There is a lot of craziness that ensues on Black Friday, that's why it's a good idea to read this quick guide to shopping on Black Friday (if you're brave enough). Hope everyone stays safe!

Surviving Black Friday – Shopping After Thanksgiving 2013



Some might say they are professional shoppers, they know all the tricks, tips and ways of getting the best bargain. However, there is one day out of the year that the usual rules don’t apply, this day is Black Friday. On this day retailers in the US decide to slash their usual prices and have a dramatic sale. Find out how to survive this day and get yourself the best deals in the complete chaos.

Dedicated Shoppers

Some shoppers have taken precautions when it comes to getting the best deals, this involves camping out at their favourite store. Shoppers will pitch their tent, grab their sleeping bags or unfold their foldable chairs to get their spot as early as a day or two before the actual sale. Doors open to major stores as early as 6am on Friday morning. If you think you’ve got what it takes to brave the weather and the competition then prepare for a long wait. Warm clothing, sleeping bag, a foldable chair or tent, hot drinks and food are essential. You might get a bit bored so bring something to entertain yourself.

Not for the faint of heart

All shopper etiquette is blown out of the water. Queuing, letting the person in front of you take an item off the shelf first and general polite behaviour is scarce if at all existent on this day. Pushing, shoving and fighting for your bargain is all present here, it’s every man (or woman) for themselves. Compile a checklist of items you are after and memorise it well as there is no room for error. Other customers will be down right ruthless to get what they want at a bargain price.

What to buy

Anything from flat screen tvs, to kitchen appliances are dramatically slashed in price. If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on some great gadgets now’s the time. If you’re not up for the calamity try online shopping, online stores will throw big Black Friday sales for a short period only. Whether you’re looking for great deal on a camera, maxi dresses online or Christmas gifts. But remember, fastest finger first is the way to win. Apply for an account, express checkout before the madness ensues, this way you can check out with ease and not get stuck filling out shipping information or payment details which wastes time. Everything is in short supply as retailers are getting rid of old stock to make way for newer models and products.

Dress Appropriately

Waiting outside in the cold may take sometime so don’t dress in skimpy clothes it’s going to be cold. Wear something warm and will stop you getting frozen. Coats, scarfs and boots to combat the cold. But also remember when you get inside it might get a bit hot with all the warm bodies grabbing their hunted items. You may find yourself holding your warmer layers so be wary of that, anything you can spare it’s best to leave it at home or discard if you’re ok to abandon it.

Be early than early

If a store says it opens at 6am, might be an idea to get there an hour or two early with a hot cup of coffee. If you’re not going for the camp out you better leave early as everyone else will have the same idea to get there when it opens. Prepare everything the night before so you don’t find yourself in a panic in the morning to leave on time.

Teamwork

Part of your action plan can be to work with a friend or two. While one person is manning one area of the store you can be strategically tackling the other. This will cut half the work and let’s you be in two places at the same time. But choose your team wisely, as you have to be fast on your feet and know the store well.

Know your limit/Prepare a budget

Sales frequently cause impulse purchases, meaning you might buy something or a lot of things that weren’t on your list in the first place. This can be dangerous territory as this could leave your very broke or paying off a huge credit card bill. Don’t get into debt, amongst the craziness and irrational thinking stick to your planned out list. If you stick to your plan you won’t be full of regret by the end of it. As these are sale items you may not be able to return them, note that sale can be final.

For more fashion tips and tricks visit our blog www.GCGme.com/blog/ for some great advice and news. GCGme provides with you some great advice in shopping online and new trends. You can also keep up-to-date with new styles from our clothing range as well as look at behind the scenes from our photoshoots.

Writer/blogger for GCGme.com. GCGme is a women's online fashion retailer and wholesaler with a range of gorgeous dresses available including maxi dresses online, dresses online Australia, formal dresses online, cocktail dresses online, womens jumpsuits and much more. GCGme ships worldwide for free while offering you high quality garments, elegance and stylish clothing for women.