While some people love the thought of racing through the stores to get amazing deals and door busters, others prefer to steer clear of the frenzy. Black Friday is a term that is used for the Friday after Thanksgiving. This is the beginning of the Christmas shopping season when many retailers open their stores extremely early to offer customers great deals on many popular products around the store. It can be tough fighting through the crowds on Black Friday. This is why I’ve created a guide to help you find some great deals without having to deal with all of the chaos.

Shopping on Black Friday: Shop Online

You can completely stay away from the over-packed shopping centers by finding some great Black Friday deals online. Many online retailers offer deals on their online websites as early as midnight on Black Friday. If you don’t like the idea of getting pushed and shoved in the wee hours of the morning, consider online shopping at home.

Shopping on Black Friday: Be Prepared

If you decide that you must face the crowds during Black Friday, you should be prepared before entering the store. Check the flyers the night before and write down everything you want from the store. This will save you time by not having to shop around groups of people.

Shopping on Black Friday: Plan Accordingly

While some retailers only offer special deals and discounts before 10 or 11 am, others offer the deals throughout the day. If this is the case for you, skip the morning craziness and head to the store in the afternoon when things have settled. Wear comfortable shoes and bring some drinks and snacks so that you can shop comfortably.

Shopping on Black Friday: Shop with Friends

Since the lines at the check out counters can be extremely long, it may be a good idea to shop with your friends. This way, if you’re stuck in a huge line, you will still have some fun spending time and chit chatting with those you’re closest with. Avoid bringing babies or children along on your shopping trip. This can be very frustrating considering the chaotic environment.

Shopping on Black Friday: Bring the Ads

It’s a good idea to carry the store flyer with you while shopping as this can make the trip easier in the long run. If you saw a special advertisement or discount that you swore was the right price but the price tags says otherwise, a flyer can help avoid any disputes. It can also help you see if you’ve found the lowest price or if you should shop around.