We wanted to share an “anti” Black Friday post with you. Now you might be thinking that we are completely bi-polar over here as we have been posting Black Friday Deals, Tips and more like crazy getting everyone “hyped” and prepared for the shopping day. But let me be down right truthful. Thrifty Cas and I will be home, sipping our coffee while enjoying the calm and quiet of the house while shopping online.
First, I would like to provide you some context (you know we love to share stories). We have been out on Black Friday numerous times. But for me, they have usually been painful memories. Why? Let me count thy ways:
- I am a skeptic at heart – I’m skeptical about most everything (including Black Friday) unless something changes my view
- I hate the cold and live in N. Utah – home of the 2002 WINTER Games
- We lived in Southeast Idaho prior to that where the temperatures were that much colder!
- I love my sleep
- Crowds frustrate me
- I think making buying decisions based on “hype” and “emotion” can be a detriment to our budget – only a well planned Black Friday shopping day can be useful to any budget (and very well disciplined one at that!)
- All-in-all – I end the day grouchy, tired and often end up sick
The last couple of years, Thrifty Cas and I would research, read reviews, budget, plan and scope out the deals for the items we needed. Then the time would come to figure out where to get the lowest price. Thrifty Cas would pull out her ads and we would strategize and plan where we should go. We have been there and done that – we have frenzied and lived the excitement! But, over the last few years I think I have converted Thrifty Cas to a slightly different approach.
The last few years we have been able to score the same or better deals from the comfort of our own home with on our trusty computer. And better yet we didn’t freeze, get sick, or wait in lines for hours (literally I remember one year that Cas waited in line for hours at Toys R Us). Problem solved!
So there is light at the end of the tunnel for you non-Black Friday deal seekers! Why? Well its time to do some more counting (I am overly analytical if you can’t tell).
- In this day and age, many more retailers are realizing the online shopping market is growing by leaps and bounds and becoming the preferred norm for many households.
- As such, the online deals are very competitive because there are more options for consumers.
- Each year more of the larger retailers are offering their Black Friday deals from their ads online too – often times with FREE shipping.
- Online shopping could often yield more savings than actually going in-store. Why? There are often a numerous assortment of online codes from percent off to free shipping and more. Many retailers will often allow you to “stack” coupon codes that will bring more savings. In addition, there are even other numerous ways to save online.
- You can still experience the thrill of getting that great deal and of all your research paying off!
- You can shop in your PJs, avoid the crowds, avoid the cold, avoid higher risk of getting sick, be less cranky, less tired, less irritable and…those items come right to you! What could be better?!
Often times we have gotten a better deal or the same deal – sometimes we have paid only a little more. The times we have paid a little more it has not been more 10% additional cost than the in-store Black Friday cost – but the hours and sacrifice saved from purchasing this item online rather than in the store was definitely worth more than the difference. However, even the times we have spent more is becoming more of the exception as time marches on!
Now I know for some that going out on Black Friday is such a thrill and is so exciting that even if the deal could be found online you might still want to go out and have the “Black Friday experience”. I totally get that! So my hat is off to you while I drink my warm cup of coffee in front of my warm computer while I score the deals in minutes!
With that being said, we will be posting many of the online deals we see as well – and have already during this busy holiday season!
We would love to hear from you. Do you enjoy and thrive off the frenzy and just love Black Friday? Or will you be more like us now and enjoy getting the deals online while leaving that frenzy for others? Leave a comment and share with us!
Thanks to writeissideways.com to the relaxing, yet dangerous cup of coffee on the laptop.
Gladys
I have to do my black Friday shopping at home this year and I am so afraid I’ll spend more money! I guess this is where “except what you cannot control” comes in. Some of your tips helped but I won’t know how to stack codes come time. I hope this isn’t the beginning of a costly season. Happy Holidays!
thriftyal
Hi Gladys. No need to worry about stacking those coupon codes – its really easy! Some sites will let you and others not, but you just enter the first code and apply it and then enter the second! Kohl’s is a great example of this. And your comment about spending more at home is probably a temptation no matter how you shop. We’ve been in the stores on Black Friday watching others with full carts just sucked into the frenzy. I guess no matter how you do it just remember to be intentional, make sure when you buy something you really need the item, and watch your budget! Happy shopping!
