The Holidays create mixed feelings for a society traditionally focused on money and capitalism. Gift-giving and love for one’s fellow human go hand-in-hand as retailers battle it out for every mother and father’s hard earned dollar. Every year, it seems Black Friday is advertised earlier and earlier than when it actually occurs, prompting some to wonder why stores don’t simply advertise the shopper’s dream (and nightmare) the week after it occurs.

There are deals to be found everywhere on almost everything, with lots of shoppers scratching their heads wondering why they didn’t just wait until this time of year to buy items ranging from toaster ovens to laptop computers.

Around the same time, those who own businesses operated from the comfort of their cozy suburban castles begin to wonder if it’s possible to save money on the things they need to manage and grow their enterprises for the next year. Since laptops are only a hundred dollars, some figure, why not stand in line with a friend and pick up two? And while a toaster oven or microwave may not seem like a business expense, try keeping the “CEO” happy without one.

But is this buyer’s playground a patron’s paradise for those who work from home? Can deals be found on the things that business owners and outsourced individuals need to get the job done on time and under budget, ultimately increasing their bottom line? The answer is not exactly black and white.

Deals, Deals, Everywhere…

The thing to keep in mind on Black Friday is that not every deal is actually a bargain. Conversely, regularly priced merchandise can be just as attractive at one store as sale priced merchandise at another. Put simply, it’s important to have a strategy.

Look through the thanksgiving ads and decide which items are ordinary and necessary to run your business. This IRS-based definition gives you the ability to write these items off on your taxes, putting some holiday cheer back in your pocket come tax time. The best deals aren’t always found advertised at big-box retailers, though. Some mom and pop shops try to keep up by offering deals that would otherwise go overlooked. If they’re not advertised, it can’t hurt to ask.

Keep in mind the posted limits, as well. Sure, buying a case of forty reams of paper saves money, but what if the limit is ten per household? Remember to be patient, too, because you’ll be in line for quite a while if you expect to get the best deals.

Is it really time to get up?

Getting up early is a Black Friday tradition, so enjoy it. Just remember to set your alarm the night before, have your strategy ready, and plan your commute. Know the shortcuts, check traffic before you leave, and carry a map with you unless you plan on being stuck behind the accident that inevitably occurs on the road you’ve decided to travel. Google Maps is excellent at this, and some cellular carriers and the phones they offer are now compatible with its live traffic features.

Time is Money, and this is taking too long…

Finally, remember that your time is valuable. If you currently make $50 for every hour that you work, keep in mind that you won’t save $50 an hour for 8 hours no matter how hard you try. That’s okay, though – you wouldn’t have worked on Black Friday anyway.

Just keep track of how much time you’ll be spending for each item on your list. If you’re standing in line for 3 hours to save $10 on a printer, chances are you’ve been wasting your time.

One other thing to keep in mind is the time it takes to send in rebates (if businesses are eligible) – sometimes it can be a time-consuming process to send in all the required information. Also, once the information is sent in, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to see the cash.

…and to all a good night!

Black Friday can be an excellent experience for anyone hoping to save a few extra dollars around the especially tight holiday season. Any business owner can come out on top of the pack with just a little planning and some careful driving. Good luck!