Are you a “Black Friday” or a “Cyber Monday” person?
While everyone loves a great retail deal, not everyone relishes the idea of rushing out right after Thanksgiving dinner to join Black Friday’s doorbuster-snagging throngs. For those who don’t, there’s Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday requires no trip to the mall or waiting on line. It does, however, require being “online.” It also involves “waiting,” but in this case, to find out what deals the day will bring, according to DealNews. But here’s the best part: Amazon turns Cyber Monday into a week-long event, and we’re revealing everything you need to know to score the best deals. Before you start, find out the history of Cyber Monday.
Keep your eyes peeled…
Cyber Monday Deals Week has most often run from the Saturday after Black Friday until the following Saturday, but Amazon keeps the details on the down-low until virtually the last second before Deals Week launches. Most likely, some of the deals offered will be “limited-time” (as in, hours) and “limited-supply” (you may even be limited to “one-per-customer” in some cases). DealNews predicts the info for this year’s Cyber Monday Deals Week will start trickling out on November 29 (aka Black Friday) and that Deals Week will run from the next day through December 7. Here’s more on what to buy and what to skip on Cyber Monday from shopping experts.
Take advantage of real-time cost comparisons
Whereas Black Friday allows shoppers more time to prepare as the deals are often well-advertised ahead of time, Amazon’s Deals Week allows shoppers the ability to find out if that deal is really a deal before making a purchase. DealNews recommends adding cost-comparison apps like Honey and CamelCamelCamel to your browser for instant cost comparisons. Find out the Black Friday deals at Target we have our eye on.
Plan to shop on Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday is by far the hottest day of Amazon’s Deals Week, according to DealNews. Last year’s Cyber Monday saw “twice as many Staff Pick deals on Monday than we did on any other day that week, as well as more offers in general,” the website reports. While you should certainly keep your eye out for deals one of these 60 Amazon Prime gifts for everyone on your list, our sources tell us the word of the day will be “echo.” And by that we mean Amazon’s extraordinary variety of Echo devices, which will be on sale throughout the Weekend.
- Here’s one for the kids with parental controls which is expected to be available for a mere $39.99.
- This one with an 8-inch smart display and stereo sound which will be able to be had for $79.99.
- Here’s a smaller model that’s still powered by Alexa that’s expected to be on sale for $49.99
Potential deals on Cyber Monday
On Monday of Deals Week, DealNews suggests focusing on:
- Speakers. One of the best deals from last year featured two Sonos Play:1 speakers bundled with a $50 Amazon gift card (a $350 value for $298). This year, our Amazon sources tell us you can expect to save up to 35% on Select POW Audio Portable Wireless Speakers.
- Beauty products. To get an idea of the huge selection, look at Amazon’s Holideals on beauty products. And, psst…we have it on good authority Marlowe grooming products for men will be on sale at some point during the weekend at 35% off.
- Laptops. In 2018, Amazon offered up to 28% off select laptops.
- Toys. Amazon discounts some toys up to 50%. LEGO sets can be discounted by up to 30%. If you spot a sale on one of these best Christmas toys, scoop it up!
Don’t let “lightning deals” intimidate you
Amazon’s “lightning deals” take “limited time, limited supply” sales to the next level, with some deals being sold out within minutes, or even seconds. But DealNews found a work-around to give you more time to make a decision: if you think you want an item, put it in your cart. You’ll then have a specified number of minutes to complete your purchase (as indicated by an on-screen timer). To get an idea of what sort of deals will be offered as lightning deals, check out Amazon’s Lightning Deals page.
Another hack to know: the Amazon App has a feature called “Watch this Deal.” which allows you to click on an item and then be notified on your mobile phone when the deal is just about to start. Use it to make sure you don’t miss out on 40% off deals on the Amazon-promised lightning deal on Hudson jeans from Hudson, which is pretty significant since these jeans come with a serious price tag. Take a pass on these Cyber Monday deals that may be a waste of money.
The waitlist is worth it
If you click too late on a lightning deal, you can still add yourself to the waitlist, which is worth doing because many people who add a product to their cart during lightning deals change their mind and don’t follow through with the purchase, advises DealNews. So, make use of that waitlist because you could still score the item. Don’t miss these Amazon hacks to save money while shopping online.
