As American readers will know, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving, i.e. this Friday!),  signals the beginning of holiday shopping season and is frequently the U.S’s busiest retail day of the year.  If you are one of the brave people who like to take on the crowds, then keep in mind that Black Friday is also a good time for small businesses to secure an office bargain.

In her recent blog for USA Today (here), Rhonda Abrams suggest the following strategies which may prove helpful

Strategies for successful small business Black Friday shopping:

1. Make a list of stuff you really need. Don’t buy just because something’s cheap. It’s tempting, I know.

2. Check to see which version of Windows 7 you need. If you have a server you’ll need at least the Pro or Ultimate edition. Upgrades are very expensive so buy the right one.

3. Before Friday, find out whether Windows 7 will work with your current software and peripherals before you buy. Otherwise, things can get really costly.

4. Shop online. Many retailers and even manufacturers are offering deals online beginning as early as midnight Friday morning. You may find the best stuff for small businesses — higher levels of Windows 7 for example — online.

5. Apply for your rebates. Make copies of everything and send rebates out immediately.

6. Check the office stores. They often have equipment more suited for business, rather than just consumer, use.

Especially good buys for small business on Black Friday include media — jump drives, CDs, DVDs, media cards. These can be dirt cheap. And you can find really good deals on smaller office equipment like surge protectors, scanners and label makers.

Personally, I find the prospect of Cyber Monday much more exciting – But more of that later this week! For those preparing to take on Friday’s challenges and win, my recommendation is to pack a left-over turkey sandwich and use the event to burn off some of the Turkey Day excesses! Good luck.

To all my American readers, happy thanksgiving!