8 Tips for Getting the Best Black Friday Deals Online

Savvy shoppers wait all year for Black Friday sales. Deep discounts on holiday gifts and wish list favorites have made the day after Thanksgiving one of the busiest shopping days of the year. While bargain hunters live for the annual thrill of bagging the best buy, many of us dread the long lines, crowded stores, and endless searching for a parking space. Budget-conscious shoppers, take heart. There is a better way! Though the season’s best online deals were once reserved only for Cyber Monday, most retailers are now maximizing their reach by offering Black Friday deals on their websites. In many cases, the amazing deals you can find in the store are also available online. So, make a leftover turkey sandwich, crank up your favorite holiday music playlist, and find the best deals without leaving home.

TIPS:

1. Opt In for Secret Deals

Don’t count on print advertising to find the best Black Friday bargains. Rather than scouring newspapers or sifting through direct mail pieces, let the sales come to you. Download your favorite retailer’s mobile app and sign up for their email list - some of the best bargains are only announced through app notifications and emails. Bonus: as long as you stay subscribed, you’ll continue to get notifications of other special buys throughout the year.

2. Get Social

As with email and mobile app notifications, retailers often announce special deals on their social media pages. Follow your favorites on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. You’ll typically also get tips, tricks, and how-tos related to the retailer’s specialty.

3. Get a Jumpstart on Savings

Don’t wait until Friday morning to start your bargain hunt. Some online retailers start offering great deals days, or even weeks, before Thanksgiving. Make sure you don’t miss a single bargain by signing up for emails, enabling mobile notifications, and watching for social media posts.

4. Don't Forget About Cyber Monday

The Monday after Thanksgiving is the day for special online bargains. Check your favorite retailers’ websites for the annual sales.

5. Plan for Long-Term Savings

Think beyond your holiday gift list. Not every Black Friday purchase has to wind up wrapped in holiday paper. Make a list of things you’d like to purchase, or that you’ll need to replace, in the upcoming year, then keep an eye out for matching bargains. Black Friday is a great time to save on home improvement products. For example, if a bathroom remodel is on your spring to-do list, look for bargains on home improvement products.

6. Think Big

Target sales on more expensive items to make the best use of your time and budget. Use Black Friday to get high-ticket items like appliances, furniture, and electronics at rock-bottom prices. Retailers often offer a limited number of first-come-first-serve giveaways to get shoppers into stores. Getting something for nothing can be enticing, but ask yourself if it’s really worth braving the crowds, cold, and flying elbows for a chance to get a free pair of fuzzy socks or a miniature toolkit.

7. Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

A deep discount is only a bargain if you wind up with something you really want. Most big-ticket items like appliances, electronics, and household fixtures will be around your home for years, so be sure to weigh today’s savings against long-term enjoyment. Take advantage of the seasonal deals, but don’t compromise on style. Find a retailer that specializes in the category you’re interested in for the best shot at big savings on exactly what you’re looking for.   

8. It’s Not Over ‘til It’s Over

Cyber Monday doesn’t necessarily signal the end of holiday savings. Lots of retailers extend sales well into December. Make sure you’re connected to the stores you love through email, mobile apps, and social media so you don’t miss the post-rush bargains.