Didn't even go Black Friday-ing today...

[Uncle Cracker]

Already have all the big-screen TV's and laptops I need, and don't need any I-Pods or nav systems. Not really a great variety to choose from, and many places around here have gotten away from "door-busters" and gone to 2 or 3-day sales...

Just as well... I got better things to do than freeze my ass in some parking lot all night, anyway...

[Pappy]

I plan to go shopping a little later. Need to pick up the supplies to finish the deck roof on the Playpen.

[Knottscott]

I didn't go either. The door busters were average IMO, and not motivating enough to bother. Guess I expected better deals considering the economic woes. They'll have to dig a little deeper to get me to part with my dollars this year! Maybe I'm just spoiled by insane internet deals from Amazon, Sears, and Ebay...

[Ed62]

I hate Christmas shopping. Big crowds make it worse. I'll be staying home all day. The internet makes it easier.

Ed

[Gator95]

Not me either. No real deals that got me going, bought most of what I'd get with the live cashback offers. Was hoping there'd be a cheap lithium upgrade kit for the One+ tools, but there isn't... yet.

If I go shopping today it will be for lumber at Peachstate, if they're open.

[cgallery]

Well, I went w/ my 12 YO daughter. She wanted a Wii Fit, from Sams.

We got there at 4:45 (they opened at 5).

Lady comes out to hand out tickets to those in line, and the people in front of us got the last ticket.

So we went in anyhow, figuring there were some spoilers (people that take tickets for things they have no intention of purchasing).

We looked around for an hour, and approached the customer service counter at 6, on the way out. They still have approx. five Wii Fits left (we can see them). I asked if they were going to cut 'em free, as most early visiters had already left.

The woman gave me one line of crap after another. I pushed and pushed, and she finally said they'd sell 'em at 10. She refused to put me on any list or anything.

So I called the store from home (at almost 8) and spoke to the manager. I explained the situation, and asked if there were any more Wii Fits. He said four were left. I said it seems obvious that the customers weren't waiting in the store for THREE HOURS, that they had changed their minds. He wouldn't budge.

I argued (politely) some more. He insisted they told everyone that the second wave would go at 10 first-come, first-served. I explained that his policy was unfair, as it ignores the fact that I was in line to purchase the next one at 5.

So he told me to call back at 9. I'm hoping he tells me that I can pick one up as long as I get there before 10 so other people he has told the "on sale at 10 line" don't get ticked.

But in all honestly, the take a ticket and we will hold it for you policy is DUMB. Hand out tickets if you want to, but they should expire one hour after handing them out. Or they should be numbered.

Setting up a policy where undecided shoppers or even your competitors can lock down your inventory isn't the Wal*Mart/Sams way.

Why do I want it so badly? Because it will means my daughter and her friends will leave me alone for the next three days.

[Thalermade]

I know what you guys mean. Nothing we really need. I do like going and watching all the crazy people though.

Just spent $300 on fridge repairs, which may not have solved the problem.
Probably our real Christmas presents were purchased this past Spring, when we had to buy a new mattress, and after 20 some years we now have completely matching bedroom furniture. (Please don't ask, why I wasn't permitted to build it).

And last but not least, I must be realistic that by the end of June 2009, my position at work may be eliminated.

Russ

[dbhost]

HD was on my way to work, they had the Ryobi 6" bench grinder I want for $19.99, so I dropped in, they were sold out. No biggie. Not a huge sale anyway, and I got the pointsettas LOML wanted...

[shoottx]

Today was a first, and hopefully a last.

LOML and I got up 6:00am, Didn't even know it came twice a day, to do the Black Friday thing.

Lowes for two 14 gallon wet dry vacs for $29.00.

Scored them and left.

[LinuxRandal]

I have only went to a black Friday event once. I knew what I wanted would be out before I got there (laptop), but had never seen it and had to try. No go, and it felt like a sardine can.

Normally I am working them, as I will be today (getting ready to go, should be a 14 hour day), sucks. But I have been looking at things like the MSI Wind, and 1000H eeePC, trying to compromise between a laptop for one game (guild wars) and can run some Windows based Woodworking software (since no Linux version) and Automotive diagnostic software. Yesterday, (no) thanks to the cashback , I found the compromise that I was looking for. An Asus N10J-a2. Almost $200 in cashback (instantly, actually), and I have already filled out the check request. And I picked up my hybrid laptop/subnotebook for $580ish.

I need to web order from Rockler or Woodcraft, for my father, depending on WTH happens with my brother in law (has a large item for dad, b-i-l was wanting other family members to pitch in on).

[cgallery]

Just to report back that the Sam's manager came through for me and my wife and kids are totally preoccupied with the thing already.

[skillybob]

Way to Go! Now maybe you can get in some shop time where we all belong.

[Uncle Cracker]

Just to report back that the Sam's manager came through for me and my wife and kids are totally preoccupied with the thing already.

Good for you! Sometimes da oily boid really does get da woim...

[LCHIEN]

i really didn't need anything and besides, the rebate processor bankruptcy situation makes most of the bargains with rebates suspect...

[L. D. Jeffries]

Like Uncle Cracker and others I didn't even go out today. My LOML (silly gal) left at 4AM along with two other friends to hit the bargins in Watertown, 50 miles away!! What madness!! My ww'ing buddy and partner laid back drank, a little beer this PM. had a laugh and just shook our heads at our insane wives. Never truerer, "shop till you drop".