Several thoughts:
The last time I went to Walmart on Black Friday -- yeah, I know, big mistake -- was about 15 years ago. I saw two women fist fighting over the last bicycle, and while they were rolling around on the floor together, someone else came and took the bike. I turned tail and went straight home, realizing then and there that I just don't hang in that kind of crowd.
I'll go out on Black Friday ... but not too early and not to the really insane places like Walmart. The best thing I bought last year was a Target gift card for 10% off. Of course, I "gifted" it to myself so I could then buy whatever I wanted for 10% off. They had some movies, etc. for low prices too.
What I think is better than actually going out is buying online. A couple years ago we wanted a new TV, and I ordered it online on Black Friday ... had it shipped to the store through Walmart ... and waited about a week to go pick it up. When I went in, I just had to show my purchase print-out and my ID, and minutes late I was walking out with my TV. I got the price AND avoided the crowds. I'd do that again in a heartbeat.
If you do want something that's advertised at Best Buy, see if you know any teenagers who'd stand in line for you. Yes, seriously -- kids will wait in line for you for $25. I know a group of teenaged boys who've been spending the night in front of Best Buy for years now (they're now college students). They bring sleeping bags and make a game of it. Their moms deliver sandwiches and hot chocolate during the night. Here's the thing: When the store's about to open, Best Buy hands out "tickets" for the hot ticket items. They go down the line saying, "What're you waiting for?" And the teenaged boy who's waiting for you says, "I'm waiting for the TV and the ipad." Best Buy gives him the tickets for those two items (until they're gone), and you show up promptly at 8:00 (or whenever the store opens), and the kid gives you the ticket, and you buy the item without waiting.
