Black Friday and Cyber Monday: It’s Almost Time!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday aren’t just two days anymore—they’ve evolved into weeks of deals. Many retailers now launch early Black Friday sales in mid-November and extend Cyber Week promotions well beyond Monday. Today’s savvy shoppers don’t just hunt for bargains—they use technology as part of their strategy. From AI-powered deal finders to price trackers and cashback apps, smart tools make it easier than ever to save big. Expect flash sales, app-exclusive discounts, and personalized offers through loyalty programs.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of this extended shopping season:

1. Do your research.

The first key to shopping success is starting your research ahead of time. Many stores release Black Friday and Cyber Monday ads well in advance, allowing you to preview the upcoming deals. By reviewing these ads early, you can compare prices across different retailers and make a plan for the items you want to buy. A great strategy is to create a list of must-have items and keep track of their prices in the weeks leading up to this major discount weekend.

2. Get following.

If you aren’t already doing so, be sure to follow your favorite retailers on social media. Sign up for email and text alerts, too. This way, you’ll be the first to know about their upcoming sales and deals.

You may also want to join your favorite retailers’ loyalty programs. Many retailers offer exclusive early access to Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for their subscribers or members. In some cases, loyalty program members can even get special “doorbuster” deals or free shipping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

3. Look for discount codes.

Don’t settle for the marked-down Black Friday and Cyber Monday prices. Look for discounts to bring the price down even further on sites like SimplyCodes and coupons.com. You’ll find discounts for designer retailers, restaurants and experience days.

4. Leverage AI-powered tools.

AI-driven deal finders can take the guesswork out of shopping. Tools like Honey and PriceBlink use artificial intelligence to scan thousands of sites, predict price drops, and even apply coupon codes automatically. Adding these to your shopping toolkit can save you time and money. For extra savings, consider cashback platforms like Rakuten and Ibotta, which reward you for purchases made through their apps or browser extensions.

5. Use apps and websites for price comparisons.

During this sales weekend, it’s important to compare prices from different retailers to make sure you’re really getting the best deal. Tools like Google Shopping, PriceGrabber and ShopSavvy let you scan barcodes or search for products to see how prices stack up at various stores. Many of these platforms now integrate AI to predict price drops and recommend the best time to buy.

6. Check an item’s pricing history.

Don’t just assume every price you encounter is actually being sold at a great discount. Check the price history of any product on price-checking websites like Keepa, Honey and CamelCamelCamel . These sites use machine learning to track trends and alert you when prices hit their lowest point—making it easier to shop smart.

7. Stack coupons.

One of the lesser-known Black Friday hacks is coupon stacking. Some retailers allow you to combine multiple coupons or promotions on top of Black Friday discounts, which can lead to steep savings.

8. Focus on big-ticket items.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are often the best time to buy big-ticket items like electronics, appliances and furniture. Retailers tend to offer their steepest discounts on high-value products during this time, which means it’s your chance to save hundreds of dollars.

If you’ve been waiting to buy a new TV, laptop or kitchen appliance, now is the time to pull the trigger. Just be sure to do your research on these items ahead of time to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.

9. Stay secure while you shop online.

Online shopping during Black Friday and Cyber Monday is convenient, but it also attracts scammers. Protect yourself and your personal information by following these essential cybersecurity tips:

• Use Trusted Websites: Stick to well-known retailers and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
• Check for HTTPS: Make sure the site’s URL starts with “https” for secure transactions.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Shop using a secure network to prevent hackers from intercepting your data.
• Monitor Your Statements: Review credit card and bank statements regularly for unauthorized charges.

9. Know the store’s return policy.

Before finalizing any Black Friday or Cyber Monday purchases, make sure you understand the store’s return policy. Some retailers have different rules for items bought during this extended weekend, including shorter return windows or restocking fees. Knowing the return policy can give you peace of mind if you’re unsure about a purchase or if the item ends up being defective.

10. Don’t miss Free Shipping Day.

If you miss Cyber Monday, mark your calendar for Free Shipping Day, December 14th. Many retailers offer free shipping with guaranteed delivery by Christmas—often without minimum purchase requirements. It’s a great way to finish your holiday shopping without extra costs.

Use our hacks this year to find the best bargains on the block! For more information on holiday shopping strategies, visit our article. Happy shopping!