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 16, 2015

Cyber Monday vs. Black Friday: Statistics & Shopping Tips [Infographic]

Black Friday is fast approaching, and so is its close cousin Cyber Monday. A massive 48 percent of Americans plan to shop on Black Friday, and 42 percent of Americans plan on shopping on Cyber Monday. But are Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday deals better? Which day will save you the most while causing you the least stress? It’s Black Friday vs Cyber Monday! Arm yourself with these statistics and shopping tips before you hit up the sales.

Black Friday

Pros:

Black Friday has more discounts on most electronics. 2014 saw 48% of deals for headphones, 83% for iPhones and 47% for laptops land on Black Friday.
You get to see your items in the flesh. Over 60% of shoppers prefer to shop in the store, probably because it guarantees there are no surprises when you get home.
No shipping costs.
Some exclusive in-store deals. In 2014, Walmart offered a Vizio 65″ 1080p Smart LED LCD HDTV for $648. That’s $100 cheaper than most 65″ HDTVs — even refurbished ones — were going for at the time.

Cons:

Risk of injury. Since 2006, there have been 98 injuries related to Black Friday sales. While your chance of serious injury isn’t high, it’s a lot higher than it would be than if you shopped online.
Crowds. In 2014, 68 million people shopped in person on Black Friday. Walmart alone had 22 million shoppers altogether.
Bad timing. In 2014, Barnes and Noble opened at 6 a.m. Friday, while Best Buy started its sales at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving. At least 28 major national chains opened on Thanksgiving in 2014.
Not all stores are open on Black Friday. While plenty still open in the wee hours, some in 2015 plan to boycott the entire day. Sporting goods store REI has announced it will be closed on Black Friday 2015.

Cyber Monday

Pros:

It’s much faster. No driving time, and no time spent waiting in huge lines.
More discounts on toys and travel. Cyber Monday 2014 attracted 45% of all deals on toys and 25% of travel deals.
Virtually zero chance of injury, not counting the risk of spilling hot chocolate on yourself.
You can do more research. In 2014, 83% of Cyber Monday shoppers reported doing research online before shopping, while only 64% of Black Friday shoppers did.

Cons:

Items may be sold out. In 2014, “out of stock” messages on websites went up by 400% on Cyber Monday. Since you’re shopping later in the game, stores may have sold out of certain items.
Paying for shipping. Though shipping charges are the #1 reason customers abandon their online shopping carts — 88% of shoppers have done it — shipping costs continue to exist.
You’re more likely to spend more. In 2014, the average shopper spent $468 on Cyber Monday, versus an average $309 on Black Friday.
Your workplace might block you from Cyber Monday shopping. 30% of employers block access to online shopping sites.
You could technically get fired for shopping online at work. 25% of managers report that they’ve fired someone for non-work-related use of the Internet.

Thanksgiving vs. Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday

Also, remember that holiday deals start earlier each year — some folks even shop on Thanksgiving. Ebates’ 2015 holiday survey examined Americans’ shopping behaviors, and it found that when asked why they chose to begin holiday shopping on Thanksgiving, 39 percent said it was because Black Friday deals are actually starting earlier. The next-best reasons included better selection of products that haven’t been picked over (24 percent) and killing time after eating Thanksgiving dinner (18 percent).

When asked why they plan to shop on Black Friday, 81 percent of those polled said it was because they want to get the best prices on holiday gifts, and 43 percent said it is a family tradition. Almost a quarter (24 percent) said they will shop on Black Friday to get all of their holiday shopping done in one day, and one in five (20 percent) said it’s because they “love the madness.”

Another thing to keep in mind is that some Black Friday deals are available online. More than half of surveyed people (52 percent) revealed they will shop online via their laptop this year. Meanwhile, more than a third will buy via their home computer (37 percent), and more than a quarter will use a mobile device (29 percent). Only 4 percent say they will do any Black Friday shopping via smart watch.

The bottom line is that if 4 a.m. shopping sounds like a fun adventure to you, go for the in-store experience of Black Friday. If it sounds like a nightmare, stick with the cozy safety of Cyber Monday — or even the online deals offered on Black Friday. 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-vs-black-friday/"><img alt="Cyber Monday vs Black Friday" class="ngg_none" src="https://www.ebates.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/cyber-monday-vs-black-friday_IG.png" width="600px" height="4035px" /></a><br><a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/cyber-monday-vs-black-friday/">Cyber Monday vs Black Friday</a> Created by:  <a href="https://www.ebates.com/black-friday-coupons.htm"> Ebates</a>

Sources:
http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/more-holidays/black-friday-cyber-monday-wait
http://www.worldpropertyjournal.com/north-america-commercial-news/e-commerce-trends-e-commerce…
http://www.businessinsider.com/2013-black-friday-stats-2013-12
http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/
http://dealnews.com/features/How-Deals-Will-Differ-on-Thanksgiving-vs.-Black-Friday-vs.-Cyber-Monday/879878.html
http://www.theblackfriday.com/black-friday-store-hours.shtml
http://www.pymnts.com/news/social-commerce/2014/what-really-happened-on-black-friday-by-the-numbers/
http://www.wsj.com/articles/some-retailers-step-back-from-black-friday-frenzy-1446111003
http://www.ibtimes.com/stores-open-thanksgiving-2014-walmart-target-best-buy-other-store-hours-turkey-day-1729309
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2014/12/enjoy_cyber_monday_since_more.html
http://www.metro.us/lifestyle/will-cyber-monday-shopping-get-you-fired/zsJnkz—ughjjN7FS67Rs/
https://www.forrester.com/Understanding+Shopping+Cart+Abandonment/fulltext/-/E-RES56827?objectid=RES56827

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 10, 2015

Veteran’s Day Sales and Coupons

In the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday madness, it can be easy to forget that Veteran’s Day also brings some impressive savings. So take this time to get a jump start on your holiday shopping with these amazing Veteran’s Day sales with Cash Back at Ebates.

Clothing & Accessories:

Ashford

Up to 78% off Navy and Aviation Watches during Veterans Day Sale
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Brooks Brothers

Up to 70% off Veterans Day Clearance Sale
(Exp. 11/10/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

eBags

Extra 15% off sitewide Veterans Day Sale!
Code: VETS
(Exp. 12/6/2015)
Shop Deal with 8% Cash Back>

JCPenney

Veterans Day Sale! Take an extra 20% off with your JCP card or an extra 15% off with any method of payment
Code: 4RVETS
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Kohl’s

Veterans Day Weekend Sale + $10 off $25+ order
Code: SALUTE10
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Macy’s

Extra 20% off Veterans Day Sale and free shipping on $75+ order
Code: VETDAY
(Exp. 11/12/2015)
Shop Deal with 9% Cash Back>

Perfect Memorials

5% off Veterans Day Keepsakes
Code: VETERAN15
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

SheIn

Up to 85% off Veterans Day Sale (U.S. only)
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

The Walking Company

Up to 50% off Veterans Day Sale
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 5% Cash Back>

Zazzle

Up to 60% off Veterans Day Sale
Code: ZVETDAYSALES
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 5% Cash Back>

Baby, Kids & Toys:

Carter’s

Veterans Day Sale – 50% off any order and extra 30% off clearance
(Exp. 11/12/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

Home & Office:

AJ Madison

Up to 40% off Veterans Day Event
(Exp. 11/12/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Horizon and Vision Fitness

Veterans Day Sale – Up to $400 off exercise bikes and up to $600 off ellipticals and treadmills
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Kmart.com

Extra 5-10% off hot items at Veterans Day Sale
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

LivingSocial

Veterans Day Sale! 15% off sitewide
Code: VETS15
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Rooms To Go

Veterans Day Coupon Sale
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 1% Cash Back>

Music & Electronics:

Acer

Acer’s Veterans Day Sale. Save 5-15% on your full cart value + get free shipping
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Musician’s Friend

Up to 65% off Veteran’s Day Doorbusters
(Exp. 11/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Travel & Vacations:

Sandals All Inclusive Resorts

Extra 10% off Veteran’s Day Sale
(Exp. 11/13/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 2, 2015

Best Buy to Offer Free Shipping for the Holidays

Tech fiends, rejoice! Best Buy announced offering free shipping with no minimum through Jan 2, 2016. Ebates is currently offering 1% Cash Back on all Best Buy purchases, plus Best Buy coupons to help you maximize your savings on appliances, electronics and accessories.

Best Buy also released the results of a national study looking at what technology tops wish lists for Black Friday 2015. It should come at no surprise that people aged 18-34 want electronics the most. Make holiday wishes come true for all the technophiles on your list in one shopping trip with Best Buy.

