How does Black Friday work?

Question

This is my first time doing this so how does it work? There's this really cheap laptop I'm looking at, and it says "minimum 10 per store." So say tomorrow I'm first in line (hopefully), do I go in there and grab a card or something to reserve that laptop for myself? What about for other things I wanna buy too? First come first serve? Help! :}

Answer 1

This is late, but thought I’d share my thoughts on it too. First of all, when they say “minimum # per store”, that may mean they have to have at least that many when the stores open; it doesn’t mean that’s the maximum they have available. My friend recently pointed this out to me. And I was like “that’s true!”.

Secondly, you have to be REALLY early in order to be one of the first in line. And when I say really early, that’s like prior to 12AM! We drove by Target & Circuit City at 1AM on Black Friday, because we were still awake and it was on the way home from our family’s Thanksgiving dinner, and there were already TONS of people lining up around the Circuit City store. Target wasn’t as bad, maybe about 10 people waiting in line. But it was only 1AM!!!

I heard that only Best Buy was passing out tickets at 4AM. I didn’t hear if the other stores did or not; I’m assuming no, just because this is the first year I actually heard about the tickets, which I think is a bad idea. That’s not good for the late comers. So, to answer your question: yes, first come first serve, with or without tickets.

Even though they let 10 people in at a time, those 10 can stay in store as long as they wish. They let people in staggered like that because it eliminates the “mob effect”, so there isn’t a million people rushing into the store all at once. That’s how people get trampled on.

I doubt you got it, but I hope you had a great first experience! :-)

Answer 2

Yes, it's absolutely first come first serve. And you better plan on bundling up and being in line at least two hours before the store opens. Here are some quick tips:

(1) Don't stop for a cart. Run to the item you want, and only go back for a cart after the item you wanted most is securely clutched in your death grip.

(2) Find your spot in line and STAY THERE! No going to the bathroom, no getting a drink, and no turning your back for a minute, because people will push through and try to butt in line- guaranteed.

(3) Keep your eyes peeled! Oftentimes, a store will put a "special sale" item in a different spot than where you would typically find it. I don't know why they do this, and I personally think it's just to make things more miserable. But they do it, nonetheless, so be on the lookout. If it's a very HOT item, you can often find it in the middle of the isles, not in the specific department.

(4) Don't try to cut across the middle of an isle to get to another isle, and don't try to slide your way in between two displays or anything like that. There will be clerks literally blocking the way, and they'll make you go around. Just run with the crowd, because if you try to slip in somewhere you're not supposed to, they will stop you, and you will have wasted precious minutes.

I hope this helps, and please let me be the first to advise you that you'd better not attempt it unless it's a drop-dead, must-have deal that you absolutely CAN NOT afford to miss out on! And if this is your first time, I strongly suggest going with an experienced "Black Friday Vet." It really is a jungle out there, so be CAREFUL!!!!

Good luck! ;-) I hope you get what you're after!

Answer 3

Your best bet is to get up early and plan ahead, if you want to get that cheap laptop and take advantage of any other bargains. Store policies will dictate whether you stand in line or grab a card for that bargain. When you get to the store, be careful what you buy to make sure it is what you want or need & be aware of the store's return policies. Some items may not be returnable, due to the nature of the sale or some conditions.

Answer 4

good luck if it's only the first 10 on sale you may want to think about arriving an hour or two before the store opens almost all stores will be open at 4am when you get there if you get there at four am you will see people making a huge line waiting for the doors to open, and yes grab a cart as soon as you can or you won't find one later.

Answer 5

Well, you will need to be in line and focused on the thing you want. when the door opens head straight to the computer area. look for the item or someone who works there to direct you.

Get there early, and expect rude people and a long time in line!


I am going after a camera, and i pick the store that is isolated from others to avoid mixed crowds.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Take a friend if you can with a list and prioritize it. If you get one don't let go. I was at a sale once where a people were jumping on top of the cart that the salesman was wheeling out. Also make sure that you aren't looking at times specials.

Answer 7

If your not in line right now, forget it.. I was watching the news and there were many people say in they were wanting laptops.. my advice the store will not have it, they have the minimum or Less! Good luck my friend... happy holidays!

BTW Black friday is : Total Mayham.... :)

Answer 8

It's different in every store. I take it as black Friday because your in the black and not the red.

Answer 9

You wake up really early and go shopping most places open up at 5:00am and the sales stop at 11:00am.

Answer 10

Usually first come first serve...

but depends on the store.

and don't forget to wear black.