Working in Retail on Black Friday

I've mentioned before that I work in retail. I have also mentioned before that I go Black Friday shopping every year. In fact, this year will be my 7th year in a row. For the first time in 3 years, I will be working in retail on Black Friday. 
When I was in high school I worked after I Black Friday shopped and this year it will be before. There can be a huge difference in your energy and what you can get when your schedule works out like that. 
When I worked Black Friday for the first time, I was able to get my shopping done as usual from about 5am-10am, but since I didn't have a car at the time, I had to linger around the mall until my shift started at about 1pm. This year, my plan is going to be vastly different. It has to be. 
I will be working the opening shift at work this year, from midnight to 7am! That will be the most crazy time to work because everyone will be pouring into the store for all the deals. I haven't worked in Black Friday for so long so it will be interesting. 
Last year I compiled a list of tips to help with Black Friday so I'll definitely be making sure I check back to that post to get my game plan on point after I get off work. I'm hoping that although I'll be starting shopping a couple hours later than I usually do, I'll get the same great deals like I did last year. 
Luckily, I'm not working on Thanksgiving Day, but that also means that I'll probably have to cut my time with my family short so I can make sure I get enough rest. Besides I'll probably go Black Friday shopping myself afterwards, so I'll definitely need the energy for it. Wish me luck!
Got any other tips for me? 

Black Friday Haul!

Sorry that I haven't posted in the past couple days. I am currently in the middle of Fantasia week, something that music students at my school call the week we have Christmas Fantasia, our annual Christmas concerts.

But anyway, I finally have my Black Friday video up on my Youtube channel! (Subscribe!) If you didn't know before, this year was my sixth year doing Black Friday shopping. I prefer to do it in the early morning hours of Friday and refuse to go on Thursday night. I don't know why; it's just a preference of mine.

What did I get?

Purple Crop Top - Urban Outfitters
Black Maxi Skirt - Cotton On
Gray Coat - Cotton On
White Crate - Typo
Scrabble Mug w/ Initial - Typo
Cross body bag - Forever 21
Cream and Gold scarf - Forever 21
(This doesn't include the gifts I bought)

I didn't include the gifts I bought for people in my video due to the possibilities of the people I bought for seeing the video. Two gifts on this list are gifts, actually, but whatever. Haha.

Including the gifts I bought, I spent just under $165. I never usually spend more than 20 or 30 dollars on one trip so spending that amount was really a lot for me. I spent $100 at Cotton On alone! But I did budget and set aside this money for Black Friday so it was planned. I didn't impulsively buy all this stuff. If you weren't as prepared for Black Friday this year, bookmark my tips on prepping for it! There's always next year!

Did you go black friday shopping? What did you get?

Black Friday Prep: Making the Most of It

Thanksgiving is coming up, so that means a break off of school (and usually work), tons of great food, and... Black Friday shopping!

This consumeristic tradition is going on its 6th year with me! I started doing this during my freshman year of high school to experience shopping early in the morning and scoring some great stuff in the process. I've always been one to try and get some great clothes, accessories, anything for a great deal, and people always ask how I do it! Black Friday is one of those reasons.

These tips are what I've learned through personal experience, and while they don't guarantee 100 percent success (since Black Friday is so unpredictable), I hope that they can help make your time easier! 

1. List EVERYTHING. I mentioned in a previous post how much I love lists and how great of a help they are to me. My mind is already so scattered, so creating lists of what I need when I go shopping is therapeutic for me, even if I don't actually take the list with me. I always keep a list of what I think are classic pieces that I need on my phone, so if I'm shopping and run into a great deal for a certain piece, I buy it and cross it off my list. Whether it's listing what you want to buy, where you want to go, or even who you are going to shop for, creating a list helps organize your thoughts and gives you an idea of how much money to bring, what you can afford to buy, and all that good stuff. 

2. Have an idea of what your plan is going to be. Black Friday shopping isn't usually something people decide to on the spur of the moment (especially at 4am that morning), so it is always good to have a general idea of what you are going to do. Are you going to shop right after Thanksgiving dinner, or are you going to wake up at 4am to go shopping? What stores do you plan on shopping at? What do you need and what do you want if there's a good deal or some extra cash? How much money do you plan on spending? Writing this down helps (see tip #1). Keep this in mind when planning:

• Check store openings! Make sure you know what time they open so you can make sure to get there early.
• Do you want to shop at a mall or go to stand-alone stores like Best Buy or Target? (As for me, I personally prefer malls).
• Are you willing to drive to multiple locations? 
• Are you going to buy gifts or splurge on yourself? (This is an important one). 
• Be prepared to spend more than you planned. You know it's going to happen when you see that item you just need to have!

3. Now that all being said, HAVE A BACKUP PLAN. Like I said, Black Friday is unpredictable. We've all heard those stories of crazy ladies being trampled on at WalMart or BestBuy on that Friday morning. If that thing you needed (or wanted) to buy is sold out, be prepared to check out another store. If you realize you've spent too much, you're going to have to decide what needs to be returned (and if it can be returned). 

4. Patience. Yeah I know it's easy to get excited then cuss out the person who takes the last parking space in the parking lot right as they're opening the store. Just beware of things like that and know that things aren't going to go your way, as much as you try. (see tip #3). 

5. My final tip for now: Go shopping with a friend! Shopping at 5 o'clock in the morning isn't fun alone, especially when everyone is going crazy and lines are really long. It helps to have a friend to keep you sane and help you out when things change. Plus, they can help keep you company when you're waiting in all those long lines to check out or enter a store. Besides, you can always hang out with them after all the shopping is done! I think they help make the experience fun. Unless you're a control freak and can't stand to have anyone help you. Then please, go by yourself and don't hurt anyone around you. 

Haha, but seriously, have fun with it! Whether it's your first time or tenth time going along for this official start to the Christmas season celebration (as I see it), just have fun and don't sweat the small stuff. You don't want to start the holiday season holding a grudge or getting high blood pressure from Black Friday. It's a fun experience, so just go with it! I hope these tips help you score some great deals and deal with all the madness that comes with Black Friday. Good luck!