Black Friday Etiquette - How to Survive and Save
Shopping is a necessary evil in our society today and Black Friday is the mad scientist version.
Somehow, Black Friday has managed to take every store owner in America and turn them upside down for one day after Thanksgiving. Every store drops prices to ridiculous levels and then decides to open up their doors before the rooster crows. This causes common, everyday folks to commit crimes ranging from rioting to vehicular homicide in search of the perfect deal.
I believe that we can have a kinder, gentler Black Friday.
I envision one that draws no blood and that makes shoppers suddenly gain their common sense back.
Until that happens, here are some rules to survive, save and use good manners while doing so:
- Be early, not pushy - One of the biggest problems with Black Friday shopping is the fact that people can’t resist showing up late and cutting in line. If you are committed to Black Friday, show up early. By all means you can come later, but don’t push your way to the sales when you do.
- Eat before you come - Nothing is worse for a crowd than hunger and a simple breakfast can help keep you calm. Have breakfast before you come and then head in with strength and power.
- Keep your pre-teen kids at home - Black Friday really is rated R in nature and should be for adults only. If you do bring your children, you will be hated from a distance at a minimum. No child should see that ugliness.
- Come in with some knowledge - Never go to a Black Friday sale completely blind. If you do, you will eventually be making some of the mistakes below. Read about the sale ahead of time and get an idea of what you are there for.
- Make decisions out of the way - If you just can’t make up your mind between the red jumpsuit or the green one, step out of the way to make up your mind. In the middle of all that craziness, standing there is begging for an argument.
- Don’t play the hiding game - Putting that last Holiday Barbie behind the underwear display is not a nice thing to do. You might be trying to save yourself some money, but you are truly being obnoxious. Put the Barbie in your basket and return it later if you realize you didn’t need it. At least then you won’t be teasing all those folks looking for it. (And you won’t look ridiculous when the store manager catches you)
- Have the money ready and move - For Heaven’s sake prepare for your turn at the cash register. I really want to stress this. Nobody wants to wait on you to write your check!
- Show some Christmas Cheer - in theory, you are shopping the Black Friday sales because you want to buy Christmas gifts. Christmas is supposed to be a happy time. Try to let the little things that other people do not bother you and it won't be the end of the world if you weren't able to save $5 on that XBox game your son wants. Try to remember the Reason For the Season.
Black Friday is really not that bad as long as you are prepared for it. The biggest problems arise when people come to the sale unprepared and with attitude. Keep in mind you are an adult, treat people with respect and enjoy your savings.
What are your best Black Friday Etiquette tips?
Mindi has been blogging since 2008 sharing her best frugal living tips, recipes and more. When she isn't writing, she spends time as an unpaid cook, maid and chauffeur to her 3 children!
