BlackFriday Survival GuideBy TheBudget Queen
BlackFriday. It comes every year, and every year we vow not to partake in theorganized chaos, but yet we do. It isall about enjoyment and accomplishing the task you set out to do, right? It's so fun to go out with friends and familyand shop delightfully and enjoy the sights, sounds and wares of the season. It's truly a wonderful adventure, isn't it?
Thesights and sounds of Black Friday shopping are all too familiar. The banshee-esque sounds of people screechingwhen they find what they are looking for, the animalistic nature of territorialstances, the quickening of footsteps behind you as you close in on your prize,the overcrowding of the herds, the unidentifiable sounds that fill the nightair and last into the wee hours of the morning.
Who arewe kidding here? It's jungle out there and if you are going to swing on thevines and brave the wild, you'll have to be prepared.
Thereare a few fundamentals you should know, so here goes:
| Preparation: Full tank of gasClean car/clean trunkFully charged cell phoneBlanketBag o' snacks in the carThermos with coffee/waterStore ads and couponsPlanned routeList of times that stores openList of items needed at each storePlace at home to put items Of note:Ideas for places to eatPlaces along your route that will be open all night with restroom facilities availableBudget for each store or total budget for entire shopping trip Attire:Dress in layers: t-shirt and sweater or long sleeved shirtJeans or comfortable pants with pocketsComfortable shoes Remember: Minimal bulk leaves hands free and maximizes basket space:Small handbag or a wallet that fits into pocket with one card, cash, license, coupons and shopping list. Don't forget to rest before heading out tonight, and drive safely. |
BlackFriday Survival Guide
Hibernate. You'll need to rest up forthis taxing journey. You must be alert and agile to get those deals!
Thelair.Youneed to prepare your vehicle, which is like your lair. Full tank of gas, snacks, charged cell phoneand cell phone charger and a cleaned, vacuumed and de-cluttered interior.You'll want a blanket for warmth, should you need to wait in the car in theparking lot and it's also a nice item to cloak your purchases-should you wantto. Put your ads, coupons, itinerary and map in your car the day before yourexcursion. It's a good idea to put a firstaid kit in the glove box too. You laugh,but just trust me on this one.
Scavengingfor food.Squirrels are no dummies. They planahead. Pack some non-perishable snacksin your car, and maybe some in your pocket for the long wait ahead. Fill athermos with hot chocolate or coffee or water. You need to stay hydrated, because if you weren't aware of italready-this shopping trip counts as your workout for the entire week.
Attire. Layering is key. Chances areit will be cold, but inside the store it is going to warm up quick with allthose other people, so it's nice to be able to molt if you need to. You'll wantto carry around your currency in a small receptacle. The best choice issomething that will fit in your front pocket. Your license, card and cash andcoupons should fit in it nicely. You may want to load a prepaid credit cardwith the total amount of your budget and carry that with you instead, it willkeep your budget in check and is less cumbersome than multiple forms ofpayment.
Thenest. Well,eventually-you will head back to the mainland and your home will need to have aspot for all of the items you are bringing back from the jungle. I usuallyprepare a closet, so that when I get back, all I have to do is place the bagsin there and get ready for a nap after my long journey.
Preparation. You need to have a plan about what you areseeking. Make a list of the items you want at each store and set a budget. Evenif you know the store layout very well, there is no way to know where each itemwill be placed, but at least you'll know your way around.
Themap. You'llneed a map of the jungle. So what youneed to do is to plan out your route according to time of store opening andpriority. If you have other adventurers in your party, then there is a chanceto divide and conquer.
Staythe course.Try not to detour from your carefully planned route-make sure you know where tofind restroom facilities, and find a restaurant that's open all night.
Thejungle. It's a maze. It's full of the unexpected andunpredictable, but if you are prepared, you will make it through. The goal is to get that treasure and get outquickly and unscathed. But you also need to know that it's just fine to wave awhite flag if you need to retreat.
Thehunt. If you know what you came for, and stick toyour list, you will be focused. Go for the item of highest priority first,because you may not get everything you want. There will always be someonefaster and there is only a limited supply of any one deal-even if the storesprepare well ahead of time. So enjoy the hunt! When you are focused there ismore opportunity for success and less of a chance for disappointment.
Thetreasure. Yes.You came to get the ultimate prize-but there is no need to let the wild animalcome out in you in order to secure it-be polite and courteous, even if othersaren't.
Theescape. You'vedone your work. Now get in your car with all your great finds and head forhome. You're walking away from aglorious adventure safe and sound. There's something to be said for that.(And itmight sound a little like a Tarzan yell...)
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