Black Friday shopping etiquette and safety tips
The folks at BlackFriday.com have compiled Black Friday etiquette and safety tips that, if followed by everyone, would keep the aisles and lines at the nation's retailers orderly and safe for everyone.
We all know we should be courteous to others, but combine the early morning hours with the competitive environment of limited supplies and long lines and no wonder that Walmart security guard got trampled on Long Island last year.
The tips include some ideas that should keep everyone more comfortable (dress in layers that you can remove once you get inside stores so you don't overheat).
It also establishes some rules for fair play that I'd like to run by our readers. Blackfriday.com suggests taking only the products that you need. It's not fair to clear the shelf of some doorbuster if you're not planning to play Kris Kringle for anyone who needs a flat-screen TV, they argue.
Also ...
... they suggest not holding spaces in line for other customers. That also seems fair to me, although a number of other sites recommend that Black Friday customers work as a team with another shopper who hunts down products while you wait with the cart.
But their best tip of all, in my opinion? "Maintain your dignity." Don't get in a tug-of-war over a toy or a shouting match over a sweater. Just diffuse the situation and walk away.
Personally, I'd love to avoid the stores but I have a lot of non-holiday purchases to make and very little other time to do it. But I'm waiting for after 12 p.m. so I can relax after inching my way up Interstate 95 tonight.
What do you think? Is any bargain worth fighting for? Are you trying to purposefully avoid Black Friday madness and mayhem?
Comments
I got some great deals this morning....i bought alot in october that was the same deal but i did find some great deals...it is nuts though...def wouldn't do it if didn't have kids
Posted by: Lindsey Johnosn | November 27, 2009 8:15 AM