In retail it forecasts the potential profits for the remainder of the holiday season.  It is important to consumers because it offers some of the best deals of the holiday season.  With the free gifts, low prices and enticing ads it’s no wonder that the madness starts so early.  However, before you step out and get lost in the crowd, you need a plan.   Here are some tips to make the most of your Black Friday shopping experience:

• Map out your route. Most stores will advertise their Black Friday deals in the Thanksgiving edition of your local newspaper.  This is where you will find all of the Black Friday advertisements.  Have your list of items that you absolutely want to get the best price on ready and start scanning those ads.  Once you have your stores in line, plan your route and allow time for traffic.  There may already be long lines, so take that into consideration as well.
• Know your budget, and stick to it. Yes, the prices will be tempting, but those credit card bills afterwards will not!  Make sure you create a holiday budget and stick with it.  A 32” flat screen television for $399 is not a deal if you can’t afford it!  Know what you can spend and don’t go a penny over that amount.  This is when self discipline is a must.  Don’t put yourself in debt for a “deal.”
• Get a team together. No doubt there will be deals at stores all over town, but you are only one person and can’t be in two places at once, unless you’ve found a way to clone yourself.  (Side note:  If you have, call me!).  It’s best to get a shopping team together.  You can divide the team up by stores, areas of town, however you see fit.  The key is to know what everyone needs and wants.  Knowing you will receive what you sent them for and vice versa is the only way the team option will work.
• Start early, end early. Most stores have their door buster deals around the same time.  They are usually on a first-come-first-served basis.  When this is the case, you have to get in and get out so you can get on to the next store.  Chances are, by noon the free items and special deals are done and over with.  The earlier you start, and the more specific your plan, the better your results will be.
• Repeat for Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday is the internet version of Black Friday.  While the deals are still early, this one you can manage to do without a team.  All you need is high speed internet (trust me on this!  Dial up will NOT work fast enough!), several open tabs or windows, your list, your budget, and your mouse.  You can snag even more deals, and maybe some freebies with your orders, with just a click!  Just keep the previous suggestions in mind and prepare some cookies for the FedEx, UPS, and USPS delivery people.  They will have their work cut out for them.
• There you have it.  You have just successfully tackled Black Friday, with minimal bruising and maximum deals.  You’ve done your due diligence and should be proud of yourself.  Now you can go celebrate.  Dive into those leftovers.  Enjoy a delicious turkey sandwich, a piece of cake, and a nice two hour nap!