Black Friday falls the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, so the date shifts each year but always lands on the fourth Friday of November; it usually appears between November 23 and 29. If you’re planning ahead, think in terms of a long weekend rather than a single day, since many brands warm up early and keep offers running through Monday.
Before getting into tactics, you need to know that the season starts earlier than it used to. That’s why it helps to get your bearings now and follow trusted hubs where deals are curated with clear explanations near the start of the season. If you’re tracking Apple Black Friday discounts, it’s especially useful to monitor early deal drops on popular products like iPhones, MacBooks, and AirPods—since these tend to sell out fast.
Mark your calendar and your plan
The simplest way to pinpoint the date is to find Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday of November) and move one day forward, that’s your target. The real activity often unfolds across the week, with “early access” on Monday and strong follow-ups over the weekend into Cyber Monday. If you’re eyeing big-ticket items, those early drops can be really helpful.
A little preparation makes everything smoother, so it is a good idea to create accounts where you plan to shop, store delivery details securely, and set alerts for the products you actually want. Many retailers share previews ahead of time, which lets you compare specs, check past prices, and avoid rushing into a lookalike deal. With a short, realistic wish list, you’ll move faster when stock is limited.
If you’re aiming for value, refurbished tech can be a smart route, especially when you want reliable devices with clear warranty terms and without paying top-tier prices; Back Market is a well-known marketplace for certified refurbished phones, laptops, and tablets.
What to expect from retailers
Think of Black Friday as a schedule, not a moment. You’ll see staggered releases, member-only windows, and bundles that pair core products with useful extras—headphones with a phone, or a case and charger with a tablet. For home office gear or everyday devices, those packs can be genuinely practical.
Shipping times, extended returns, and warranty coverage form part of the value, particularly if you’re buying gifts. Ordering a bit ahead of the rush reduces the chance of bottlenecks and gives you time to test items before wrapping them.
Stock moves quickly, but good offers often return in waves, so if you miss a window on Friday morning, it’s worth checking back later the same day or over the weekend, especially for widely stocked categories like small appliances and accessories.
Timing tips and smart buying
Start by tracking a few products in the weeks before the sales, because a quick price history check tells you whether a discount is genuinely good. Set reminders for midnight launches if you enjoy the thrill, but don’t panic if you miss one since strong offers often cycle back during the week.
Keep a flexible shortlist, must-haves, nice-to-haves, and a small margin for an unexpected find. If your first choice runs out, you’ll know your next best option without second-guessing. For tech, consider product cycles because last year’s flagship often delivers excellent performance at a friendlier price.
Black Friday can be a handy moment to upgrade, choose thoughtful gifts, or finally buy that item you’ve been postponing.