[ A ] If you’re celebrating Thanksgiving today, you might be considering venturing out to the Black Friday sales tomorrow morning. In order to make it out with your sanity—and your wallet—intact, there are a few Black Friday tips I’d like to share.
[ B ] First, making your shopping list is essential. When I was little, I could sit for hours with the Black Friday ads (especially Toys “R” Us), telling whoever was listening that I wanted pretty much everything on each page.
[ C ] Second, many retailers offer online deals for Black Friday, so check the online deals before shopping. For some stores, you can order items online and pay the Black Friday price, then pick them up at your local store.
[ D ] Third, I have to say you’d better pick a shopping buddy who will match your pace. My mother will be getting up at 4 a. m. Friday morning. While I admire her dedication, her Black Friday will be much longer than mine. I prefer to shop at a more comfortable pace, though, so I’ll be going with a different shopping buddy. My mom and my sister—both power shoppers—are much happier pairing up and letting the slow poke （慢性子的）( that’s me ) go on my own.
[ E ] Fourth, don’t forget to bring your ads with you. There’s a chance that your discounted item may not ring up as on sale when you actually get up to the cash register. Instead of trying to recall exactly what the sale paper said, pull that ad out and ask the clerk to double check it.
[ F ] Fifth, as to returns policies, they seem to get tighter every year, and they can be worse for Black Friday. For some items, stores may have only a short return policy—and they may charge you a restocking fee. If you aren’t sure if you’ve bought the right size ( or are otherwise considering a return), plan on making your return as soon as possible. Keep your receipt handy and pick up gift receipts where necessary.
[ G ] Sixth, it is better to use your credit card on Black Friday. Normally, I’m against using a credit card for most purchases. It’s too easy to run up a big bill, but there are some definite benefits to using plastic on Black Friday. If the price of your purchase is marked down further than the price you paid within a certain time frame, you can get a refund of the difference.
[ H ] Seventh, if you’re planning to find a great deal on an HDTV on Black Friday, I’m afraid that you’re out of luck. Even on Black Friday, it’s rare to see much in the way of sales on big ticket electronics. The small sales are generally just not worth the hassle of trying to get a sales person to help you with anything time intensive when they’re getting slammed with hundreds of shoppers.