Black Friday is no longer a single day of savings. Instead, it’s a weeks-long event with deals appearing and vanishing unpredictably. The old urgency tactics—”limited time only,” “while supplies last”—are still real. Prices change quickly, and products sell out.
The Problem with Waiting
The biggest mistake shoppers make is assuming deals will last. Retailers start sales in early November, and while some extend through Cyber Monday, the best offers often disappear before Black Friday itself. Amazon, Target, and Walmart don’t always announce end dates for sales, creating artificial urgency.
Real-World Evidence
One writer experienced this firsthand when a $30 price increase hit their Amazon cart within hours of adding items during a recent shopping event. This is not an isolated incident; deals genuinely expire. Tools like camelcamelcamel confirm price fluctuations, and personal experience shows that waiting can cost you money.
How Long Do Deals Actually Last?
Most retailers now spread Black Friday savings over about two weeks, typically starting around November 20th and ending around December 2nd. However, major platforms like Amazon don’t provide firm cutoff dates, forcing buyers to act quickly.
Why Rush?
If a deal lacks a clear end date, assume it won’t last. The most popular items sell out rapidly, and prices rarely drop further once Black Friday passes. Don’t expect lingering discounts; instead, prepare to buy as soon as you find a good offer.
How to Shop Smart
- Use Price Trackers: Sites like camelcamelcamel show price histories on Amazon, revealing if a deal is truly the lowest ever.
- Check Price Match Policies: While less common now, some retailers (Best Buy, Target) offer holiday price matching. If a price drops after your purchase, you may get a refund.
- Focus on Products, Not Deals: Know what you need before shopping. Chasing random discounts leads to impulse buys. Keep an eye on specific items and buy when the price is right, even if it’s before Black Friday.
The Bottom Line
Black Friday is evolving. The “wait until the last minute” strategy no longer works. The best deals disappear quickly, so be prepared to buy as soon as you find what you want. Don’t assume prices will drop further; in many cases, they won’t. Cyber Monday is a last resort, not a guaranteed better deal.
