17 items I wanted, I got 15 of them). People pick up items and then decide they don't want them and *unshop* and toss them out somewhere in the store.

This may work better at some stores (Walmart) than others. Thanks!

[Nemo23]

Are there BF sales online?
I'm wondering if the Dell Laptops will go down in price on BF as I seem them lower with better specs on the SD front page (expired).

So I guess I'm asking, is Dell going to have a BF sale online?

[krazeekid7]

Bump for great justice!

[hwood]

I want to tahnk the OP and everyone else for great advice. I am hoping to get the chance this year for my first BF. I have learned a lot. Bring a Friend seems to be the best thing i could do. (now i need to con some friends into helping me out LOL)

thanks again

[MoonSprite]

Called Wal-Mart to confirm price matching policy (ATTENTION PHONE POLICE! THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WILL KILL A DEAL, THIS IS A CONFIRMATION OF WAL-MART'S POLICY) and was told at one store that they do not price match "blitz" items from 5AM to Noon. I asked if it were a new policy and was told no, that it has always been this way. I told him that's a lie, because I've been pricematching on black friday for years. Anyone have the number to corporate so I can inform them of this?

Another Wal-Mart said it's a go as long as you have the ad and it's the exact same thing. Sweet.

[WBBell]

Wal-Mart's # is 1-800-WALMART.

I'm not sure what they mean about pricematching a blitz item - I guess they mean if you found a cheaper price on one of WM's doorbusters then they won't honor it. Which seems kind of dumb because they always pricematch. But I think it's a moot point, because I don't think you will find anyone offering a cheaper price on a WM doorbuster.

As for a price match on regular items - I have done this the past 2 years on various DVDs and other small ticket items and had no problems. I guess YMMV, but it shouldn't, as PM is WM nationwide policy.

This year I am going to try to get a PM on the BB Nuvi 200 price, if I can find it at WM. We'll see how it goes.

[MoonSprite]

I always PM at WM on BF. Don't know what that manager was talking about. He seemed rather annoyed.

[MoonSprite]

Just got off the phone with corporate. He told me that Wal-Mart price matches as usual on Black Friday. Just bring in the ad. I informed corp about the store in my area that was refusing to do this, and they are going to be contacted. He also told me if any store refuses to pricematch, I can call corporate back and file a complaint. There it is, people! Don't let your Wal-Mart managers try and tell you otherwise!

[mzonic]

Hey guys, usually how do the surrounding people generally feel about: if I go there early to wait in line, and couple more friends join in later on? Can they legally do something about it?

[mzonic]

Hey experienced BFers, usually how do people feel about you getting in line early, and have couple friends join you later on in the night? Can they do something legally about it?

[WBBell]

Legally, no. Physically .. that's between your two line-cutting friends and the 100's of people behind them....

Just put yourself in the situation. You are #9 in line, but then here come 2 people who are "friends" of person #8, thus making you #11 in line .. and there are only 10 $299 laptops.

[MistyQ]

Hey experienced BFers, usually how do people feel about you getting in line early, and have couple friends join you later on in the night? Can they do something legally about it?

I wouldn't worry about legal, I'd worry about the people behind you in line! ;)

[Dr. Cheapy]

Where the hell did this "Black Friday" idea even start? I'm not really sure like what the history behind it is. I wish someone could really tell me.

But isn't it suppossed to be on Friday? I look for hardware & software deals and this company started there "Black Friday" deal now. It's here at

http://store.videogamecentral.com

Do you think they should be calling it "Black Friday" when it's Turkey Thursday?

[turboxtyper]

anyone have experience w/ TVs and best buy on black friday? i was looking to get the 40inch samsung. any tips you have for me? i was told that the tvs dont get sold that quickly, but my source isnt always 100% accurate with stuff. any help would be much appreciated

note i also got work at 7am-3pm that day working retail at a mall.

[Mc-Taz]

Are sale prices usually only found on items that are in the BF ads, or does generally most stuff go on sale in store?
I ask this because I'm looking to get an LCD monitor, but the ones I'm interested in aren't advertised. (Though other models from the same brand are.)
So is there a good chance that the models I want to get will have a cheaper price too? (Even if they aren't as shockingly reduced as the advertised BF deals.)

[newbie29]

does anyone know if Staples has any online deals during the first couple of hours on Black Friday?

[JAHokie46]

Can someone answer this definitively?

If I want several TV shows on DVD that are in Friday and Saturday 2-day section in Circuit City Flyer, Walmart will price match them? The only CC is 45 miles away in a much larger/busier/crowded/store-dense city, where Walmart is 10 minutes down the road and I can go tomorrow evening when traffic is slower if I can PM.

[lupi]

Anyone happen to know what time friday the walmart sale becomes buyable online?

[silver0187]

I'm looking to buy a 500 gbs external hard drive, can you guys give me a tip about which store I should go for a decent quality won't die soon one?

[MoonSprite]

Can someone answer this definitively?

If I want several TV shows on DVD that are in Friday and Saturday 2-day section in Circuit City Flyer, Walmart will price match them? The only CC is 45 miles away in a much larger/busier/crowded/store-dense city, where Walmart is 10 minutes down the road and I can go tomorrow evening when traffic is slower if I can PM.
Yes. I called corporate and was told that they price match on Friday as usual. Just bring the ad to the register with your DVDs. Must be a straight price, not percentages off or BOGO.

[mike4192]

Say I want to price match the Call of Duty 4 Target has for $48 for the 360 tomorrow to best buy. If i have a best buy coupon, can I add onto it? (disregard the fact the coupon will say "markdowns taken from regular price" because for all the stuff Ive bought on sale with a coupon, they havent noticed.)

[mistyrusty]

I gotta question!! I havent searched the rest of the threads on the forum (though I read EVERY reply on this one LOL)

I am going to shop walmart.com tomorrow (5am!) What I am wanting to know is if there are any tips out there?

I am debating if I want to have the page open to the ads I want already (they of course state doesnt start till 5am) and then just refresh at 5? Does it not get that "Heated" online?

Anyone have any pointers?? I already have my CC info in walmart.com's checkout thingy so that isnt a problem.. and robo form has all my info already too LOL. I am hoping to be set!!

tyia!!

[versatile]

if your gonna PM at walmart, beg and beg and beg...

best to have an ad with you, if your lucky they will override it and you'll get a deal that was out at 5 am