What Black Friday procedures can you expect at different stores?  In the past, mayhem has occurred when the doors opened early Black Friday mornings.  People were trampled, others robbed and shot.  Not a picture that stores want you to have in your head (they aren’t going for sugar plum fairies…just happy customers with lots of happy shopping bags).  I’ve noticed over the past few years that safeguards and procedures have been put into place when I’ve lined up in front of different stores, so I contacted some of the big stores to find out what customers can expect that might give you clues to plan how early to line up.

Best Buy was kind enough to share their internal memo about black friday procedures.  Others were more general.  Best Buy has a few TVs and computers at such unbelievable deals that you may want to line up hours in advance.  Is one night’s sleep worth $200, $300, $500 or even $1000?  If so, you may want to beeline to Best Buy after Thanksgiving dinner.  (In my next blog, I’ll discuss what you should bring).

Here is the procedure Best Buy has in place:

• A ticketing process for door-busters (click on the Ad-Scan)  on Black Friday morning.
• Tickets are distributed between 2am – 4am on Black Friday morning, guaranteeing customers who arrive early will receive the door-buster promotion.
• Dress rehearsals and preparation meetings for all Best Buy employees to get ready for the Black Friday shopping spirit. Employees are trained on the latest technology and entertainment services to help customers make smart purchases.
• Distributing maps in line to ensure customers are familiar with the layout of the store. Popular items are also marked by colored balloons that are easily recognizable throughout the store.
• Staffing the store with extra Blue Shirt employees.

Walmart has already posted a link on their website where you can get a store map showing where their specials are located in the store.  They tell me that they are focussing on customer flow and making it easy for customers to find sale items.  Now here’s the thing…

While Walmart will be open all night on Black Friday, the doorbuster sale items will not be put on the floor (so I’m told) until 5am. I did not get an answer as to whether you can circle the computer and TV departments like a vulture while waiting for them to put out their items.  Again, from what I was told, each store will adopt their own procedures with customer flow and safety as the goal.  I can’t promise that you can wander around in the warmth of the Walmart store rather than lining up outside on the cold sidewalk.  You’ll have to scout that out for yourself when you arrive at your Walmart.  It might be worthwhile to do the small shopping first and not just ask to wait inside the store (yeah, they’ll probably frown on you just purposefully loitering in the store…)

Office Depot and Staples say that they will be giving out tickets to purchase limited quantity items.  But you have a certain amount of time (usually hours) before your ticket will expire. Remember, it’s usually one ticket per person/purchase (if you want to bring a friend, they’ll have to purchase on another receipt).

By the way, some stores, like K-Mart will be open with special Thanksgiving deals on Thursday.  Check for the ads.

Here’s some tips…

• the better the deal, the more you want the item, the more coveted an item (computers, TVs, etc.) the earlier you should line up if you really want the item. What’s it worth to you? A few hours bundled up drinking hot cocoa and eating leftover pie vs. the years of enjoyment of a computer?
• Be sure you have lots of money in your account.  Just in case you didn’t see the small print, items with mail-in rebates require you to outlay the extra $50, $100 or more that you will later receive back (be sure to turn in your rebates right away when you get home).

Be sure to check back for my tips on surviving Black Friday which I’ll post later today.

Wishing you the treasure you seek!