Doorbusters – are they worth it?

You know the scene. So many people anxious to be first in line to assure they snag one of the coveted (but limited items) that crowd control techniques are needed. The merchandise has to be contained behind barricades in order to keep shoppers from grabbing them before the appointed time. Lines so long at checkout that stanchions have to be set up to weave people toward the registers – probably not with the luxury of velvet rope, but more likely with something resembling police tape for the sake of its psychological impact to keep the crowds orderly.

Is it really worth it? Well, it depends. Partially on the constitution of the shopper. Some enjoy getting out there and elbowing their way through crowds. However, when I hear about people actually getting hurt in circumstances like this, I have to wonder if any deal is worth it. Especially when you consider that very often, you can get the same deal throughout the Black Friday weekend, or perhaps get it even cheaper on Cyber Monday. If sales are not particularly brisk, the same deals or better are often offered throughout the shopping season leading up to Christmas. (And for that matter, they are sometimes discounted even MORE deeply after Christmas.

You do have choices. Some stores have much less competitive crowds than others. A good hint is that if they are lining up on the front walk the day before the sale, you might want to reconsider. Sometimes the item is not so severely limited that only the first few shoppers get one. It might be worth contacting the store to ask. You can always go online before hitting the stores and see how much you can save that way. Or you might visit the store once the rush has died down and get the recipient a gift card which can be used at the store AFTER the holiday to buy at comparable prices (this is especially good for many seasonal clothing items and “gift” items, such as robes, slippers, boxed sets, etc. which are often marked 75% off the day after Christmas).

So be savvy in your shopping. Sometimes there may be that one special thing that you just can’t get any other way, and you may decide to go for it. If you do, then be safe. But there just might be a better way.

Happy Shopping!