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• Nov 22, 2007 5:21 pm US/Central
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  21 Ways To Survive The Black Friday Madness

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21 Ways To Survive The Black Friday Madness

1. Plan ahead. Make a list of what you need to buy and stick to it.
2. Have a budget. Check balance on credit cards and know what your limit is beforehand.
3. Do your homework. Go online and compare deals. What seems like a good deal might not be, and may not be worth standing in line for.
4. Prep your car. If you're going to be bringing home a new plasma screen TV, you'll want to make sure there is room for it in your vehicle. Make sure the trunk is cleaned out or back seats are removed from your van. Top off your tank to avoid wasting time at the gas station.
5. Turn your handbag into a survival bag. Your bag should include hand sanitizer, a pain reliever and a snack.
6. Timing is everything. You should pick a time to shop that's best for you. You don't have to be at the mall at 5 a.m. to get a great deal.
7. If you're an early bird, try to be there when the stores open. Some retailers are more inclined to offer enticing discounts in the morning. There is also more merchandise available.
8. Comfort is key. This is not the time to be fashion conscious. Dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes. Know the weather and dress in layers.
9. Shop with a friend. You can cover more ground if one person stands in line while the other snatches up the bargains.
10.  Take advantage of price matching. Some stores will also honor the advertised prices of their competitors - even on Black Friday. Use this strategy to your advantage to avoid long lines. Make sure you take the competitors ad with you - otherwise you may be out of luck.
11.  Realize additional savings. If you're making a big-ticket purchase, consider signing up for a store credit card to save an additional 10-15%.
12.  Have a backup plan. While most places offer limited quantities of doorbuster items, the sale merchandise that isn't quite so hot is readily available. If you're visiting a store for a doorbuster item, make sure there is something else on your list. Otherwise the odds of leaving empty-handed.
13.  Stay busy while you wait! Bring a book or other entertainment with you. Make sure you have extra batteries for games. As the night stretches on, you will be happy for something to do, especially if you are by yourself.
14.  Don't use a shopping cart! The reason for this is speed. While the other people are rushing around the store with carts and getting blocked in by other shoppers, you can skirt around traffic much more quickly and efficiently.
15.  Scout out the store's layout and plan your route. If you're going for a flat-screen TV, know the shortest route from the front door to the electronics.
16.  Weigh the risks and rewards of late-night and pre-dawn sales. Many retailers offer huge discounts, often selling a few attention-grabbing toys or electronic items at or below cost to lure consumers into the store in hopes they will purchase other more profitable merchandise.
17.  Be mindful of return policies and restocking fees. Retailers are becoming stricter when it comes to enforcing return policies.
18.  Hire a reliable team to watch the kids. It may not save you money, but it may save your sanity. If you hate crowded malls, your children probably do too.
19.  Get plenty of rest. If your family has Thanksgiving dinner in the afternoon, take an early nap. You'll need the energy.
20.  Be patient. You'll need it.
21.  Most importantly, have FUN! Let's go shopping!

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