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By Maicee Ingwerson – FEATURE – 

November 24, 2017 is the date that can’t come any slower, and also happens to be when this year’s chaos formally known as Black Friday will be taking place. However, many of the Black Friday norms have reached the point that they’re a bit ahead of the schedule that is implied in the names of the days.

Black Friday actually starts a few hours early with some of the major stores, such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy, opening their doors on Thanksgiving evening. Cyber Monday comes a couple days early as well, with stores kicking off their online deals on Thanksgiving too. But, the exact time of Black Friday doesn’t change anyone’s intentions of getting the insane deals, and getting as many of them as possible… or even attempting for more than is possible. Fluctuation in time doesn’t affect my planning, either.

With my 11 years of experience, I have decided to compile a list of 8 tips to prepare you for this year’s Black Friday.

1. Get an ad. Print is the best because this will allow you to have an overview of everything as you choose what you want, who has the best deals for your wants, where you’re going, and times. You can pick up an ad with your newspaper on Thanksgiving day. My family picks up our ads from HyVee and then, by tradition, wait until we’ve eaten before scanning through them.
2. Notice the times. Each store will have their own opening time which is especially important if you’re planning to get in line for an awesome deal on a limited item. Also, some stores, such as Walmart, will introduce their sales in waves, so if you haven’t checked the times, you could be trying to get a sale too early, or even too late!
3. Expect lines, so many lines. Lines will be everywhere as they from in anticipation of a store opening, however, they will inevitably be just as bad inside as outside. There’s a good chance that you will be waiting in line for a longer time than you spent shopping. A way to get around this is to shop in groups, and take shifts. By taking turns in the lines, you’ll maximize your time by accomplishing your shopping while gradually making your way to the front of the line.
4. Prepare for disappointment. Hopefully if you hear it now, it won’t be as devastating when you find this out at the store. You aren’t going to be able to get every single deal that you’ve found; there’s simply not enough time! I know, it sucks. Cry now, be tough later.
5. There will be LOTS of people. Now let’s keep in mind the hours of this really emotional event. Remember that you have no idea how long these people have been going for, therefore you have no clue as to the extent of their exhaustion. And let’s admit, it can be pretty tragic when you don’t get that one deal you really wanted, so be considerate of others.  
6. Get some Christmas shopping done. Don’t just shop for yourself. I know, I know, it’s really easy to find everything you’ve ever wanted on sale and choose to go for it, but Black Friday is very, very close to Christmas. It’s also a great time to get a head start, or even finish your holiday shopping! Your future self will thank you for these previous gifting accomplishments, I speak from experience.
7. Realize that you’re going to see the unusual. Chances are, you’ll run into some very crazy people who have been planning for this year’s Black Friday much longer than it’s worth. Don’t be surprised when you see matching t-shirts, mass groups of moms, delirious kids in pajamas, and the occasional walkie-talkie communicators, after all, this is Black Friday.
8. Enjoy the experience! Of course the goal here is to get the good deals, but shopping aside, Black Friday is definitely an experience. People-watch, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of this special day!

At this point, I think you’re prepared, or at least are able to prepare yourself for Black Friday, happy shopping!