Heather s.
Thinking I will be shopping from my computer drinking my hot cocoa and enjoying the warm house. I am already sick and don’t need it to get worse. Hope you and your family are doing well 🙂
~ Heather
Nicole
I totally agree that you can get many of the same deals online that you can get in store…there’s just one thing not taken into account that I find SOOOO irritating (and so does my husband since I take it out on him). The websites are always crashing or running really boggy. That drives me nuts! Plus a lot of times I need to SEE the item I’m considering. Because sometimes it looks really cool to me online and I get all into it and then it comes in the mail and I feel totally ripped off. So I guess if you’re a more visual person like me being able to see the items in person really helps a lot.
Kathie M
My DH travels for work and the airline are so hard on his luggage. Black Friday is my stack up day for suitcases. I’ll be buying at least 3 if not 4 sets at Kohls. It costs a lot but it’s less then buying it as he needs it through the year plus Kohl’s has great prices on it, 15% off, and Kohl’s Cash. I can’t wait!
thriftyal
Hi Kathie, actually use EXTRA20 for 20% off and any orders over $50 you can get free shipping! 🙂 Their website says you can still earn Kohl’s cash online – it will just come in your email. Make sure to check out savings.com as they have some awesome coupon codes for large retailers!
Katie H
This is my first Black Friday… we lived in CT many years ago but had never heard of it and living in Hong Kong the last 4 years, we were definitely out of the loop, so when I first got wind of it, I was all set to get out there and fight with the best of them.
Over the past few weeks I have been seeing the ads pop up and blogs about past experiences and I have basically decided its not worth it. I haven’t really seen anything fantastic that I am looking for and after living in crowded Hong Kong, I enjoy my space.
My hubby and I decided we will go for a drive past Walmart, Best Buy etc at around midnight just to see how big the crowds are and get a “feel” of the day. I got my one thrill when I got one of the first Kitchen Aid mixers from the Lowes deal on facebook a few weeks ago for $18.10!!! That and everyday deals is exciting enough for me! My savings have gone from about 20% up to almost 90% at times just with sales and coupons! Thanks for all your help getting me started in saving…. I enjoy reading your emails and facebook posts everyday.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 🙂
Fiona
NO! I WON’T GO! I am with – happy shopping online on Friday and of course hitting up Cyber Monday. With all the free shipping offers, I need it. I send presents to family scattered all over. Why not let them ship for free. I’m not really a touch feel type. With offer codes and mypoints it makes me money (or so I like to think) to stay home. I also avoid all those impulse buys! And I am not a people person at 3am.
Carla
I also did the Black Friday shopping at stores it was the worst experience in my life. People fighting and rushing pushing and just crazy…It was completely not worth it…When I came home I found better deals online and ended returning MOST of my items to the stores. I vowed never to do that again. I also ended up really sick after wards. I found no thrill to be honest just becoming upset on how rude people were and inpatient on how LONG the lines were. Plus I should have honestly known better as I worked for a retail store for 5 years and most of the time AFTER thanksgiving there were better deals scored than even on that date. I know some stores though I think its unethical only allow a certain amount of items on the floors once they are gone you are not allowed to get anymore out. We had to tell the customers we were out. Once the sale is over and the price jumps up a little they bring the rest of the bulk out. At least that was my experience years ago I have not worked in retail for over 4 years so times may have changed but I hate holiday shopping. It is definitely not a time when you have happy customers not usually anyway.
Siri
I totally agree! I hate waiting in lines, dealing with sales people who know nothing, and pushing through crowds of people. And you are DEFINITELY more likely to impulse shop – that’s why Black Friday exists! Give me my laptop and retailmenot and I’m good to go! Thanks for all your posts, they help a lot!
nicole
I will go and shop the mall for a bit with very low $$ for the fun. I avoid the “big boxes” and just love being in the holiday mix. I usually print a few extra coupons and share with people in line and just have fun. No pushing, shoving, or waiting….then its back to the computer for the heavy lifting!!
Happy holidays and thanks for all of the work you guys do!
Cindy
I’ve always thought Black Friday was ridiculous :0 (Can you tell I’m NOT a shopper) It’s called Black Friday for the retailers,not the consumers! A lot of consumers get into debt…not a good plan.
Shop year round and look for deals. After Christmas is a great time to shop too! How about off season, great deals then also 🙂
Jan
I hate crowds and don’t want to get hurt (not to mention I have no insurance). I will be shopping online.
Dawn
I have been rethinking the whole concept of shopping for Christmas this year and appreciate your comments. I am finding that if I just stay out of stores and catalogs I have a clearer picture of what my family really needs, which is mostly peace and being together. Once I know what would be appreciated, then I look for the special deal. I use free/almost free items to fill gift baskets for aunts and uncles and neighbors and make sure they are treats/items I would want myself. Hopefully, our family will enjoy more quality time over a puzzle, a game of chess, or enjoying Christmas music this year.
Becky
Agreed… A good Christmas shopping is a year spent avoiding the mall the the rush… been shopping online for 10 years and have gotten great deals! This year (with the the youngest reaching 18) we will be going with less STUFF, more homemade items and more fun together as a family… Maybe a rousing game of Monopoly.. we must have at least 4 or 5 of them in the game cabinet!
Denise
I have gone out shopping almost every Black Friday of my adult life. But this year I am forced to stay in. I fell down our stairs Monday morning. So the idea of all that walking, standing and waiting is just impossible this year. Thank you Thrifty Couple for posting online deals and reminding me that you can often stack coupon codes. I will be shopping at my computer with a cup of hot cocoa in one hand and an ice pack on my booboo. This may be the start of a new shopping tradition. Happy Thanksgiving.
Katie
I used to be all about the black friday deals. I used to think it was fun to spend Thanksgiving night with all the ads sprawled out on the floor planning my attack plan. Then the hours started getting earlier and earlier and you know just how bad Utah winters can be so I would go every other year or so.
Now I’m pregnant, tired and soooo not a morning person so I will be staying home and doing a little shopping online until noon when I will get a maternity massage at half price. 🙂
Ginny
There is one item I am thinking about going to a store for but I would much rather do it online. How do we find out if the store will also offer it online? In the ad tomorrow?
thriftycas
Hi Ginny,
Head over to A Full Cup here and scroll down and you will see a post on the Black Friday online store deals that is suspected right now. Keep checking this and here on our site as we all find out more! What are you looking for? You could search the forums on A Full Cup to see if that particular item has been stated whether it will be online!
A Full Cup link: http://enlnks.com/aff_c?offer_id=193&aff_id=137&file_id=2073
Emily
This is kind of a follow-up to Ginny’s question…but WHEN do the online deals start? Midnight? 5-11 am like the in-store deals? And do they go by Eastern time or local time? Thanks so much!
thriftycas
Most will start just after midnight – we don’t know for sure yet, but that has been the past experience!
Ginny
Thanks Cas, I looked and could not find anything that talked about online. I am looking at the table saw at Sears.
thriftycas
Hi again Ginny, It is actually the first post titled: Black Friday Store info – Added online info. That has information that we know so far.
Also, according to a post from Black-Friday.net, Sears is starting their online Black Friday sale tonight! So that means that you might get your deal before and if you can’t get that specific item, then at least you know and can prepare for Friday morning.
Here is the link to Sears: http://bit.ly/f1s4tK
Here are some coupon codes that you can try stacking for additional savings (we are not sure if Sears allows stacking, but even if you are able to only use one, it could end up being a better deal than going out on Friday! Let us know if you were able to grab your item online – we are curious!
$5 off a $50 or more purchase: SNOW
10 – 40% off Tools of the Day through this link: http://bit.ly/fHQPdj
FREE shipping on orders of $99 or more: SANTA
Ginny
Wow thank you so much!!!!
Ginny
P.S. Emily good question.
Rachel Durfee
how about the walmart trampoline. That is what I am after. It is 165 with enclosure.
thriftycas
Rachel, It looks like you have a decent chance of grabbing this on-line. This is a statement found on this product at Walmart.com (the exact one in the BF ad):
“As advertised in your local ad, this item will be available in stores and online at the special low price on Friday, November 26.”
Walmart may probably be starting their sale on-line earlier than 12:01. But in the past it has been about 1 am MST. With them opening earlier this year, there is a chance oneline could start earlier too … but it is a risk to wait for the online if it starts later than 12:01 vs. going in store because both the in-store and online will probably sell out super fast! The ad says that there is a very limited quantity in-store. Call your local store and find out where they will be at at 12:01 am, if they know how many your store will have and if they think it would be better for you to get it online (looks like price is the same in-store and online, online you can choose free shipping from site to store and pick up at your local store), so it just an issue of who will have better stock! They might know when the online sale will start too. Walmart does have an online Thanksgiving sale – so check and see tomorrow if it is up or if there are any clues when the online sale starts. Walmart rarely does coupon codes – so this will be one store that you probably will not be able to use any codes for additional discounts (I checked too and did not see any currently!).
Hope that helps and if you talk to your local store, any information that they give you – let us know, especially about the online BF sale starting time!
Thanks!
Thrifty Cas
Margarita
Are there any coupon codes for Target online? I am only trying to buy that “one” gift for my son and I really don’t want to go out, most stores are opening at 4am, which is earlier than previous years and I am just not in the mood. Hopefully, it’ll be the same price online that it is in the store
thriftycas
Hi Margarita, I am not sure what you are after or how much you are spending but here is a couple of options for you. These links will automatically activate your discount when you shop.
$5 off a $50 or more purchase online: http://bit.ly/fiMYNw
$7 off a $70 or more purchase online plus free shipping: http://bit.ly/htA90f
Hope that helps and hope that the item you are looking for can be found online!
Sue K
AAA gives a discount at Target.com if you enter thru aaa.com
Lora
I have gone shopping on Black Friday for the past couple of years. I go with my mom in law and sister in laws. Honestly we don’t get to crazy about it. We just enjoy hanging out together. The lines don’t bother us because we chat the whole time. There is usually 6 to 8 of us and we go to lunch afterward. I have been lucky to find really good deals but I also have found good deals on Cyber Monday. I am bummed that I can’t go this year as my hubby has a slipped disc and I don’t think he could handle our 4 children in that condition. lol. But I will go to our local Walmart at midnight.
DJ
I would rather have a root canal than go near a store of any kind on Black Friday or just about any day 🙂 My goal each year is to be done with holiday shopping by Thanksgiving – anything I pick up after that is just extra. I made my goal this year – got amazing deals throughout the year as I paid careful attention to what my family mentioned they would like (I store it all in bins in the back of my closet and keep a photo file of what I have).
This year my husband, me, my daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren went to a resort at Cocoa Beach were my daughter found an amazing deal through Kayack.com for only $47 a night (we live in Orlando only 45 minutes away) – we went on Wednesday, had a Publix pre-made (just warm and serve) Thanksgiving feast by the pool and spent Black Friday sleeping in and then hitting the beach and the pool. This weekend we will decorate and then all we have to do until Christmas is enjoy family time 🙂
DJ
Oh I forgot our entire meal for seven including the $39.99 Publix dinner (included a whole turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry relish, cranberry/apple cobbler), green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole with marshmellows, two pies, rolls and beverages was under $45.00 after coupons including the $5.00 one from the Publix weekly ad and a $5.00 off from a Boy Scout fund raiser card. We had dinner, a large lunch, have a few things left and the carcus/wings/legs to make a giant pot of turkey soup…another great deal 🙂
interior design toronto
Does anyone think apple will do Cyber Monday deals?