Most Black Friday communications highlight urgency, using phrases such as “these offers won’t stick around” and “snag it before it’s gone.” While it may appear exaggerated, it’s a fact that offers do not remain available. Resources like camelcamelcamel provide a product’s price history on Amazon, and personal shopping experiences back this up. During the last Prime Day event, Prime Big Deal Days, I observed how swiftly deals can vanish. I placed items in my Amazon cart but didn’t finalize my purchase in time, leading to a $30 price increase upon my return.
Black Friday has evolved into a weeks-long affair, prompting the query of whether it’s necessary to hurry to secure deals. In 2025, many retailers will extend Black Friday discounts for roughly two weeks, spanning from Nov. 20 to Dec. 2. Nonetheless, major retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Walmart often fail to clarify cutoff dates, so prompt action is advisable.
Why rush to snag a Black Friday deal? In the absence of an availability window, seize the deal before it vanishes. The majority of retailers initiate sales on Nov. 20, with prices anticipated to hold steady through Black Friday. Do not expect bargains to stick around past Black Friday, and be prepared for sought-after deals to sell out quickly.
To ensure you’re landing a solid deal, consult experts and utilize a price tracking tool like camelcamelcamel to confirm a product’s price history. If a product hits its lowest documented price, it’s a prime moment to make a purchase.
If you’re apprehensive about additional price drops, review the retailer’s price matching policy. Certain retailers, such as Target and Best Buy, provide a holiday price match guarantee, enabling you to request a price match if the price decreases post-purchase. For retailers lacking a price match guarantee, such as Amazon, you will have to return and repurchase the item.
Concentrate on pursuing a product, not merely a deal. Identify what you intend to purchase before Black Friday and monitor its price. If it reaches a low prior to Black Friday, proceed with the purchase. Avoid being sidetracked by other offers; adhere to your list.
Do not postpone purchases until the day after Black Friday. Sales commence in early November, and by Black Friday on Nov. 28, it is practically the conclusion of the sale. The later you shop, the higher the likelihood of products selling out. If you are shopping the week preceding Black Friday, you might delay your purchase. If it’s the day after, act promptly. Cyber Monday represents your final opportunity to shop deals, not your most advantageous chance.