The Unspoken Strategy of Early Bird Shoppers: How to Secure the Best Deals Before Black Friday

As the holiday season nears, the excitement builds for Black Friday, renowned for its incredible discounts and must-have promotions. But here’s a secret: the smartest shoppers know that holding off until the last minute can lead to missed opportunities. By shopping early, you can sidestep the crowd, find the best selections, and often enjoy superior savings.

The Early Advantage

Many shoppers wait until Black Friday to hunt for bargains, often leaving them disappointed as popular items disappear fast. For instance, a study showed that over 30% of Black Friday shoppers reported that their desired sizes were sold out by the time they made their purchase. By choosing to shop earlier, you not only avoid the chaos but gain access to a far wider variety of products.

Price Adjustments: The Game Changer

Many retailers have policies that allow price matching if you purchase an item just before a sale. For example, Target offers a price adjustment guarantee within 14 days of your purchase.

Familiarize yourself with the return and price adjustment policies of your favorite retailers. A quick inquiry via email or phone can confirm if they will honor price drops after purchase. Shopping early gives you not just choices but also control over your spending.

Here are the policies of the top US Retailers:

1. Amazon

• Price Adjustment Policy: Amazon does not offer price adjustments. If an item goes on sale or the price drops after purchase, the customer can return the item and repurchase it at the new, lower price. Amazon’s return policy allows returns within 30 days of purchase.

• Note: Some items (like electronics) may have different return periods, so always check before purchasing.

2. Walmart

• Price Adjustment Policy: Walmart does not offer price adjustments on purchases. If an item is purchased and later goes on sale, the customer would need to return the original item and buy it at the new lower price.

• Note: Walmart does offer price matching with local competitors, but this generally applies only to in-store purchases and is not applicable after the purchase has been made.

3. Target

• Price Adjustment Policy: Target offers a price adjustment policy where they will refund the difference if an item’s price drops within 14 days of purchase.

• Eligibility: Applies to both in-store and online purchases.

• How to Claim: Customers must contact Target’s customer service either online or in-store, providing proof of the lower price.

4. Best Buy

• Price Adjustment Policy: Best Buy provides a price adjustment policy within 15 days of purchase. If the price of an item drops after purchase, Best Buy will refund the difference to the customer.

• Eligibility: Applies to both in-store and online purchases, but the price adjustment is not available if the item was purchased as part of a clearance or holiday sale.

• How to Claim: Customers must contact Best Buy customer service, or visit the store with proof of the lower price.

5. Macy's

• Price Adjustment Policy: Macy’s offers price adjustments within 10 days of purchase for full-priced items. Items must be identical (brand, color, size, etc.) and the lower price must be found in the same region/store.

• Eligibility: Applies to both in-store and online purchases.

• How to Claim: Customers can request a price adjustment at the store or via customer service.

6. Nordstrom

• Price Adjustment Policy: Nordstrom does not offer price adjustments on past purchases. However, they have a flexible return policy, so you can return the item for a refund and repurchase it at the new price if desired.

• Note: Nordstrom's return policy is very lenient, and they will typically work with customers to ensure satisfaction even if there’s a price change.

7. Costco

• Price Adjustment Policy: Costco offers price adjustments within 30 days for most items. If the price of an item drops after purchase, you can request a refund of the price difference.

• Eligibility: Applies to both in-store and online purchases, and the policy covers most products, except for certain limited or seasonal items.

• How to Claim: Customers can request a price adjustment by contacting Costco customer service or by visiting the warehouse with the original receipt.

8. Kohl’s

• Price Adjustment Policy: Kohl's offers price adjustments within 14 days for full-priced items. If an item goes on sale after purchase, they will refund the price difference.

• Eligibility: Applies to both in-store and online purchases.

• How to Claim: Customers can contact customer service or visit a Kohl’s store with their proof of purchase.

9. JCPenney

• Price Adjustment Policy: JCPenney has a price adjustment policy for 14 days after purchase. If the price drops on an item, they will refund the difference.

• Eligibility: Applies to both in-store and online purchases.

• How to Claim: Customers can request a price adjustment at the store or by calling customer service.

10. Home Depot

• Price Adjustment Policy: Home Depot offers price adjustments within 30 days of purchase. If an item goes on sale or the price drops, customers can request a refund for the price difference.

• Eligibility: Applies to both in-store and online purchases.

• How to Claim: Customers need to provide proof of the lower price and request a price adjustment by visiting the store or contacting customer service.

11. Lowe’s

• Price Adjustment Policy: Lowe’s offers a price adjustment for up to 30 days after purchase. If the price of an item drops, customers can request a refund of the difference.

• Eligibility: Applies to both in-store and online purchases.

• How to Claim: Customers must present proof of the lower price and request a price adjustment via customer service.

12. Apple Store

• Price Adjustment Policy: Apple does not offer price adjustments for previous purchases. However, Apple has a 14-day return policy, so customers can return the item and buy it at the new lower price.

• Note: Apple rarely discounts its products, but they do have sales during major events like Black Friday or back-to-school promotions.

Happy Shopping!