Don’t be an idiot. If you’re deciding to head out on a limb and join the Black Friday Rush this year, I suggest you a) keep it safe, and b) have a strategy to win. Black Friday is just another dangerous game, and either you win or you die (or just go home with a lot of shame and regret). Whether you’re looking for a highly priced item with large savings, maybe as a present for a friend or relative, or just looking to shop for smaller items (like clothing) for the fun of it, here are some tips on how to go about doing this.

1. Keep yourself safe. If you’re actually planning on participating in the hunt during the doorbuster deals, make sure you protect yourself, first and foremost. This will keep the rambunctious stampedes from leaving you flatter than "Flat Stanley." There have been several instances where desperate shoppers, even workers, found themselves brutally injured or even dead. Wear padding if you must. Certain retail stores are greater hotspots than others, such as Walmart, and so if you’re planning a trip there, do so in good safety and I salute you.
2. Knowledge is Key. Some clothing brands hold their largest sales on Black Friday, averaging about 30-35% discounts from regular brands. If you see anything greater than that, you better scoop that up, because you won’t find it any other time. Also, do take into account what exactly you’re looking for and make sure there’s actually a good sale with it. You don’t want to be the wandering fool realizing he made a big mistake not pre-planning.
3. Use time wisely. We all know that many Black Friday shoppers, or at least the dedicated ones, will find themselves standing outside the store in a line until the store opens. From an outsider's perspective, it’s actually quite hysterical when you see a long line of shoppers surrounding the perimeter of the store with their families with sleeping bags, tents, warm fires, and chairs to keep them nurtured for the attack. So if you really are looking for a good deal, I’d say get there a few hours before opening, and trust me, even then it's probably too late to find a spot.
4. Go for the electronics. Black Friday is mostly for the products you’d usually find to be highly rated, such as computers, video games, game consoles, and tablets. If you 're planning on going to the store at midnight, the best deals you can find will be in electronics.
5. Wait until Cyber Monday. If you’re really looking for a deal for something you really want, I suggest waiting until that Monday, where online retails have exclusive deals very similar to ones you’ll find on Black Friday.

6. Be smart. I bet many of you are thinking, “What’s this guy saying? I’m not gonna risk my life over a bunch of deals.” And many of you have made the right choice. Though, if you decide you want to check out the hype for the first time, I suggest saving your money and your time and spend the remaining hours with your family. Black Friday has now become just another holiday to tag along a main holiday to generate more profits. Like any highly anticipated holiday, you must be aware it’s all a money scheme. Advertise and hype it up and people will come with their wallets stacked. It’s something to keep in mind.
7. Have fun. When I’ve been to Black Friday events, it wasn’t really to get anything spectacular. A few years ago, some friends and I went to the mall around midnight, only to find that most of the stores didn’t open until 3-4 A.M. With a 5-hour Energy shot in my blood and a few rides on the merry-go-round, it felt exhilarating to be there at such a late time, with you being one of the few people around in such a large place. Most of that night I felt I was in a daze, running into some interesting people while half-conscious. I do hope that if you are planning on going, make the best out of it and don’t get all fussed about getting the best deal. Most of the time, the things you want will be gone.

For those of you who are planning on joining the race this Thanksgiving, I mainly suggest the final point, and that is to make it a good experience, regardless of if you get something you want. You'd be surprised what you'll find when not even looking. I'm sure those post-Thanksgiving food comas will change your mind when the time comes, but nonetheless, enjoy the experience as it is: a holiday.