Go Prime
Prime members get 30-minute early access to Lightning Deals across Amazon, according to Amazon’s web page devoted to getting the most out of Deals Week. If you’re not already a Prime member, what are you waiting for, particularly if you have any interest in snagging Ross Simons jewelry for women at…wait for it..56% off the regular price. Check out this beautiful freshwater pearl necklace and this gorgeous pair of blue topaz drop earrings. Still not convinced Prime is the answer? Discover 17 Amazon Prime benefits you might not know about.
Enlist Alexa
With Alexa, Cyber Monday Deals start early on Sunday, November 26, at 8:00 p.m. EST, exclusively for Prime members, and you can also get early access to deals by visiting amazon.com/voiceshopping or asking “Alexa, what are your deals?”And while you’re at it, please note that the Alexa-powered Fire TV Stick promises to be available for a full 50% off during Deals Weekend. These are 11 more things you didn’t know Alexa could do.
Ready, set, shop
You’ll want to bookmark Amazon.com/CyberMonday because as soon as Deals Week begins, this is where you’ll find the deals. Is a vacation on your wish list? Then check out our round-up of the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday travel deals.
Make lists, and make them early
Take some time before Deals Week begins to pick out items you’d be interested in buying—or receiving—and adding them to a Shopping List or Wish List. Then when Deals Week rolls around, you can quickly refer to it when looking for deals. These are 30 of the hottest items to add to your Amazon Wish List.
Of course, if you know you’re in the market for a Sony PlayStation, you should be aware that Amazon has promised $100 of during Deals Weekend. We also have it on good authority that XBox will be on sale, but you’ll have to wait for Deals Weekend to learn what exactly the discount will be, and on which specific items.
Make use of pre-made lists
As you make your list, check out these Amazon pages for shopping inspiration:
- Gift Finder for suggestions by age and interest
- Amazon Device Deals
- Handmade Holiday Gift Shop
- Top 100 on the Holiday Toy List
- Electronics Gift Guide | Under $100
- Home Gift Guide
- Electronics Gift Guide
You’ll also want to add these unique gifts you can find on Amazon to your list.
Cover your bases
For daily updates on Deals Week:
- Sign up for Amazon’s Daily Deals email
- Like Amazon on Facebook
- Follow @Amazon.com Deals on Twitter
- Install the Amazon mobile app
- Install the Amazon Assistant extension to get daily top deal notifications in your browser
You should also know these 13 new ways to find the best Black Friday deals. Read on to discover confirmed Cyber Week deals on Amazon.
Note: Prices listed were accurate as of press time; pricing fluctuations may occur.
Mellanni bedding
Prices vary
Mark your calendar for these deals from Mellanni Bedding, one of the sleep products on Amazon people are obsessed with.
- Monday, December 2: Up to 33% off Duvet Cover Set
- Tuesday, December 3: Up to 33% off 1800 Collection Sheet Set
- Thursday, December 5: Up to 33% off Bedspread Coverlet Set
Miele Complete C2 Vacuum
$399
If you want a vacuum that deep cleans, a canister version is the way to go. This one works as well as it does on hardwood floors as it does on plush carpeting. It’s $100 off on starting on Black Friday and running through December 31. These are more of the most dependable vacuum cleaners money can buy.
The Mitty Mini Blackout Ultra-Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pad
$8
Save your eyes and the earth with this reusable eye makeup remover pad. It will be marked down from $10 to $8 from Black Friday to Tuesday, December 3. These reusable versions of everyday items would also make great stocking stuffers.
Physician’s Formula products
Prices vary
November 25 to December 9 is the time to restock your makeup bag with your favorite Physicians Formula cosmetics. All products are 30% off regular prices. Be sure to check out these 20 makeup stocking stuffers for the beauty lover on your list.
Revo Polarized Sunglasses Harrison Navigator Frames
$209.30
Looking for new shades? You can’t do better than these classic frames with polarized UV protection shoppers from Revo’s 1985 collection. From November 25 through December, they’re marked down by 30%.
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