Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Friday November 28th marked my 5th year working black friday at my store. Honestly I never saw myself working past the first one I was involved in, but here I am five years later. This year the line outside our store stared Wednesday at 6:00pm, so yes there are people willing to sacrifice an entire holiday sleeping and sitting outside a store in temperatures that didn't get much above 35F. In the past five years I've only seen one fight ever happen, but I have however encountered hundreds (I know this number is not an exaggeration) of angry customers who eigher don't come prepared for what the day is all about, or who think that the rules of black friday don't apply to them. After five years here are some of the tips I can give to you:

1) If you want a good deal, show up early, very very early.

2) If you don't follow number 1 under no circumstances scream and and yell at store employee's that you didn't get the deal you wanted. Trust me we want you to get the product you want and get out of there as soon as possible. It's easier for both of us.

3) Don't try to skip ahead in line. Black Friday lines are very good at self regulating. If you try to skip in line, you will get yelled at. Also dont use the line "i only have a few things, can I go to the front of the line?" I've heard that question for the last two years while I've been regulating the line, and I will never, ever let you go th the front.

4) Don't abandon your cart. Its just rude and gets in everyone's way.

5) Just stay home, watch the ads, you can find just as good deals if you are patient. Or try the website and pick it up later.

6) Don't come to the store at open expecting there being people there that can help with returns. The line blocks that part of our store every year, and every employee we have is trying to help customers ringing out.

7) Never ever start a fight.

8) We may be busy but don't try to steal, we are not feeling charitable on that day.