Black Friday 2024: tips for finding the best deals from home

Black Friday used fall on only one day of the year. Shoppers camped outside the stores, eagerly awaiting the chance to open some doors and save a lot of money. Over time, the sales event has grown. Now the entire month of November is a hydra where the heads are “reduced prices” and the sword-wielding hero is an overwhelmed customer.

Stores are offering more deals than ever online, meaning you don’t have to leave the couch to take part. But it can all be confusing. How do you know if a deal is worth your time and money? When does the sale start and end? Will you need that device? We are here to help.

When is Black Friday?

In 2024, Black Friday will fall on November 29. It will be followed by Cyber ​​Monday on December 2, 2024. Most official sales start late on Thanksgiving, although some of the best deals start on Friday, sometime in the early hours. (A handful of stores offer exact start times.)

I have been shopping on Black Friday for over twenty years. My advice, if you’re looking for great deals, is to stay up late the day before Thanksgiving to check for online sales starting around midnight Eastern time on Wednesday, November 27th. WIRED will also cover major sales later in the day. Thanksgiving. Early Black Friday deals start in the first few weeks of November, and retailers like Best Buy usually have a price guarantee if an item gets cheaper on Black Friday.

Can you get Black Friday deals online?

That is possible and must be done. We exclusively cover online deals here at WIRED, because most Black Friday deals are available on the Internet. The best deals don’t last too long, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to your favorite store’s sale pages (and our coverage).

Make a list of what you want to buy in advance. This can help you keep your mind clear when it’s time to go shopping. You shouldn’t buy things just to buy them. Everyone is on a tighter budget these days; the sale will take place again. Take a deep breath and don’t get caught up in the madness.

Which retailers have Black Friday deals?

Almost all of them. There are the obvious stores, like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, but chances are every retailer and brand will have some form of sale on, including deals on clothing, shoes, books, electric scooters, technology, health and beauty items, or specialty fitness items to name just a few categories. There may even be promotions happening at your favorite coffee shop or restaurant. When in doubt, visit a retailer’s website. Typically, Black Friday sales are proudly highlighted on the homepage.

Here are some Black Friday sales pages from major retailers:

Is Black Friday worth it?

TL;DR: Mostly. Long answer: Black Friday deals are usually the best we see all year, and they set the precedent for what dictates a good price in the months that follow.

However, some Black Friday deals aren’t that great or repeat from year to year. For example, you’ll see predictably low prices on some smart-home tech, like the Amazon Echo Dot or Google Nest Mini. In previous years, these speakers sold for about $20 each November. This year they will probably drop to the same price. Even if the price is technically an all-time low, consider whether you really need another cheap little speaker before placing your order, especially considering these deals pop up repeatedly throughout the year.

Some discounts aren’t overwhelming because the products go on sale every few months, and the fact that stores repeat offers so often says a lot about the nature of discounts these days. Still, the deals are worth it if you’re looking for a specific item and want to save some money. Keep in mind that price research is important, and if you miss out on a deal, don’t worry; there’s a good chance it will happen again at some point in the future.

How much money can I save on Black Friday?

That depends on what you’re shopping for. There are so many offers up for grabs in so many categories that it’s impossible to list them all here.

For example, televisions are usually a great purchase around Black Friday, if you can find the right model. They are cheapest this time of year and during the holidays. Likewise, you can save on clothes, toys and household items, but those deals may not be as attractive when you look at specific dollar amounts. However, they are definitely cheaper than normal.