Black Friday 2020 (like everything else) will look a little different than what we’re used to. As stores entice shoppers with bargain prices, the sales and deals will be spread out over the entire month of November. The prices look low and the offerings are many. I’m offering my best tips to navigate one of the busiest shopping days (now several days) of the year.
Everyone’s Sales Will Vary
I’ll be honest. It’s going to get a little bit hairy when tracking all of the deals and sales. Each store seems to have a heavy emphasis on actual Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, many are choosing different ranges of dates to begin and end deals. Focus on the stores where you regularly shop for Black Friday. Go directly to their website to check out deals directly.
What to Skip and What to Snag
Each year, we see a rotation of deals that may vary in specifications but fall into general categories. Items like TVs and technology are always hot sellers. If you’re in the market for an item like these do your research in advance. Often, there will be a series of TV or pieces of technology manufactured just for those Black Friday Deals and they can have issues. It’s not necessarily a bad thing to purchase one, but just know what you’re buying. As far as what I’m always on the prowl for, at the top of my list are small appliances. I’ve seen a Magic Bullet for $15 (Walmart), a glass chopper from Black and Decker for $3.99 (Macy’s), and a $9.99 Farberware Griddle (Walmart). Towels, pillows, and sheets are also a great pick up this time of the year. They may not be gifts, but the prices will be at the lowest.
Get Some Help
No one can manage all of these deals alone (not even me). So today, I’m sharing the websites I use most often to help me manage the deals and see ads scanned in advance.
I also think it would be wise to build a spreadsheet this year if you’re really looking for specific items at the lowest prices along with the date that they go on sale.
Don’t Forget Coupons & Cash Back
If you’ll be shopping online and having items shipped or picking them up in the store, be sure to use a cash back site like Rakuten. Not only will you have all of the best coupons rounded up in one place, you’ll also be able to get a percentage of your purchase back, too.
Follow Through With Rebates & Rewards
Especially at stores like Kohl’s, Macy’s, and JC Penney, many Black Friday offers are sweetened with the promise of a rebate. Be sure you immediately fill out any and all paperwork or online links to make sure you get the money back. Also, be sure you’re a part of any rewards programs and don’t forget to enter your information upon check out. Track when promotions like Kohl’s Cash need to be used by and set a reminder in your phone.
Order Early & Price Adjust
If there’s a particular item you know you want this year, don’t delay. I’ve read several reports predicting shipping delays this year. When you can, opt for curbside pick up rather than shipped to your home. And realize that many stores will be extending their price adjustment policy to last the entire month (or in the case of Target up until Christmas Eve).
Walmart
- Sales begin 11/4 with new deals beginning each week on Wednesday online with more revealed on Friday at 12 PM online and 5 am in stores.
- Curbside pick up will be available for the deals! So if you’re quick on the draw you may be able to land a deal without going into the stores.
- Another round of sales begins 11/11 and then a third and final round 11/25.
- The ads for 11/4 and 11/11 have both been released on Walmart’s site already.
Target
- Deals will be released each Thursday before a Friday in November (beginning 10/29).
- Target will extend its Price Match Guarantee from its normal 14 days. That means if a deal advertised as a “Black Friday Deal” drops in price anytime between November 1 and December 24, you can take your receipt in to receive a refund on what you’ve paid.
Macy’s
- Most deals begin in store and online November 16th.
- Great Under $5 and $10 options
- You can mark your favorites on their website now to make shopping easier.
Best Buy
- Deals are already live.
- Price Match Guarantee – if a deal goes lower than the price you paid through November 28, you can get a refund for the difference.
- Curbside Pick Up, Same Day Delivery, and Next Day delivery available on your deals.
I will continue to add information I learn about Black Friday 2020 throughout the month on this post. And don’t forget to follow The Queen of Free’s Favorite Bargains for more deals.
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This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
