Amazon's Black Friday Sale

Amazon's Black Friday Sale Has Already Started — Here's What You Need to Know

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KIM DUONG 

Black Friday 2018 may still be weeks away, but the discounted deals are already starting on Amazon.com. The online retail giant — home of the ever-popular Amazon Echo devices, Kindle e-readers, Fire Stick, and Prime membership — is doing us thrifty shoppers a favor by offering early Black Friday deals as the days count down until the actual event on Friday, Nov. 23. Many of these sales may be a part of the actual 2018 Amazon Black Friday sales event happening later this month — it’s just that we get to shop them now. (Thanks, Jeff Bezos!)


While you’re shopping those pre-Black Friday deals, we know you might still have some questions about what to expect this coming Amazon Black Friday event, what discounts will be offered, and how best to navigate this money-saving shopping extravaganza. So we’ve explained it all for you in our nifty guide, below. (Plus, we’re sharing some of the products that were marked down last year and we hope to see discounted by Amazon again in 2018).

Amazon Black Friday Deals 2018: What to Expect

Amazon Black Friday begins Nov. 23 on amazon.com with sizable discounts in a range of departments, including electronics, luggage and travel, books, home, clothing, shoes, and more. Also, you no longer have to be a Prime member to get free shipping. All shoppers will receive free standard shipping on over 100 million eligible items with no $25 minimum, so don’t be afraid to go bananas (no judgments here).

Last year’s Amazon Black Friday event saw the steepest discounts on its own products — including the Kindle Paperwhite for $90 ($30 off), the Fire HD 8 tablet for $50 ($30 off), and the Echo Dot for $30 ($20 off) — and we’re expecting this year’s sales event to offer similar deals.

What Are the Early Amazon Black Friday Deals?

Amazon's pre-Black Friday sale has already started with more deals being added every day leading up until the main shopping event. But if you're in the market for an Amazon device (such as their super-popular Amazon Echo and Fire devices), then mark your calendars for Nov. 16. Additionally, Amazon will be offering Deal of the Day lightning offers on top products for, you guessed it, that day (or even just a couple of hours) only. So make sure to bookmark the Early Black Friday Deals page and check back often.

Do I Need to be an Amazon Prime Member to Shop Black Friday Deals?

No, but Prime members get bonus perks that are well worth the subscription. Last year, Amazon treated Prime members to early access to exclusive deals when they shopping using Amazon’s Alexa. And this year, Prime members will get free same-day delivery on more than three million items.

Other Prime perks include free two-day shipping on more than 100 million eligible items all year long and one hour grocery delivery and pickup. Not sure if you can commit to a membership program? No biggie; you can sign up for a free 30-day Prime Membership trial.