Black Friday Strategy

As most geeks do, I await for Black Friday with a certain degree of anticipation.

Due to my penchant for technology, and the fact that I am on a limited budget for hardware purchases, opportunities such as Black Friday and Boxing Day usually mean that I can potentially get my hands on some new tech without breaking the bank or annoying my very understanding wife too much!

However as with most events that carry so much hype, one must be prepared and alert. And, most importantly, remain highly disciplined.

Because there are many shopping guides out there, I will not attempt to start one. Instead I will give a few tips and tricks on having a great time on Black Friday.

1. Do not go to the store in person.

This may seem odd, but if you do not like to be stuck in a crowd of enraged shoppers, you will understand. Do all your shopping online from the comfort of your home or office, or from your smart phone.  If you want to buy a specific item and feel the need to see it in person to try it out, then I suggest that you go to the store before Black Friday. This way you will be ready. As for the excuse that the in store price is lower, I can guarantee that by the time you do the difference and include the cost of gas and your precious time, it will be cheaper to buy the items online and get them a few days later.

2. Make a list and stick to it.

Plan ahead of time and use online preview flyers to make a list of what you need and intend to buy and from which retailer and then on Black Friday and Cyber Monday just go ahead and stick to the list. This way you will not blow your budget, get exactly what you want and ultimately get a hand on all the good deals without going overboard. If there are items on your list that are limited availability or quantity buy them first so to make sure you at least have a chance to get one.

3. Timing is key.

Some people shop online at the minute that the sales go live, others do it in the morning or afternoon. It all depends on what you are looking to achieve. If you are shopping for a limited availability item, then you may want to be early. Be patient and keep in mind that servers of the e-tailers are working double overtime on Black Friday so being patient. Do not give up. If you are buying widely available items such as hard drives or USB keys, shop any time and preferably later in the sale as you will avoid the online traffic of the midnight dash.

Most importantly enjoy your experience and happy deal hunting. After all it’s Black Friday!