One of the reasons many people skip the infamous Black Friday shopping trip event is the stress that comes with it.
It doesn’t have to be all about getting suffocated by angry crowds or getting up at the crack of dawn to stand in line. You can have a much less stressful Black Friday shopping experience with the strategies and tips on this list.
Top Tips for Stress Free Black Friday Shopping
Plan your approach
While just about everyone looks at the ads before braving the stores, make sure to come up with an exact plan and include a “Plan B” into your strategy. This way, if store A doesn’t have any more of what you are hoping to scoop up, you know where to go for the next best deal right away and won’t waste time and cause unnecessary stress.
Wave 2
When I participated in BF shopping, wave 1 for me was always online. Midnight hits and the store sales are up and I already have the items in the cart, ready to pay and checkout. After all my main shopping is done, it’s easy to go into Wave 2. Many stores are now offering sales by the hour to cut down the crowds. By doing some of the shopping in stores after early birders are done, you may avoid the crowds and still be able to score some great loot at good prices, besides, you already snagged all the great deals online!
Don’t plan on doing all of your shopping on Black Friday
Doing so might put unneeded stress on yourself. Plan to just get 2 or 3 great deals and skip the rest, leaving shopping for others on another date. Don’t forget there is a free shipping online day in which most online stores participate. One day every year, it’s free shipping, no minimums at almost every store online! Likewise, Cyber Monday is around the corner and sure to snag you some great deals. In fact, several years in the past, I’ve caught BETTER deals on Cyber Monday than on Black Friday.
Take advantage of freebies
Some stores and restaurants plan for the stress you will be feeling and offer Black Friday only freebies. In past years, this means free coffee or other hot drinks and even free items with purchase at a later hour on Black Friday. There is nothing as fun as a freebie to brighten your spirits. Likewise, if you have a not-so-enthusiastic-husband to go with you, stow some treats in your purse or car. Things that he loves and pull them out when he is getting frustrated as a big ‘thank you’ for going with you. Just be careful what you bring so as not to set off any alarms in the store! 😉
Use technology
There are apps you can download to get updates on sales, deals, and even traffic and parking situations. Take advantage of these apps, that are usually free, and let them do some of the work for you so you can avoid stressful situations as your day goes on. You’ll also want to be sure to check out sites like Slickdeals (Hot Deals and Black Friday forums especially to get the store ad scans super early!), which basically gives you Black Friday deals all year round!!! This is how I used to make my living. Love that site!
Go with a friend
You can double the deal finding time and help each other. I like to get maps of the stores before-hand if it’s a store I’m unfamiliar with. Many stores like Target have these online, showing you exactly where the hot spots are. Hit those areas FIRST! You’ll feel more accomplished and less stressed.
Get enough sleep
One way to bring on stress is to be over-tired. Shopping with the crowds can take a lot out of anyone, but if you don’t sleep well the night before, you will find that the caffeine you drank early in the morning will make you crash only a short time later, leaving you cranky and frustrated. Instead, make sure you go to bed earlier the night before and get a full night’s sleep before heading out to do any shopping.
Take a break
Make sure you not only take a break in your shopping, but plan for one. Refuel with a mid-morning meal and take time to sit down and relax. Go somewhere that the shoppers aren’t there, such as a park if the weather permits or simply head home if you are in the vicinity. Removing yourself from the stores where the crowds are to take a break allows your mind to recharge.
Likewise, and I can’t stress (get it!) this enough, USE THYME. Oh my goodness, has this essential oil has saved me from frustration in large crowds many times. I am NOT a large crowds kinda girl. I have a good sense of direction and find that green exit sign in record time. So for me, using essential oils like Serenity and Thyme really help. Be sure to dilute the Thyme. For the full article on how Thyme can help in situations such as these, check out this article…Diffuse Your Anger in 5 Seconds.
