Black Friday Stores 2010: Shopping Etiquette

Many shoppers forgo the great shopping deals available on Black Friday because of the madness of the crowds in the stores. Shoving, pushing and yelling are not uncommon, but it is possible to survive the Black Friday stores melee with your dignity and manners intact. There are people who enjoy the shopping day without a lot of conflict. These people plan ahead and treat others courteously. These good etiquette tips will help you get the best shopping deals and not feel guilty about doing it.

Surviving the Shopping Lines in the Stores

• Dress warmly, but in layers so you don’t get overly hot in the store.
• Before the store opens arrive early, stand in line, and have your list of the best shopping deals already made up. 
• Arrive a few minutes late or wait in your car until the biggest part of the crowd is in the store. You may lose out on the big-ticket items, but you will not end up in the pushing throng.
• Be careful in the opening rush to the doors. Refrain from pushing or shoving anyone down --everyone will get in the store eventually.
• Wait politely in line to check out. Do not hold places in line for other shoppers and avoid pushing up against the people in front of you.
• Let people pass through the line when they are still shopping.

Inside the Stores

• Take only what you need. Many people grab up all of one item in the hopes of selling it later for more money. Take only what you needs as others are here trying to provide Christmas gifts for their families.
• As you go through the store, watch where you are going. You can walk quickly through the store without actually bumping into anyone.
• Refrain from criticizing other shopper’s rude behavior while you are deal shopping in the stores.

Maintain Your Dignity Inside & Outside the Stores

• Shouting matches and fights over the last item often break out in the stores. Remember that you do not have to participate. You can simply walk away. Ask yourself if your dignity is worth the item you are fighting for as it might not even be the best deal going.
• Be polite. Let others around you in the aisles. Help someone who is looking for a toy or gift.
• Be careful not to block store aisles.

General Shopping Tips

• Talking to people in store lineups can help the mood of everyone involved -keep the conversation friendly & light.
• Stick to your plan and do not allow your shopping to be derailed by other grumpy shoppers. The best plan will help you move efficiently through the store as you'll already know which deals you want.
• If you do not get an item you wanted, it's best to just let your disappointment go and move on. There should be several things on your list that are worth getting. Dwelling on what you didn’t get will only slow you down.
• If you do not want one of the big sale items, you can still save money but hit the stores later in the day. The crowds will not be as bad and you should still be able to get some great shopping deals.