918 Moms Talk Black Friday Shopping Strategies

By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Attention shoppers, this consumer report is just for you. The News On 6 talked to 918moms.com about shopping strategies to make the most of Black Friday bargains.

Retailers are already rolling out the door busters to lure you in the stores but the truly savvy shopper can get a jump on the competition right now.

The News On 6 got a few tips from the Coupon Queen.

Places like Tulsa Promenade Mall will be crawling with bargain hunters in less than 30 hours.

Some say you can cash in on some of the best black Friday deals without ever leaving home.

The black Friday frenzy is almost as much of a Thanksgiving tradition as the turkey.

This year, the recession could really squeeze wallets, forcing shoppers to stretch their holiday dollars.

"Last year I got 400 dollars worth of toys for 40 dollars; it wasn't on Black Friday," said Sarah Roe, Coupon Queen.

Sarah Roe became coupon-obsessed, when her oldest son was born with almost two dozen life-threatening allergies.

She had to choose between paying doctor bills and buying groceries.

Now, she's coupon-clipped her way to a popular web site as part of 918moms.com, which is owned by Griffin Communications.

The Coupon Queen says for black Friday, perfect timing is everything.

Door buster deals are time-sensitive. So do not just check the ads for prices.

Do your homework.

"Research the real prices of your items so that you are not a victim of really smart marketing," Roe said.

The Coupon Queen says you can get started on research right now, thanks to web sites like www.gottadeal.com.

They have a preview of some bargain basement prices at major retailers, even before the ads come out Thanksgiving Day.

Also, checking store policies for price matching could save you hours in line. Skipping the lines does not mean you need to skip out on savings.

"Many stores like Best Buy for example, they throw up their deals online on Thanksgiving Day," Roe said.

Finally, black Friday shopping is a team sport.

"If you want toys and the other person wants electronics, you can send one person one direction and you go the other and you can all come back together and put it all together," the Coupon Queen said.

Roe says even if you sleep in on Friday, there are always deals to be had, if you shop smart.

Of course the Coupon Queen says don't forget your coupons whether you're heading out on Friday or staying in to shop online.

Trust this lady's advice; she only spent 27 dollars on her entire Thanksgiving dinner including the turkey.

Some useful Black Friday sites:

• Black Friday: The Queen's Top Picks
• DealNews.com
• CouponSherpa.com
• Blackfriday.org
• currentcodes.com
• PriceProtectr.com
• PriceGrabber.com