5 Little-Known Perks of Shopping Early on Black Friday

Black Friday is almost here, and soon millions of shoppers will be flooding local retailers in the hope of snagging holiday gifts at bargain prices. While most people will hit the stores during normal business hours, there are still plenty who wait in line before doors even open.

That might seem excessive to some, but there are actually some pretty big advantages to shopping early on Black Friday. Here are five of them.

1. You have a better chance of getting what you want

Inventory can disappear quickly on Black Friday with so many people out shopping. So the earlier you get to the store, the more likely you are to actually take home the items that are on your list.

This is especially true if you're interested in doorbuster deals that are only available for a limited time on Black Friday or while supplies last. Aim to collect these items first before heading off to shop for other things, if you want the best odds of crossing them off your wishlist.

2. You have a better shot at finding a good deal

Piggybacking off the last point, when you begin shopping early, you have more time to visit different stores and compare prices before inventory drops too low. This might enable you to score a better deal than someone who waits until later.

If you arrive at the store and there's only one of what you want left on the shelf, you either have to take it or risk it being gone when you return if you decide to check elsewhere first. This is still a risk for early birds, but the odds of missing out on something entirely are lower.

3. You may not have to wait in long lines

Long lines usually come with the territory of Black Friday shopping, but this depends somewhat on when you go shopping. Those who are up before the sun will probably get in and out more quickly than someone who heads to the shops in the afternoon.

If you're not comfortable waiting in long lines, you might consider limiting your Black Friday shopping. Instead, look to Cyber Monday for deals you can snag from the comfort of your own home.

4. You may have a less stressful shopping experience

When there's fewer people and more inventory in the store, you might find the shopping experience more like a typical outing rather than the feeding frenzy Black Friday can sometimes turn into.

But this depends on where you shop. We've all seen those videos of people sprinting into stores the moment the doors open only to get into fistfights over TVs just inside the entrance. If you're afraid of this happening, you may want to wait a little while after doors open to begin shopping.

5. You'll be done sooner

Black Friday is part of Thanksgiving weekend, when many of us are spending time with family and friends. You can always bring your family shopping with you, but not everyone will want to go. Shopping early means you can also finish early and then go back home to hang out with those you may not see that often.

It's ultimately up to you to decide when and how much you want to shop on Black Friday. There's more to think about than just your shopping list. You also have to think about what your checking account allows for. But having a plan in place before Black Friday can help you be efficient and stick to your budget.