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I admit it.  I’m not someone who enjoys shopping.  I do, however, love finding deals.  I don’t enter a store to browse or go in search of what I simply can’t live without. I enter stores with one goal: to find bargains.  For people like me, the upcoming Black Friday is the most wonderful day of the year.  Over the years, I have spent countless hours chilled to the bone in line with (the often reluctant) friends and family.  With my years of experience, comes much wisdom to share with follow bargain hunters.  Here is my guide to everything you need to know up to the opening of the store doors on Friday, November 27.

Consumers, especially this year, are highly sought after commodities.  Take time to explore all of your Black Friday options by reviewing the print ads.  If you’re not already a Tribune subscriber, make sure to grab their Black Friday ad edition early.  I promise you that it will sell out at many newsstands and gas stations.  If you’re anything like me, you’ll obsess over the ads most of the day.  Who cares about your uncle’s story about his recent heart surgery? You need to focus on finding deals!!

In the event that any of the retail stores are still open once you reviewed the ads, take some time and go stake things out.  Many of the large retailers will have their major Black Friday deals out late on the 25th or on the 26th.  They’re easy to spot.  Look for a large covered stack in the middle of an aisle.  Often, there will even be a sign that sales items are not for sale prior to November 27.  Keep in mind that Hastings isn’t Oz.  It’s okay to take a look behind the curtain!  Take a look at the product, and if you like it, make sure to note the easiest and most direct path to it.

Once you’ve identified the store with bargains you can’t miss, commit yourself to camping out.  Yes, it’s cold.  Yes, it means no sleep.  Yes, it means you’ll have a great story to tell!  You need to be in line right around the time most people are enjoying their second or third turkey sandwich for the day.  Serious bargain shoppers will already be camped out before 8:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Yes, I’m serious.

Come prepared to be cold and pack some entertainment.  Gloves with fingers make it much easier to hold cards, play board games and grab your hot chocolate thermos while you wait.  Foot warmers are always a good idea.  Layers are essential.  Make sure to wear something that keeps your face covered.  Not only will this provide protection against the weather, it’ll offer you a nice disguise.  (If you need to elbow someone in store to get the last sale priced Blu-Ray player, it’s nice if they don’t recognize you as the new “friend” they made while standing in line next to you.)

Once the doors open, the mob is set loose and there is essential information to ensure you get home with the deals you wanted.  I’ll share those insights in my column on Wednesday, November 25th.

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About the author: Dan Peters

Dan Peters is a 30-something administrator at Hastings College where he tries daily to convince students that he’s not nearly as old as they think he is. Having grown-up in central Nebraska, Dan knows all the spots to have fun, eat a ton and find a celebration. Dan is a huge fan of Jimmy Buffett and is committed to the idea of one day having Jimmy play at the Adams County Fair.