Surviving Black Friday: A Consumer Etiquette Guide to Shopping - Page 3

4. Plan ahead. This goes along with knowing what you want, but it's so much more than that. Don't just go out there without direction or clue of where to shop first or what to buy. Write up a list of some things you know the kids, siblings, or parents want, and go to the places that have these products first. Once you are there, get a feel for the store and ask an associate where to go (this will especially help you in the huge superstores so popular today).

Even though I've made it painfully clear how busy store associates will be that day, they are still there to help you find what you need. A smile and a thank you will go a long way if you need extra help with a product, so keep it calm and collected, especially if the associate is in the wrong department or new to the store (it happens, a lot).

5. Have fun! This is an obvious one. Let your hair down and have some fun! Even the craziness of holiday shopping can be an enjoyable experience, and it's much more than just getting low priced products and one-time only deals. Don't be the impatient bastard that everyone in the store stares at while you revert into a fit of rage. If the store is out of a product, shrug your shoulders and move on. Yelling, swearing, clawing, or pulling of the hair is unnecessary. Laugh a little, move on, and wait for another holiday sale later in the season.

I must admit, I'd rather be lying on the couch sipping Pinot and eating stale pumpkin pie on the day after Thanksgiving, but instead I must be out there defending capitalism, one customer at a time. For you veteran shoppers, remember: retail associates are here to help you, and if you show us the respect we deserve, we'll return the favor. With that in mind, I hope to see some of you out on Black Friday, and on behalf of the retail industry, Happy Shopping!

Page 1Page 2 — Page 3
Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for kevin-eagan

Article Author: Kevin Eagan

Kevin Eagan is a Blogcritics Books Editor and (occasional) freelance writer based in the Greater St. Louis, MO area. He also writes at There There Kid, a blog that focuses on literature, culture, and music.

Visit Kevin Eagan's author pageKevin Eagan's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own

Article comments

  • 1 - Adam

    Nov 22, 2007 at 3:42 am

    Can two people, standing in a line, take turns pissing & pooping OR NOT!??? Or will i get beat up.

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for Nov 24, 2009

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for October

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs