November 2015 – user's Blog!

November 30, 2015

Win a $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card!

We know gift buying can certainly take a toll on your wallet and scraping up the extra time it takes to find the best deals can seem impossible. This is precisely why we want to take some of the burden off your budget with a chance to win a whopping $1,000 to spend at Nordstrom! One lucky winner will receive a $1K Nordstrom gift card right in time for holiday in-store and online shopping. Plus, you can always look for a Nordstrom coupon at Ebates to stack your savings even higher. Good luck and Happy Holidays!

How to Enter the Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, join over 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40% Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Joining Ebates is free and you’ll receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join today at www.ebates.com. You must be an Ebates member to be eligible.

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Monday, December 07, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Gleam, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

[table id=39 /] $1,000 Nordstrom Gift Card Giveaway

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

November 27, 2015

Your Black Friday in 19 Gifs

Shopping in-store this Black Friday? You’re up to the challenge, right? Here’s how it’s gonna play out. (Take it from us, we’re psychic like that.)

You, being responsible and ever-prepared, do your homework. You browse Black Friday ads ahead of time and make, dare you say, the best game plan in Black Friday shopper history.

You give yourself a little pep talk. It’s a big day and you’re gonna kill it. Right?

Then you get yourself pumped. Whether with a run around the neighborhood, wrestle-sesh with your nieces and nephews, or…whatever this chick is doing.

You’re getting a little scared so you cordially invite your BFFs to come along to help you navigate your shopping list and grab those deals.

And when you arrive, the parking lot looks like this.

And if you can’t park like a boss the second a spot opens up, it’s circle-around city for you, my friend.

Then the crowds LOOK LIKE THIS OMG.

But you stay determined.

You have a little snack to keep your energy up and your game face on.

Just as you finish the smushed granola bar that you stashed in your purse, you spot the one item you came for.

After casually elbowing a few people, you successfully claim your prize.

You realize you’ve hit your fun ceiling and it’s time to go home.

Time to scoop up all your friends from whatever pile they’re hiding under and hit the checkout.

Be careful not to break your back as you gather up your things and head to the register.

You feel so accomplished as you head to the car.

But when you get home and see the pile of receipts, you have second thoughts.

But not for too long, because you have to get prepared for Cyber Monday and all the online shopping you’re going to do.

At least this time, you can do it in your pajamas.

Plus, when you get Cash Back at Ebates for the shopping in-store on Black Friday, you’ll be like…

Don’t Miss Out on Extra Savings:

Sign up for a free account with Ebates and start earning Cash Back on all your purchases. Find thousands of coupons, promo codes and discounts at over 1800 stores plus get Cash Back savings with online rebates.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 27, 2015

How to Wear Velvet for Every Occasion

You know winter is well on its way when velvet enters the scene. Part 90s fashion homage, part holiday staple, women’s clothing, accessories, shoes and handbags in luxurious velvet can elevate both your everyday style and looks for special occasions, including all those holiday parties spreading across your calendar. Don’t miss out on one of the biggest trends of fall fashion 2015. Here are some tips and examples on how to nail this look and make it your own. Shop these wonderful wardrobe essentials with Cash Back at Ebates.

Velvet Dresses

There’s no better way to create a classic yet glamorous look than with a velvet dress. This Eloquii black velvet dress is simply chic with a little texture to add visual interest and a shape to hug curves. Many plus size clothing stores have introduced velvet styles this season as well, so pieces like this are relatively easy to find.

You don’t always have to go dark and daring with velvet. Keep it light and flirty with this adorable floral dress in a breathtaking blue. Perfect for the office but easily amped up for evening, this piece will have plenty of mileage in your wardrobe.

Velvet may been seen as a bit old-fashioned but pieces like this bodycon dress prove it can be sultry and sassy. In an eye-catching purple, this dress is perfect for clubs and cocktails with the girls when paired with a bold heel. Or you can take it to the office with leggings and a chunky scarf.

Velvet Skirts

Easily mix velvet into your winter wardrobe with skirts for all occasions. This navy midi skirt pairs perfectly with basic shirts and sweaters or a sequin/metallic top for more festive outings.

Kick up your weekend and casual looks with a velvet mini skirt. This piece offers a little edge with a ribbed texture and easily pairs with sneakers and tees for an off-the-clock outfit with a bit of high fashion.

Velvet and print is not too much of a good thing when it comes to this burnout skirt. Wear it with a button-down blouse for work or a black shell top and pumps for date night.

Velvet Tops

A velvet jacket or wrap top has major black-tie appeal. Conservative yet fashion-forward, this piece can easily pair with a pleated skirt or cigarette pants for ultra-fancy events like the ballet or opera.

For a casual yet statement-making look, this slouchy velvet tunic is completely versatile and looks just as amazing with jeans and sneakers as it does black skinny pants and platform heels.

Lo and behold, velvet does not always come in vampy colors and earth tones. This peach crop top will stun with a gold pencil skirt for evening or high-waisted jeans for the weekend. You can also wear a shell top underneath to town down the look for the office.

Velvet Accessories

Small touched of velvet go a long way, especially in the form of jewelry, shoes and handbags. This velvet and crystal necklace is so perfectly holiday, we can just taste the pumpkin spice and eggnog. Hit it out of the park by pairing it with your LBD or LWD.

In a luscious red, this Rebecca Minkoff purse will make a serious statement with any black cocktail dress in your closet. However, a white dress with a gold plate belt would be the epitome of holiday style.

Keep it cutesy with these little bunny flats! A pop of green goes a long way, whether you pair them with light jeans or a skater skirt.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 26, 2015

The Best Days to Book Holiday Travel with Orbitz

The most magical time of year is here! Thousands of people travel during the bustling holiday season and maneuvering through the wide array of travel deals can be a challenge. Did you know the time and day you book your flights can impact costs? No worries! Thankfully, Orbitz makes it easy to get over the river and through the woods on a budget. Whether you’re going to grandma’s house or just want to vacay your way, head to Orbitz.com for last minute travel deals and flights that’ll get you where you want to go for less. The trusty travel gurus at Orbitz took a look at holiday fare trends and determined some of the best times to book flights for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Check out these six insider tips for finding the best travel deals at Orbitz.com this holiday season.

1. The Sooner, The Better. Sorry, procrastinators. According to Orbitz.com’s Holiday Travel Guide, booking about 1-2 months prior to a major holiday can get you the best deals on cheap flights. For example, if you have Christmas plans, the best time to book flights is early to mid-October. Some savings trickle into early November, but you’ll get the most bang for your buck with holiday flight fares about 5% lower than average in early fall. After the first week in November, end-of-the-year travel deals are typically at average prices and inflate about 5% higher than average about a week prior to a holiday.

2. Orbitz.com’s Secret Week Specials. A report from Orbitz suggests that October 5-12 is the “secret week” to purchase cheap flights before prices increase for travel around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Prices for this week are 5% lower than average, making it the ideal week to save. Specifically, October 6th is the best day to book Thanksgiving fares, while October 9th is the best day to purchase Christmas fares and October 10th is the best time to book flights for New Year’s Eve.

3. Join Orbitz Rewards and Save. Orbitz Rewards lets you immediately earn rewards on travel and instantly redeem on hotels. Rack up your Orbucks ($1 Orbuck = $1 USD) for instant vacation gratification this holiday season. You can even get limited-time bonus deals where you rack up extra Rewards points. No matter when you book and how many Orbucks you earn, you can count on saving even more on every booking with Cash Back at Ebates.

4. Online Deal Codes are Your Ticket to Saving More. The holidays can be an expensive time, so saving money on flight deals is crucial. Pair Orbitz.com’s Best Price Guarantee with extra savings offers from Orbitz promo codes and you’ve got the cheapest flight deals online! Plus, Orbitz coupon codes and last minute travel deals mean you’ll fly away for less.

5. Get 6% Back on Every Flight with an Orbitz Rewards Visa Card. With no annual fees and a $50 statement credit when you spend $200, the Orbitz Rewards Visa is one of the most rewarding travel cards around. Upon approval, you’ll start earning 6% back in Orbucks on all flights, plus 2% back in Orbucks on all other purchases. You can redeem your rewards at any time, with no blackout dates, for the ultimate way to save on holiday travel.

6. Book Together and Save up to $775. While Orbitz.com offers the best flight deals online, you can also score amazing travel deals when you book flights, hotels and rental cars at the same time. Bundle up and save up to $775 on your holiday travel plans.

Now that you’re equipped with our favorite tips and tricks for saving at Orbitz, including Cyber Monday Orbitz travel deals, booking holiday travel on a budget will be a breeze. Be sure to book through Ebates for the lowest Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve travel deals this year. Wishing you happy and safe travels this holiday season!

[table id=40 /]

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 25, 2015

Black Friday Toy Throwback

Every Black Friday, there’s that one item, that one special thing that everyone wants but no one can get their hands on. It could be a toy or a game or a gadget, but whatever it is, the quest to find it can send shoppers to the edge of madness. It’s the thing that people wait in line for. It’s the thing parents get in fights over. It’s the thing that (in some cases) can inspire a really awful Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. But is the item ever really worth all of the insanity? We’ve decided to take a look back at some of the hottest and hardest-to-get Black Friday items of all time. How difficult were they to score? How many actually sold? And did they really live up to all the hype? Let’s find out as we jump back in time with our Black Friday Toy Throwback.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

YEAR: 1993
ITEM: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers action figures
WHAT WAS IT? Team of teenagers with attitude in action figure form
NUMBER SOLD: 600,000
THE INSANITY: 600,000 may seem like a small number compared to the other items on this list, but that was literally every Power Ranger figure available in the U.S. that holiday. No one expected a low-budget kids superhero show that recycled old Japanese monster movie footage to become a ratings powerhouse, but that’s exactly what happened. Toy stores grossly underestimated the demand for Power Rangers, and by the holidays of 1993, parents were literally fighting each other in the aisles of Toys R Us to bring one of them home. A Power Rangers black market even popped up, fueled by shady toy store clerks willing to put a few pink and white Rangers aside for parents willing to pay hundreds of dollars for them.

LEGACY: The very next year, an additional 11 toy factories opened to meet the demand for Power Ranger toys, turning them into a billion-dollar industry … for a little while, at least. Dozens of new Power Rangers series have been released over the last two decades, but none of them have reached the initial popularity of the very first one. The toys, however, continue to sell, and the insanity of that first Christmas will live on forever thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger. The 1996 film “Jingle All the Way” starred Schwarzenegger as a beguiled father desperately searching for a toy on Christmas Eve, based heavily on the Power Rangers craze from three years earlier.

Tickle Me Elmo

YEAR: 1996
ITEM: Tickle Me Elmo doll
WHAT WAS IT? Highly sensitive Sesame Street Muppet
NUMBER SOLD: 1 million
THE INSANITY: The granddaddy of all hard-to-get holiday gift items, the Tickle Me Elmo doll spurred a Black Friday the likes of which America had never seen before and may never see again. Released in July of 1996, the toys were relatively easy to find until October, when Rosie O’Donnell unexpectedly plugged them on her daytime talk show. All of a sudden, demand skyrocketed and the country’s entire stock of 400,000 was sold out by the Friday after Thanksgiving. The manufacturer shipped an additional 600,000 that December, but even that was not enough to satiate the public. Parents chased down delivery trucks, got sent to jail and even paid upwards of $7,000 in order to obtain one of the giggling red Muppets.

LEGACY: Tickle Me Elmo’s popularity was intense but short-lived. While new versions of the doll have been released every few years, none of them have been big sellers. The originals haven’t exactly skyrocketed in value either. These days, you can get them, mint in box, for under $20 on eBay.

Cabbage Patch Kids

YEAR: 1983
ITEM: Cabbage Patch Kids dolls
WHAT WAS IT? Adoptable race of children (dolls) grown in a magical cabbage patch
NUMBER SOLD: 3 million
THE INSANITY: There were some hot holiday items before 1983, but the Cabbage Patch Kids were the first to inspire the insanity we all associate with your typical Black Friday. Children of the early ‘80s went crazy for them, and their parents went crazy trying to get them under the Christmas tree. These weird melon-headed dolls became toy aisle celebrities, popping up on the cover of Newsweek and getting profiled on The Today Show. Stores had to have them shipped in armored cars to keep their stock boys safe, and the manufacturer even stopped running television commercials in hopes of calming the crowds down. (Good luck getting any company to be so kind-hearted these days!)

LEGACY: Although Cabbage Patch Kids mania never hit the same fever it did in 1983, the toy line is still going strong three decades later. You can buy brand new Cabbage Patch Kids today, and the original toys, still in their box, can go for about $150 on eBay. Of course, the Cabbage Patch Kids’ true legacy may be in the nostalgia-clouded minds of the kids who originally owned them. They’ve become staples of any self-respecting magazine story, television or documentary that looks back at the hottest fads of the ‘80s. They’ve also become one of the few toys immortalized in the form of a U.S. postage stamp.

Furbys

YEAR: 1998
ITEM: Furbys
WHAT WAS IT? Weird electronic owl creature
NUMBER SOLD: 1.8 million
THE INSANITY: The Furby was first announced in February of 1998 at the Toy Industry Association’s annual Toy Fair, seven months before they were actually supposed to be released. The strange little owl-eyed creatures (that you could supposedly teach new words and behaviors) quickly captured the imagination of the public. Manufacturer Tiger Electronics ended up selling out of them before the factory even started producing them. By Black Friday of that year, they were almost impossible to get in stores, and for the first time, parents started turning to eBay and other online sellers to try and score one for their kids. One eBay seller made close to $3,000 on a bunch of Furbys he didn’t even have. The buyers got nothing for their money, making them victims of one of the very first eBay scams.

LEGACY: Very few people seem to have fond memories of their Furbys; in fact, most people were straight up freaked out by the nonsense, jabbering goblins they let into their house that holiday. Online toy forums are full of former Furby owners reminiscing about how scary the toys were. It seems the public liked Furbys in theory but not sitting on their bedside nightstand, staring at them in the dark.

Playstation 3

YEAR: 2006
ITEM: Playstation 3
WHAT WAS IT? The third-generation Playstation
NUMBER SOLD: N/A
THE INSANITY: All of Sony’s Playstation video game consoles were big hits the years they were released, but the Playstation 3 hit the market at the exact time Black Friday was hitting its fever pitch in America. 2006 was the same year the first person was trampled in a Black Friday stampede. Buyers went nuts over the new console like never before, waiting in line all night and even reverting to subterfuge. Supposedly, one person served his fellow line waiters laxative-laced coffee so he could steal their place in the queue.

LEGACY: Like every video game console before it, the Playstation 3’s time in the sun has passed, making way for more of its more advanced siblings.

What’s your prediction for the hottest toy for 2015?

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 25, 2015

The Wordsmith’s Holiday Gift Guide

So you’ve got a writer on your holiday shopping list. Those darn creatives can be so hard to please. But rest assured, no matter how eccentric your beloved bookworm may be, they will literally love these unique gifts in our complete holiday gift guide for authors, essayists, journalists and bibliophiles. And as always, these amazing gifts for writers come with Cash Back at Ebates.

Writer’s Block Journal

See what they did there? This punny notebook will help your them journal through those rough patches when they can’t seem to string a single sentence together without hitting delete a million times.

Waterproof Notepad

If their best ideas come when they least expect it, don’t risk them slipping away in the time it would take them to grab a towel. This waterproof pad and pencil is ready to record their genius…or just remind them to buy shampoo.

Book Print Scarf

Actions may speak louder than words but fashion speaks louder with word prints! This super soft scarf will tell the world, “Hey. I read.”

Guide to Literary Agents 2016

Keep it practical and show your support with this complete guide to scoring their very own literary agent. This shows way more confidence in their life choices than a gift card to Red Lobster.

iCyberry Laser Projection Keyboard

There is nothing worse than having a flood of brilliance come to you, only to find your only way of capturing it is with your smartphone. This projection keyboard is portable so you can turn any Starbucks table into a writer’s den.

Shirt of Encouragement

Being a professional writer (or aspiring to be one) is rough stuff, guys. Any form of support is crucial. Help them be their own cheerleader with this clever tee so they can look in the mirror and tell the reflection,
“I got this…Also it’s laundry day.”

Book Cover Phone Case

It may be just a clever phone case, but it also gives them the gift of their dreams–their name on a hard cover. Plus, how smart will they look while crushing candy on their morning commute?

Kate Spade New York Quotes Pen Set

Add a little flare to their work space with these playful Kate Spade pens featuring the sayings From The Desk Of, So Well Composed, To Whom It May Concern, Yours Sincerely and What’s The Word.

1928 Pen Necklace

The pen is mightier than the sword AND it makes a far better accessory. This opulent necklace from 1928 Jewelry will give their look a vintage yet functional touch. She’ll never be put on the spot when asked for an autograph now.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 24, 2015

Holiday Travel Tips: 4 Hot Holiday Destinations

Every year, the travel industry sees a surge in travel around the holidays. Whether it’s to visit family, stay slope slide or to escape winter and take in a warm breeze for a change, people are packing their bags and hitting the road. Plus, more and more people are trading in the traditional family gatherings for something a little less conventional and a bit more exciting.

If you’re looking to shake things up this holiday season and find a destination beyond the same ol’ dinner table, have no fear. There are plenty of last minute travel destinations you can visit with (or without) your family this Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. To round out the end of the year and bring in the next, we have a few suggestions for your big travel plans, all of which can earn you Cash Back at Ebates.

Fort Lauderdale

Trade in the winter blues with a good dose of Vitamin D on the beaches of Fort Lauderdale. Get there for less with a flight from Virgin America and then book with Hotels.com to save on the hottest beachfront hotels. Sip mojitos by the beach or keep it poolside at what is sure to become your new favorite spot. Or book a vacation package from Expedia and settle your toes comfortably into the sand knowing you’re saving money and living it up.

Orlando

If you’re looking to keep your travel companions entertained and catch some rays, Orlando has plenty to offer. This travel destination is known as an entertainment hotspot. Universal Studios, Disney World and SeaWorld are just some of the big name locations you can visit during your stay. Best of Orlando has you covered for deals on your Orlando attractions and shows, as well as hotel savings. You can even lock in last minute travel deals on vacation packages through Priceline.

Los Angeles

Take your vacation to the west cost with this year’s hottest travel destination: Los Angeles. The City of Angels offers similar attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios, but also boasts a few of its own like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Santa Monica Pier. Travel sites like Travelocity and Expedia can get you to your Los Angeles oasis with extra savings in your pocket to enjoy them.

Denver

Turns out, not everyone wants to escape the Winter Wonderland once it gets cold. If you’re itching to hit the slopes, the decision to travel to Denver could end up saving you some money on your last minute travel as well. Orbitz awards the biggest savings on holiday travel this year to the Mile High City. Hotels and airfare are both seeing significant savings, especially with the help of travel sites like CheapTickets and CheapOair. The last minute travel deals mean you can enjoy more wintertime activities that Denver has to offer. Just remember to stock up on winter apparel before you hit the slopes so you can stay warm, comfortable and stylish throughout all your travels.

Whether you’re flying solo or bringing the whole gang, turn to Ebates for additional savings on vacation packages and last minute travel deals to your sunny or snowy destination. Choose from the season’s hottest travel destinations or select your own unique destination, just be sure to head to Ebates first to get the best savings around.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 23, 2015

Small Business Saturday Stores

Ah, November, the month of best intentions. This is the year you’re going to get to the specialty stores early and get everyone sentimental gifts! But more often than not, all of the sudden it’s the third week of December and you find yourself at the grocery store at 11 p.m., frantically grabbing gift cards to restaurants you hope the recipients have in their town. Luckily, Small Business Saturday exists to help you save time and stress, and with more small specialty businesses participating, it’s easy to keep “sentiment” on your shopping list.

Handmade Gifts

Whether it’s a hand-carved puffin necklace for your bird-enthusiast cousin or crocheted toilet paper from your feisty Nana who likes a good joke, there are several companies that help artists and crafters sell their goods. Each individual seller sets his or her own Small Business Saturday discount, but most participate. Of these companies, Etsy is your first stop when it comes to finding original gifts. With more than 12.3 million products available, it has something for everyone. Another great resource for handmade goods by individual merchants is DaWanda. This company is based in Germany, so keep in mind that shipping could take a little longer if you’re in the United States. Zibbet is holding its own as well, and though it only has 145,000 products listed, its sellers offer unique merchandise. Bonanza has “everything but the ordinary” and is featured right here at Ebates. This site is a great place to find limited and vintage products. Finally, while significantly smaller than the aforementioned companies, iCraft sets itself apart by requiring all merchandise to be handmade.

Geeky T-shirts

Being a “geek” or a “nerd” has been cool for a while now, and wearing your “nerdy” interests on clever T-shirts is not only accepted in some circles but recommended. The Internet has you covered when you’re looking for gifts that feature the specific interests of your quirky friends and family. ThinkGeek is a fantastic nerd-friendly company that has great apparel, accessories, and gifts. Geeks Are Sexy is another great stop for non-mainstream T-shirts; like Etsy, Geeks Are Sexy supports individual sellers who create their own Small Business Saturday deals. You can find discounts to Zazzle throughout the year at Ebates. This site lets you personalize and customize apparel, and has terrific Small Business Saturday deals. Lastly, Busted Tees is a great, affordable place to grab clever apparel. It not only participates in Small Business Saturday but usually has ongoing deals where the more you buy, the more you save.

Board Games

Board games are not just a great holiday gift; they can also help create family traditions if you get a new game to play together as a family every year. Each year offers tons of new games to choose from. Boardgaming.com lists stores with new and unique games, and directs you to its individual sites, many of which have Small Business Saturday discounts. Boardgamesforme.com is a must for anyone uncertain about what games to get. This site not only offers a daily discount on various games but also has a questionnaire to help you find a game that’s just right for you. If you’re nostalgic and have a soft spot for the games you played as a kid, eBay is a great resource. Ebates offers many discounts, as do individual sellers, so you can find some great Small Business Saturday markdowns.

Jewelry

Whether you’re shopping on a budget or shopping for someone who likes interesting and unique jewelry, small-shop jewelry makers are the way to go. BaubleBar is a favorite for jewelry lovers because the accessories are unique and the prices are reasonable even before the Small Business Saturday discount. Bluefly, as seen on Ebates, has some of the best designer discounts in clothes and shoes, as well as a strong jewelry department. Uncommon Goods has some great, unique gifts for everyone in your family, but its jewelry is particularly interesting. And finally, By Boe is another small jewelry site that offers beautiful and unique jewelry with the added karma bonus being 5% of purchases goes to Women for Women, a charity that helps female survivors of war.

Although “it’s the thought that counts” is an old adage, it still rings true today. Don’t let yourself get bogged down with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Take advantage of these great novelty discounts the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and bask in the stress-free knowledge that your loved ones have great and thoughtful gifts this holiday season.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 20, 2015

Infographic: Cyber Monday Hour by Hour

You know Cyber Monday is a huge shopping day, but do you know exactly what time you should log on to score what you’re looking for? Here’s a breakdown of the key Cyber Monday shopping trends that online shoppers have created from 2012 until the present year.

2012

Cyber Monday shopping peaked at 11 a.m. EST, with another strong spike at 9 p.m.
These peaks are most likely due to commuting patterns of people working traditional hours; they shop online while at work and again when they’re home.
Cyber Monday sales increased by 30.3% from 2011.
18% of online shoppers used a mobile device to shop online, an increase of more than 70% from 2011.

2013

Like in 2012, average peak browsing time was 11 a.m. EST.
Afternoon browsing peaked around 1 p.m.
These numbers likely mean that shoppers were browsing during work hours and on their lunch breaks.
Use of mobile and tablet devices nearly doubled to 30% of all site traffic.

2014

The best deals were in the morning, with an average discount of 23%.
67% of all online deals were posted before 5 p.m. EST.
Average peak browsing time was 9 p.m.
Mobile and tablet devices accounted for 41% of all site traffic. These numbers represent a move away from lunchtime laptop (or desktop) browsing and toward “at home” browsing on mobile devices in the evening.
Cyber Monday shopping was at its lowest at 5 p.m.

Before Cyber Monday

With more retailers offering deals on and even before Thanksgiving, we’ve seen a large uptick in pre-Cyber Monday and even pre-Black Friday shopping. So make sure you’re keeping an eye out for deals in the days leading up to Thanksgiving!

In 2014, mobile web shopping at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day accounted for 50% of retail traffic.
Also in 2014, the Monday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, saw a 100% year-over-year uptick in activity.

Did You Know?

Cyber Monday sales have increased every year since its inception in 2006.
Sales have grown by 14% or higher each year.
In 2014, Cyber Monday was recorded as the most popular shopping day of the season.
In 2014, retail traffic reached 13 million pageviews per minute, up 16% from 2013.

So What Should I Do?

Know that evening is the busiest online shopping time, so you’re competing with more shoppers and items are more likely to disappear faster.
If you’re shopping for a specific item, shop in the morning. You’re competing with fewer people and more items will still be in stock.
Shop after 10 p.m. EST on Cyber Monday if you’re just browsing or buying a variety of items. The rush will be over and retailers just may be willing to further discount items that haven’t sold.
Keep an eye out for deals starting the Monday before Thanksgiving — or even before. Online deals aren’t just relegated to Cyber Monday anymore!

Happy shopping!

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

<a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/cyber-monday-hour-by-hour/"><img alt="Cyber Monday - Hour By Hour" class="ngg_none" src="https://www.ebates.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cyber-monday-hour-by-hour_IG.jpg" width="600px" height="4917px" /></a><br><a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/cyber-monday-hour-by-hour/">Cyber Monday - Hour By Hour</a> Created by:  <a href="https://www.ebates.com/cyber-monday-coupons.htm"> Ebates</a>

Sources:
https://www.akamai.com/us/en/about/news/press/2015-press/akamai-releases-2014-online-holiday-shopping-trends-and-traffic-report.jsp
http://www.fierceretail.com/story/holiday-web-traffic-peaked-cyber-monday-2014/2015-03-30
https://blogs.akamai.com/2012/11/huge-traffic-volumes-on-black-friday.html
https://blogs.akamai.com/2015/04/black-friday-and-cyber-monday-rum-insights—part-i.html
http://dealnews.com/features/About-Half-of-Shoppers-Will-Buy-Cyber-Monday-Deals-While-at-Work/1484785.html
http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/01/news/economy/cyber_monday_shopping/

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 20, 2015

The Best Cyber Monday Deals on Electronics

Once you’ve had your fill of turkey and dressing, it’s time to buckle in for all of the holiday deals and savings coming your way. Make this year the one that puts all others to shame with the monumental savings you’ll find at retailers all over. But if long lines and massive crowds aren’t your thing, you can shop from the comfort of your home with incredible online shopping discounts and earn Cash Back at Ebates for the upcoming Cyber Monday.

If electronics deals are at the top of your shopping list (and let’s face it, who doesn’t want the latest electronics around?!) then this guide is for you. Manned with this list of the best Cyber Monday deals around, you will reign supreme this holiday season.

Laptop Deals

This year’s laptop deals are bound to be pretty spectacular. Whether you’re looking for the latest 2-in-1 laptop deals or just want to get a reliable and durable laptop, the holiday season will have plenty of Cyber Monday deals.

Your favorite big box stores, like Best Buy, Staples and OfficeMax, will feature additional savings online. But don’t shy away from the likes of Arrow Direct, where you’ll find the ultimate selection of refurbished laptops that are sure to meet the needs of anyone on your list. You can even customize your gift with a laptop from Dell or Alienware. To bring you the best laptop deals, many stores will offer bundle specials, allowing you to get even more bang for your buck.

TV Deals

Televisions are always a holiday gift hot item, but there’s no need to shop doorbuster sales when the ultimate TV deals can be found through online shopping. Get savings on everything you need for your home entertainment system this Cyber Monday.

