Here is the Black Friday shopping survival guide
SAN ANGELO — Millions of people have waited for the one of the biggest shopping holidays of the year, Black Friday.
Stores will open up with the hottest deals, shoppers will rush the doors, and it can be intimidating for customers and employees.
Rounding up some advice from experience, here's what customers should know before they head into the shopping madness on Nov. 25:
Prepare with these must-do tips
Make a plan ahead of time. Research which retailers are offering the items you want that fit your price range. Prepare a budget outlining how much you wish to spend. Know which stores you’ll visit and in what order.
Additionally, don’t forget to have a backup plan. That way when the items you want sell out, you won’t be too disappointed because you’ll already know your next move.
Dress comfortably, bring snacks and stay hydrated. Also remember to take breaks. Consider packing a lunch with your leftover Thanksgiving food in a cooler, so you can enjoy a quiet, cost-saving meal that’s away from crowds.
Keep your money in a cross-body bag or similar solution to keep it from getting left behind, dropped or stolen. This will also free your hands.
Consider mapping your route and finding the best ways to get to the stores on your list.
If a store you are planning to go to has a membership or special deals account, sign up ahead of Black Friday. Checking a store's social media can also give tips and hints on what to expect.
Lastly, make a list of what you want. This could help you stay on track with your budget.
Shop like a pro by being smart
Once you park, make sure you haven't left anything valuable in the vehicle. If there are previous purchases in the vehicle, stash them so they are not in plain view, and make sure to lock your car.
In the store, do not leave your phone, bag or personal effects alone. Purchased items should also be guarded, and the receipts should be kept.
Remember that budget and do not spend more than you can, especially on credit cards. A good rule for credit cards is to not spend more than you could fully pay off immediately.
This is one of the craziest days for retail employees and they are trying to keep up, so don't be rude to employees.
While stores such as Walmart and Target have blasted their ads, consider checking out your locally owned stores. Small businesses often participate, and the crowds are probably less intense.
Check the return policies for items bought on Thanksgiving weekend. These usually won't be gifted for at least three weeks, rendering a 30-day return policy useless.
If you are at a store for one of the "door-buster deals," get in line early and buy that item before you browse. It will likely sell out.
Another thing to watch out for, especially on televisions, are Black Friday exclusive sets. Search the model number — if it pops up as new with no reviews on the store's site, it might be best to skip. Though it may look the same as the item you've wanted, it could be missing some extra features, according to an article by Today.com.
If you do happen to miss something, or want to avoid the crowds, consider waiting until Cyber Monday.
This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Here is the 2019 Black Friday shopping survival guide
