Black Friday is no longer the 24-hour event it used to be. Instead it's become a week-long shopping extravaganza when even seasoned bargain hunters can overspend. That's where we come in. With multiple Black Fridays under our belt, we're here to tell you what to avoid, how to prepare, and how to make the most of the biggest shopping day of the year. Start with this 12-step checklist:
1. Read and compare Black Friday ads
2. Use leaked circulars to showroom products before you buy them
3. Start shopping early (don't wait until Black Friday)
4. Decide if you want to shop online or in-store
5. Know your in-store gameplan
6. Check deals while in line
7. Avoid impulse purchases
8. But be flexible and come prepared with alternatives
9. Know which stores will offer price matching
10. Beware final sale items
11. Keep track of rebates and store credits
12. Be a polite customer