Walmart will feature TV deals on hot names like Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Vizio, Sony and more. You’ll even find special savings on surround sound systems and wall mounting hardware so your gifting experience can go to the next level. Overstock won’t disappoint either with deals on 4K Ultra HD televisions, Curved TVs, OLED televisions and even outdoor projection equipment.

Video Game Deals

Video games are always a favorite amongst kids, teens and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a deal on a new console or the latest video games, you’ll have plenty of special offers to choose from on Cyber Monday. You’ll find savings on the season’s hottest video games, like Rainbow 6 Siege, Just Cause 3 and more. Whether you’re looking for games for portable systems like Nintendo 3DS XL or Playstation Vita, or you want to add to their arsenal of games for Playstation 4, Xbox One or Nintendo Wii U, plenty of online retailers will have great Cyber Monday deals.

You’ll find incredible savings on video games when you shop at stores like GameStop, Best Buy and CD Universe. Walmart will be sure to extend their department store savings online, so keep a close eye on savings that keep you out of the cold and the chaos.

Smart Phone Deals

Step up your smart phone game with the latest from the big names in smart phone technology. Whether it’s Android, BlackBerry or Microsoft on the wish list, you’ll find incredible savings and earn Cash Back at Ebates. Best Buy will have fantastic pricing on the latest smart phones on the market.

You can even save directly through cellular providers. You can earn Cash Back at Ebates with the biggest names including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular. And don’t worry, Lifeproof and Skullcandy will be able to help you with all of the accessories you need to pair with your smart phone purchase.

Wearable Electronic Deals

Wearable electronics are one of the most popular items on online shopping lists. The tech junkie on your list will get their electronic fix on the go and you’ll save with Cyber Monday electronics coupons for the latest wearable technology. Expect to find savings on smartwatches, fitness trackers, action camcorders and headphones this upcoming Cyber Monday.

The biggest brands in electronics will have plenty of sales available. Best Buy, Crutchfield and Brookstone feature the latest hot brands. Garmin, Fitbit and more will be marked down with fantastic pricing for Cyber Monday deals. Samsung and Microsoft Store will have their own devices with special savings as well.

Camera Deals

If you’re shopping for a photographer, you’re bound to find items like cameras, lenses, lighting kits and flash units on your list. Get Cyber Monday deals on the hottest camera brands like Canon and Olympus, as well as the gear to go with them.

Adorama features deals on everything from simple point and shoot cameras to the finest full frame DSLR cameras on the market. You can save hundreds on camera bodies at Focus Camera and Beach Camera where you’ll also find free shipping offers and rebate options. You can even save on popular Canon products, including bodies and lenses.

Kids’ Deals

If kids are the top of your shopping list, there are bound to be plenty of hot electronic toys finding their way to your online shopping cart. Walmart will have plenty of Cyber Monday deals for the kiddos in your life. The Disney Store and Fisher Price will have special savings on toys for kids of all ages. Give great education gifts with Cyber Monday deals from Fat Brain Toys and Marbles: The Brain Store. Turn their special gifts into an educational experience that will brighten their day and lead to hours of entertainment.

Big Kids/Adult Deals

Adults love getting their hands on the latest gadgets and gizmos, just like the kids. Shop for the big kid at heart on your list and save with Cyber Monday electronics coupons. Whether you’re shopping for your spouse, your sibling or your parent, you’re bound to find exactly what you need at unbeatable prices.

Best Buy never disappoints with their great selection of Cyber Monday electronic deals. You’ll find savings on items like GPS navigation devices, Bluetooth speakers, KitchenAid mixers and more. Their deals go quickly though, so be sure to check their list of daily deals regularly throughout the day to get the best savings.

Give the gift of an amped up sound system with audio equipment from Crutchfield or find the latest tech innovations at Brookstone. Whatever the upgrade, big or small, great Cyber Monday deals are to be had.

If you have your heart set on a special item for someone, keep an eye out for the best Cyber Monday electronics coupons to pair with incredible daily deals. When you earn additional savings with Cash Back at Ebates, you’ll find the best Cyber Monday deals and save the most money.