Nov 21
Black Friday Gameplan (Part 1)
As you all know, one of my favorite days of the year, Black Friday is just about upon us.
Now that we’re going into the final stretch, it’s important that all of us nail down a final gameplan so that once the big shopping day arrives, we’re not caught with our pants down.
Here’s how your plans should go so that you can make sure you can what you want as fast as you can so that you’re in and out of stores in the quickest time possible. You don’t want to be standing in lines for a minute longer than you have to…
1. Figure out the things you want to get.
Obviously, you should figure out what things you wanna buy before you do anything else. Since the prices are usually so good, you should think about XMas gifts for others and of course yourself.
2. Once you have a list, check out the sales.
Now is where you go to a Black Friday site and actually check out the adscans so that you can start to see who is selling what and at what price. At this point, you may not be necessarily nailing your items down to specific ones, but getting a ball park figure of Store A selling a digital camera at price X vs Store B selling a similar camera at price Y.
3. Research.
If the products you’re looking at aren’t “specific one version items” (like a specific game for a specific system) you need to do some research. This means that if you’re looking at cameras TVs or GPS units, you’re looking on the net for specs and reviews. Can’t stress that last part enough especially if you’re not too familiar with what you’re buying. Ask friends in the know or tech savvy co-workers for help if need be.
4. Write down specific models and locations
After the research you did in step 3, you need to write down the specific locations and models of things that you’re after. Not only is it crucial in figuring out which stores you’re going to hit in what order, but the model information may prove critical on Black Friday as you may have to relate it to store employees to get what you need fast.
5. Scope out the store layout
If you’re not familiar with where your target items are normally located in the store, you need to figure that out fast. Depending on whether your items are just “on sale” or “doorbuster items”, you will either find your items in their respective areas or usually on the floor in a big pile ready to be picked off by the eager consumer.
Tomorrow we’ll look what you do ON Black Friday so that you get what you want faster than everyone else!
November 21st, 2007 at 12:54 pm
OMG, I’ve just noticed that stores will open earlier than last year in Black Friday! Have you watched this news which show the stores’ schedule for Black Friday? http://www.weshow.com/us/p/24241/earlier_black_friday Very useful… They also say
that 25% American will spend even more than last year in Black Friday. I’ll certainly do! I can’t wait to this day.
November 21st, 2007 at 2:05 pm
OK Bush, I have probably the most stupid question to ask. Does any stores do Black Friday sales online? (Go easy on a newbie LOL) I can’t get out that early with three kids. BTW.. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family !!
November 21st, 2007 at 2:15 pm
If you have a specific item in mind you could runit through the Black Friday Bargain Search Tool I built to find out everywhere it’s on sale and for how much.
You know, if you wanted to. To, you know, save yourself some time or something.
I’m just sayin’
November 21st, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Wow, you’ve got this whole shopping thing down to a science, buddy. Color me impressed
November 21st, 2007 at 3:59 pm
@Sassy – To go back a couple decades, “Golly. Why’d I do a creepy thing like not mentioning that for?” Lots of places offer Black Friday deals online… Check out bfads.net and look in their left sidebar under “online deals”. That’s a great way to save you a ton of time!
For instance, one of the GPS units that Best Buy is selling is online w/ a case for about the same price at Amazon me thinks. Personally, I’d rather skip the lines and get a new case if I could. You gotta watch it though ’cause most of the Black Friday online sections haven’t “opened” up yet but will either tomorrow (Thurs) or Fri.
@Ad Tracker – Very interesting. I did not know of this new Google Technology… I wish you could do more of a Froogle type thing but hey, that’s just me. (#):)
@Mike – I mean seriously, I don’t mind waiting in the early lines if I can get what I need and get out. But waiting in lines in the morning to only wait in more lines on the inside just SUUUUUUCKS. You GOTTA get it down to a science! (#):D
November 21st, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Thanks dear for the info. I don’t really know what I’m looking for yet, but I want to look around for the girls. Thanks so much.
November 21st, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Hey Bush,
I just wanted stop in to wish you and your family a wonderful and deliciously awesome Thanksgiving holiday!
Shine on,
Aaron
November 21st, 2007 at 6:26 pm
@Sassy – You got it!