Top 15 Tech Gifts for 2015

1. iPad
2. Bose QuietComfort 25 Noise Cancelling Headphones
3. MacBook
4. Samsung 48” Smart 4K Ultra HD TV
5. Sharp 43” Smart HDTV with Roku
6. Microsoft Surface
7. Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II
8. Fitbit Charge HR Heart Rate and Activity Tracker
9. Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
10. Dyson V6 Absolute Bagless Cordless Vacuum
11. Vizio 43” Smart 4K Ultra HD TV
12. Apple Watch
13. SONOS PLAY:1 Wireless Speaker
14. iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot
15. GoPro HERO4 Action Camera

Holiday shopping can always be easier and Best Buy knows it. They have announced a few new features that will simplify gift giving this holiday season:

New this year, shoppers can get real-time assistance through BlueAssist, a new chat feature that connects expert service agents and customers. Download the app by texting APP to 332211, searching “Best Buy” in the Apple App Store or Google Play or by clicking here.
Many of the products on the Best Buy top tech gift list come with free Geek Squad setup. Gift recipients can setup a one-on-one appointment with a Geek Squad Agent at no cost to them. For gifts not on that list, customers can purchase a limited-edition Gift of Geek Squad holiday gift package good for an hour of in-home tech setup and support.
On Nov 7, Best Buy will be holding special holiday shopping events in 400 participating stores from 1-5 pm local time. The events will feature robot and virtual reality demos, Black Friday-like deals and the chance to win one of 5 $1,00 gift cards through a Twitter sweepstakes. In addition, the first 100 customers in line will receive a free tech gift.

Make this holiday shopping season the most frugal one yet! Visit Ebates first and get a Best Buy promo code or Best Buy coupon to stack your savings with Cash Back.

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 23, 2015

Plan the Perfect Holiday Getaway With Groupon Deals

While most people are staying put or flying home for the holidays, why not do something different this year? Take the ultimate holiday vacation to a dream destination at incredible prices with Groupon vacation deals! If you’ve never used Groupon for your travel needs, don’t worry. Here are a few simple tips to follow in order to make sure you get the best vacation deal for your budget.

1. Research your destination. Take a look at Groupon Getaways and start browsing locations. From domestic to tropical, there are tons of options to help you vacay your way. Once you find a destination that looks too good to be true, consider that is just might be. Start looking into the weather during your booking time, local amenities, tourist attractions, etc. Don’t just rely on the pictures of the resort. Do your homework to be sure you and everyone else will have a great holiday vacation.

2. Get all the facts. Always read the fine print before booking your Groupon Getaway. This will include information on blackout dates, added fees, expiration dates and more. You may find that even with added fees, this will still be a great deal, especially if you are booking something last minute or for a particular location. Either way, it certainly helps to be prepared with all the information you can get.

3. Contact the property. Groupon’s Q&A section allows you to contact the owner/manager of your lodgings directly if you have any questions. And never be afraid to ask questions! Even confirming the details of the Groupon deal with the property manager is a good idea. Save your interactions in case there is a dispute you need to resolve later. Overall, speaking with someone directly associated with where you’ll be staying will provide a good indicator of customer service. If they take forever to get back to you, you may want to look elsewhere.

4. Check reviews from multiple sites. Try to get the big picture on what it’s actually like to stay at your destination. Reviewers not only discuss the lodgings, but also often give advice about the surroundings. Reading reviews is a great way to get all the facts you need before booking.

5. Think about it. Don’t think you have to book right this minute once you have all your ducks in a row. While some Groupons sell out quickly, a lot of them do not. This gives you ample time to really consider whether or not this is the vacation for you. Plus, even if you miss this deal, another great Groupon is bound to pop up soon.

6. Check out Groupon Coupons. If you need to stock up on some essentials for your trip, chances are you can find a Groupon coupon code to cut costs. From vacation clothes to travel electronics, there’s probably a great deal for it at Groupon.

Related Links

Bloomingdales Coupon

Anthropologie Code

American Eagle Coupons

Ulta Promotional Code

October 8, 2015

Set Sail with Columbus Day Sales

Discover new ways to save during Columbus Day Sales with Double Cash Back at Ebates. Whether you want to update your wardrobe with fall fashion staples or stock up on essentials for the home or office, you’ll be sure to find a deal to save you serious dollars. Check out these Columbus Day deals from top stores below!