Disclaimer: I was selected for this sponsored post by Hay There Social Media. 

I am excited to share that I was recently selected to WDIV-TV’s Tweet Team this year for Black Friday. I will be shopping on Black Friday with a team of bloggers to share the best holiday deals and shopping tips with you. All you have to do is follow the #Local4Shopping hashtag on Twitter and our team of bloggers with keep you up-to-date with the best deals and Black Friday happenings from now through Cyber Monday.

You can learn of all the Black Friday happenings in the metro Detroit area by visiting the WDIV Holiday Shopping Frenzy page. I will focus specifically on gifts for your significant others and you can see my initial selections here.

Before we go any further, I have a confession to make…I have never been shopping on Black Friday [GASP]! I really wanted to participate this year because I figured there are a number of you out there like me, who are skeptical about shopping on Black Friday. I figured I would chronicle my first Black Friday adventure and help other first timers get the most out of their time and money. So after lots of research here are my tips for other first-time shoppers:

1. Make your list and check it twice

Black Friday is all about pre-planning. Black Friday is not the time to linger or window shop. This is the day when you get in and get out as fast as you can. To start planning your list you should gather up all of the retail stores’ Black Friday ads and make a list of things you really want. Once you know your top items, you can start comparing deals at other stores to find the best price on your items.

2. Organize your plan of attack

Once you have your list you need to research each store’s opening time. You want to plan out your day to hit each store as soon as it opens. You want to make sure to go to the most crowded/popular stores first as the item you want might be gone if you wait too late.

3. Leave your purse at home

Black Friday is no time for handbags and bulky purses. Make sure to bring a crossbody bag or small backpack to hold your money and car keys.

4. Stock up on supplies

Make sure to keep supplies in your car at all times including water, granola bars and maybe a 5-hour energy if necessary. You might get stuck in line for a while so you want to make sure you have something to snack on. On that note, music and earbuds are key to staying calm and relaxed.

5. Bring a friend

Bringing a friend along not only passes the time, but it frees one of you up to grab last minute items if necessary.

6. Don’t get carried away

Make a list and stick to it or you will end up making expensive impulse purchases. This is what the stores expect you to do and hopefully make some extra cash in the process.

7. Have fun

If you’re not having fun, then its time to wrap it up and go home. It is the holiday season so if you are getting cranky or find yourself getting sick of the crazy people it is okay to take a break and recharge your attitude.

For more, make sure to tune in to Channel 4 (WDIV) on Friday, November 22nd at 11 p.m. and stay tuned to the Tweet Team so you don’t miss any of the best deals:

Follow all the Tweet Team Members on Twitter: