Lauren's List: Tips & Tricks For The Best Black Friday Bargains
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Black Friday is just a few days away and the savviest shoppers are already working on a game plan.
If you plan to hit the stores for those doorbuster deals, make sure you are prepared. Lauren's List has a few tips and tricks to make the process a bit less stressful.
- Use Discounted Gift Cards -Before you head out to shop, visit websites that sell discounted gift cards. You can find gift cards for hundreds of retailers such as Kohl's, Macy's, Target, Walmart, Toys R Us. Basically, you can buy a $50 gift card for $45 or less, saving you at least $5 before you even get to the store!
- Shop on Wednesday - Sometimes, the Black Friday prices are not always the lowest price. Visit the store on Wednesday to find out. You might find that the price listed is the same as, if not lower than, what you will find in a couple of days. Go ahead and grab that item while you can. This is also true with finding the hot holiday toys. If you find one in the store before the shopping frenzy hits, grab it to ensure you have one for Christmas. This is also the time to figure out the other items you want and where they are in the store. This way, when you get there on Friday, you know where to head to get find the gifts on your list.
- Work as a Team- Get your squad together for Black Friday, and use them to your advantage. When the doors of the store open, have one person head straight to the register line to hold a spot, and divide and conquer your shopping list. Each person should have a designated purchase and should make a beeline for that product. The parking lots can be brutal, so bring someone who is willing to hang out in the car while you run into the store if you only need one thing.
- Read the Fine Print- Some retailers have a way of making some sales difficult to actually claim. Certain deals may require completion of a mail-in rebate. Other products are available at their advertised sale price only for a few hours and then go up in price. Some stores may even charge a re-stocking fee if you decide to return something purchased on Black Friday. Keep an eye out for such fine print and exclusions - usually located at the bottom of a Black Friday ad or on your receipt.
What are you best Black Friday tricks to get the best bargains in the least amount of time? Tell CBS4's Lauren Pastrana on Facebook or Twitter .
If you would like to share your ideas for future Lauren's Lists, email here at lpastrana@cbs.com.
