Do’s and Don’ts of Black Friday

As a seasoned Black Friday shopper, I feel like I have a good grasp on proper etiquette for what is known as the busiest shopping day of the year. I have gone through it all on this day: leisurely leaving the house at my own selected time and waking up at the crack of dawn. Though I must say, I am not as hardcore as some of my cousins. For the past for years, we have been visiting my aunt and uncle for Thanksgiving. All through turkey day, their two grown daughters sit on the couch and cut coupons from hundreds of catalogs, flyers, etc. It’s madness. They proceed to pull an all nighter and go shopping at midnight. Midnight. They’re insane. On these occasions, I tend to sleep until seven and have them come back to pick me up later. Anyways, for the first time in years, I spent Thanksgiving at my house. So my two friends and I will be shopping at 10. I am prepared to conquer Christmas/Hanukkah/ Kwanzaa shopping head on.

Do Make A List
You want to know what you’re buying. If you go in like “OH I’LL JUST PICK UP WHATEVER LOOKS GOOD” you’re bound to pick a few crappy gifts. Ask as many people what they would like for a gift. Then write it down. If there are a few people who you have no definite gift idea for, that is OK, but for the most part know what to look for beforehand.

Don’t Wait Until One in the Afternoon to Head Out
You’ll miss all the good deals. No, you don’t have to be hardxxxxcore and start your day at 4 AM, but by the afternoon you’ll have missed at on the best offers.

Do Go with More Than One Person
If you have a team, obviously, it’s more fun, but it’s much more practical too. Tell everyone you’re with what you are looking for. That way, one of the members of your party can spot something you don’t. Besides, who doesn’t like shopping with friends?

Do Stop for Breakfast
Shopping on empty stomach= bad news.

Don’t Be Obnoxious to Salespeople
A rule of life: kissing ass does, in fact, help you get what you want. So be charming when asking for help. If you’re rude and arrogant no salesperson is going to be jumping to help you at the very moment they can. Basically, do not be a bitch.

Do Try to Get the Majority of Your Shopping Done
While gas prices are dropping, nobody has any real desire to make a thousand trips to the mall to pick up last minute gifts. You may want to pick up some extra gifts just in case you realize later on you left someone off your list.

Don’t Fret
Holiday shopping can be stressful, but don’t have a nervous breakdown in the middle of a packed Macy’s or Best Buy (but feel free to break down in Sears! Just kidding). There are lots of people, and lots of excitement and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, shopping is supposed to be fun. If a store has run out of all iPod Touches, it’s OK: there are other stores and you can always order online. Never panic and never get in a bitch fight with the other costumers. Everyone is stressed. Chill out and try to keep an open mind. Happy shopping.