Black friday – very frequently asked questions
Here are a couple of things you should know about Black friday, things that most people keep asking and asking every year.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday is a nickname for the day in which most retailers go from being red (not overall profit) in their books to black (profitable!) Traditionally this has happened close to the holiday buying season, and in the last years it has been the day after Thanksgiving.
When exactly is Black Friday?
The Friday after Thanksgiving. This year it is on November 28th, 2008
Why do people go nuts on Black Friday?
There are many reasons. A lot of people have off of work. Many people are home visiting families and friends and go shopping together. Mostly, as retailers noticed the higher profits on BF they’ve lowered prices, which increased interest more
When did BF start?
Well, back in the 60s or so.
How do you find out in advance what stores are selling on BF?
Again, several reasons. The intelligent companies realize that by releasing their ads early they create interest and greater potential profit. Most of the time, however, the bigwigs are paranoid and try to keep a tight clamp on the ads till the day before Thanksgiving. Obviously with the world the way it is today this doesn’t happen – some schmuck in the factory happens upon an ad and leaks it to the interwebs for our perusal 
Where can I see this advance information?
Several websites collect and post the ads every year. Here are a few:
- http://www.black-frisay-sales.org
- http://www.blackfriday.info/
This seems like it might be popular!
Yes, yes it is.
When do people get in line for BF?
This depends on many variables, including the specific store, your location, the deals, the weather, local laws and restrictions. Many of the bigger stores (Walmart, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc) have people lining up the night before in the bigger metro areas. For your store and area do research on the previous year
Can I pricematch to BF prices?
No. Ok, 99.9% of the time no. It’s very rare.
How can I best prepare for BF?
Figure out where you want to shop and for what. Confirm when the stores open and plan the most efficient route. Camping out? Get your chair, blanket, warm food, book, gameboy, etc ready for the night. When you get in the stores – focus and be strong! There might be fierce competition for the things you want…
Ok, I’m camping out. How do I go to the bathroom while in line?!
This is tricky and depends on your location and circumstances. The best way to do it – go with a partner. Hopefully there is a 24 hour store or gas station nearby. Take turns alternating in line with your partner to go.
What do you guys do with all the stuff that you bring for the line camping when you get ready to go into the store?
Hopefully run to the car to drop it off. Drop it all off and then you’re ready to run through the store unhindered. If you don’t think it will be possible for you to go to the car then pack as light as you can – camp chair that folds into a bag, backpack of stuff maybe. Think ahead!
Any other long line/campout strategies?
- Make friends with the people in line around you, especially if you are there by yourself. Thus you can help each other with bathroom breaks, snack runs, and defending your spots in line. It never hurts to be friendly!
- Scoping out your stores a few days before BF is a good idea as well. Know what you are going to buy and find out where that section is in the store.
Are any of these deals online?
Latelly yes. There is a growing trend for stores with larger online presences to offer deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which is – you guessed it – the Monday after Thanksgiving
I don’t see the ad for store XYZ! Where is it already?!
Be patient. Sometimes the bigger ads won’t leak until a week or two before BF.
This guide came from here and i really hope it will help you this year.
