black friday survival tips

1. MAKE YOUR BATTLE PLAN ON THANKSGIVING. It helps to check the online black friday stuff before then, you may be able to buy some things early. Also make note of the time the store is opening. Seperate each store into "halves." Tell your co-shoppers which list they will have.


2. SET YOUR ALARM. Unless you are hunting electronics, you don't need to be at any store until a few minutes before it opens. Why wait outside in the cold in line, when you can stroll up when the doors open and get in just the same.


3. GET YOUR DIET COKE READY. Make sure that each person has one so that your peeps won't be too tired to have your back! Put them in the car so you all you have to remember is shoes!


4. SLEEP WITH YOUR MAKEUP ON. That way you can fool those who didn't into thinking you are one of those who is serious and got up extra early to put her face on.


5. DON'T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP. That fire hazard that Target sets up every year? Make sure you loudly proclaim the lack of unlocked doors is a fire hazard and you are calling the fire marshall! Also, people getting things before the designated time at WalMart? If they won't hand you the sizes you need, start loudly letting everyone else know who is breaking the rules!
6. DIVIDE & CONQUER. Give your team their parts of the list and split through the store. Any questions, complaints, use your cell phone to let them know. This is where the battle plan from yesterday becomes successful. Also don't be afraid to yell out what you need, and what you have that you don't need. Making friends with the person on the other side of the display is key to getting stuff fast!
7. GET THE HELL OUT! Find the most out of the way register you can find. They move faster. Jewelry, automotive, sporting goods, garden center, "non black friday" lines are all game.

These steps allowed me to leave the house at 3:30am and be back by 5:45am this year... What fun this is!