Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving. It is always in November and this event has gone from a crazy, one-day event in retail stores to an entire sales season in recent years.
In many cases, all of the deals can be found online. But do you need a strategy to get the best Black Friday deal even if you’re shopping online?
While it might seem that shopping online is a hassle-free choice, a plan of action will either make or break your success in the Black Friday sales.
In this article, we’ll help you learn how you can create a smoother experience while getting those Black Friday deals online.
9 Tips for Getting Early Black Friday Deals Online
If you prefer shopping in person, be sure to check out our guide on how to survive Black Friday.
But nearly 10 million more people prefer to shop online for a Black Friday deal, than in person, so below, we’ll provide you with seven tips to help you get those fantastic Black Friday deals online..and early!
Make your list
A smart Black Friday shopper starts early, planning their strategy.
You must first create your budget to know what you can afford to spend on gifts- and maybe treat yourself to a few of the bargains.
Then, you can make your list to stand the best chance of nabbing some early Black Friday deals.
Decide who you need to buy for, and then go through the Black Friday ads to figure out what you want to get for whom.
Typically, retailers will release their ads early on their websites, in their apps, via email, or through regular mail.
Carefully go through the ads and pick out products that are within your budget and most important, be honest with yourself and make sure you actually want it rather than being sucked in by impressive discounts.
Later, when you log in to start shopping, you’ll find that it’s easier to stay focused and avoid being tempted by other deals.
Set Your Schedule
You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to get the best deals. Therefore, find out when the sales begin and set reminders or mark your calendar.
In recent years, retailers have started kicking off their deals well before Black Friday.
It’s also important to note that the in-store and online sale start times don’t always match in many cases.
For example, Walmart’s online Black Friday begins Friday, November 26 at midnight EST- but the in-store sales will start at 5 AM local time.
In some cases, specific deals within the sale may not go live until a particular time. Previous years have shown this.
For example, in 2019, Amazon’s Black Friday Deals week launched on November 22, but shoppers could not get the discount on the 3rd Gen Echo Dot speaker until November 28.
Shop Early
Since most sales start in the days or even weeks before Black Friday, you no longer have to wait to get those savings.
Last year, Amazon launched Prime Day in October, which sparked earlier-than-usual holiday deals from their competitors.
However, that’s not the only reason you should be shopping early.
There are still a few supply chain disruptions from the pandemic that may result in shipping delays.
If you make a purchase sooner, it will be more likely to arrive in time for the holidays.
Plus, you’ll be more likely to get those coveted items at low prices before they sell out. Especially if they’re a best seller anyway.
Shop Retailers Known for Great Black Friday Deals
When you are making your online shopping plan for Black Friday, make sure that you include the following stores:
Amazon
Amazon is a great place to shop 365 days a year- but they are also quite well-known for their online Black Friday deals.
They typically begin their discounts starting on November 1, offering daily discounts and lighting deals that will help you save on your holiday shopping.
Most Popular Amazon Black Friday Deal:
- Fire TV stick
- Echo Devices
- Alexa Voice Remote
Best Buy
On the biggest shopping day of the year, Best Buy is a fan favorite. They offer free shipping for the holidays as well as some of the top electronics like:
- Ring video doorbell
- Air fryer
- Espresso machine
- Accessories and more
eBay
On eBay, you can find some fantastic Black Friday deals on refurbished and brand new products from some top national brands such as Mattel, Fitbit, Dyson, and Nike.
Kohl’s
Kohl’s offers some great online Black Friday sales.
In years past, they have shown a reduction in the amount required for free shipping, many significant discounts, $15 Kohl’s Cash for every $50 that you spend, and even online-only items that you can’t get anywhere else.
Additionally, Kohl’s is well-known for launching its Black Friday deals early.
Macy’s
Macy’s is the retailer that started the whole Black Friday tradition, and their online deals prove that they’re still in the game.
They offer amazing discounts on their products throughout the store, as well as free shipping promos; This is the perfect place for you to get your holiday shopping done.
Target
Target is another retailer that is quite generous when it comes to savings.
They offer online-only deals in the days/hours going into Black Friday.
Additionally, you can find discount codes and offers for free shipping that sweetens the pot.
Walmart
Over the past few years, Walmart has offered some pretty amazing Black Friday online deals.
They offer deep discounts on anything you can find in the store, from:
- Toys
- Home goods
- Clothing
- Bed sheets
- Pans set
- Christmas trees
- Smart home tech
- Tools
- and more!
There is definitely a Black Friday deal to be had here, so get in early because everybody knows it! The best deals will be snapped up if you’re too late.
Visit Retailer Websites and Create Accounts
As you are making your online shopping plan, take the time to visit the websites of the retailers you plan to shop for and create an account.
Then, when sale day comes, you’ll already have your information entered.
This will help you sail through the checkout process and grab that coveted item before it’s sold out.
Sign Up for Retailer Email Lists
In addition to signing up for accounts on the websites, make sure you also sign up for their email lists; this will help you prepare for one of the biggest shopping days of the year.
Of course, making sure that you sign up early is vital because it seems they release their Black Friday ads earlier and earlier every year.
Here are some of the retailers that you need to sign up to get emails from:
Bath & Body Works
You’ll get special offers and fun surprises throughout the year.
Bed, Bath, & Beyond
You’ll get emails about the latest deals/products in-store and online. New subscribers get a 20% off coupon.
Best Buy
You’ll stay up to date on the latest sales/deals in-store and online.
Costco
You’ll get the latest information on news/special offers/promotions in-store and online.
Kohl’s
You’ll get updates about various offers, such as free shipping, clearance events, sales, and other promo codes. As a new subscriber, you’ll be sent a 15% off coupon for your next purchase.
Macy’s
You’ll be sent information about the latest savings and sales. Additionally, you’ll be sent a coupon for 25% off.
Target
You’ll be sent weekly ad reminders as well as exclusive offers for deals in-store and online.
Walmart
The emails from Walmart will give you information about the best bargains/discounts in-store and online.
Be Sure to Compare Prices
If you can avoid paying more for something, why wouldn’t you do it?
Before your purchase is finalized, take the time to search for the item and find out if there are any deals at other retailers.
There are a few shopping apps that will do this research for you.
Don’t forget to include any loyalty points, special offers, or coupons you may have when you are trying to decide which is the best value.
Apply Any Available Coupons
In some cases, you may find that retailers do not allow additional coupons on top of their sale prices.
However, some retailers will allow you to stack coupons on top of the sale prices. This will help you save even more.
When you’re shopping, you can use a browser extension to search some of the coupon websites to find extra savings on eligible items in your basket/cart.
Search for Cheap/Free Shipping
Most retailers have a minimum purchase amount you must meet before they give you free shipping.
This is often reduced for holiday shoppers, which kicks the competition into high gear.
However, you must keep in mind that cheap/free shipping isn’t guaranteed.
If the retailer is in your local area, you might consider doing in-store pickup instead. This will keep you from having to pay delivery fees.
Be sure that you check the retailer’s policies before you make your decision.
Conclusion
Black Friday is celebrated in retail stores on the Friday after Thanksgiving by shoppers who want the best deals at a price that’s right.
However, many retailers actually begin offering early Black Friday deals online before that.
You can check the sites of the major retailers and the stores you plan to buy from to find out their sale status and plan your mode of attack.
We hope that this post helped get you the Black Friday deal you wanted and that you save money.
Remember that even if you miss out on the great deals you wanted; that Black Friday deal might come back in stock on Monday and turn into a Cyber Monday deal, which is great for you if you prefer doing your shopping online.
