Black Friday Shopping Tips

Shop for Deals Ahead of Time

You don't have to wait until Friday to see many of the deals being offered. With so many online sites aggregating store deals, you can easily find out what will be on sale, where. To get started, visit: bfads.net, blackfriday.info, blackfriday.gottadeal.com, Dealtaker.com, Theblackfriday.com, blackfridaydeals.us/shop.

Compare Prices

For items that are available at a lot of retailers (toys, electonics), make sure you know what things should cost by doing some pricing ahead of time at places like PriceGrabber. Don't assume the first sale price you come across is the best. Before you head to the stores, see if you can avoid the crowds and get the same deal (or better) online, as well. You may be able to shop for most of what you need before the shops even open on Friday morning.

Make a Plan

For those easily tempted by the word "sale," Black Friday can spell trouble for your wallet - unless you head into the day with a game plan. Make a detailed list of whom you need to shop for, and how much you have to spend on each person, before you head to the mall. Better still, come up with a specific shopping list or, at the least, some general gift ideas for each person so you aren't wandering aimlessly in the throngs of shoppers. Figure out which stores you need to shop at, and decide what order you'll hit them to maximize time.

If you are searching for any hard-to-find items, be sure to head to those retailers first.

Get Gift Receipts

Whenever possible, ask for a gift receipt to include with every gift (otherwise the recipient may be exchanging it at a reduced value). Devote an envelope to your holiday purchases, and save the receipts for absolutely everything you buy. You may need them between now and Christmas to get a better price on a item you purchase, and you will definitely need them for post-holiday returns.

Sign Up for Retailer Rewards & Emails

If you are not already signed up for rewards programs at places like Sephora, DSW and Ulta, you are missing out on valuable coupons and bonus gifts. Don't buy more than you normally would just to accumulate the points, however. Also, if you can deal with the sometimes overwhelming flood of messages in your inbox, signing up for retailer emails can alert you to online and in-store deals. Consider joining a site like Shop It To Me, for aggregated sale information at your favorite stores.

Bargain for Better Prices

The consumer is in the driver's seat this year, more than ever, and retailers are desperate for your business. Most retailers will match sale prices at other stores, and even accept coupons from competitors, so don't be afraid to speak up and try to get the best deal possible.

Don't Feel Like You Have to Shop

Sure, if you get in line at midnight with a hundred other brave souls, you might get your hands on a seriously marked down flat screen, but most of the deals will stick around after Friday. That means you don't need to feel bad about skipping the mad dash to mall. If enough of us stay home, in fact, the subsequent bargains may be even better.