In this article, we'll cover all the essential information you need to know to prepare for the busy shopping days. We'll explain the differences between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, including when they start and how long they last. Plus, we'll provide tips on how to prepare for them effectively and stress-free.
Meaning of BFCM: Introduction to BFCM 2024
So what is BFCM? BFCM stands for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the two brazil whatsapp number data most popular shopping events of the year. BFCM is highly anticipated by customers due to the huge discounts, sales, and special promotions both in physical and online stores. For businesses, BFCM offers a great opportunity to increase sales, gain new customers, and clear inventory.
However, to maximize sales, you need to prepare well in advance. Most companies usually offer attractive deals and savings for both new and loyal customers, so the competition is quite extreme.
Black Friday vs Cyber Monday: Understanding the Differences
Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday are often talked about together due to their significant discounts, they are two separate events with marked differences. Each has a different objective, so let's look at them in detail separately.
Black Friday Description
Historically, Black Friday originated in the United States in the 1960s. Initially, it was centered on physical stores and shoppers would line up early in the morning to get their desired purchase and deal.
Today, Black Friday officially marks the start of the holiday shopping season, with attractive deals on products ranging from electronics to cosmetics and clothing. It takes place on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. In 2024, Black Friday will be on November 29.
Cyber Monday Description
Cyber Monday was created much later, in 2005, by the National Retail Federation of the United States as a counterpoint to the in-store discounts of Black Friday. The idea was to encourage people to shop online from the comfort of their homes, avoiding the crowds and chaos of Black Friday shopping. That's why Cyber Monday deals are exclusively online.
Traditionally, Cyber Monday takes place on the Monday after Thanksgiving, which in 2024 will be December 2. On Cyber Monday, discounted products are mainly electronics, software, technological devices and digital products, but in recent years the offers have also extended to fashion and other goods.
BFCM Weekend – How are the two events connected?
In recent years, as the popularity of both events has grown, they have evolved into an extended four-day shopping event known as BFCM weekend. Some companies even extend their discounts to last for an entire week. In most cases, however, sales and special offers begin on Black Friday, continue through the weekend, and culminate with Cyber Monday.
As online shopping continues to increase, the line between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is becoming increasingly blurred. Many businesses offer online deals during Black Friday, and some even announce their promotions well in advance of the actual date. This trend is beneficial not only for brick-and-mortar retailers but also for online business owners.
How to prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Given the expected intense competition, eager-to-buy customers, heavy Black Friday web traffic, and increased workload, preparing for BFCM 2024 is a must for businesses of all sizes and types. Whether you run a brick-and-mortar store, an e-commerce business, or simply a website offering products or services, follow the essential steps and tips we’ve outlined below to ensure peace of mind during this busy period.
1. Plan your goals and steps in advance
First of all, take the time to clearly define what you want to achieve with your BFCM strategy and understand who your target audience would be. This will make it much easier to determine the focus of your BFCM sales. State what your main objectives are, for example:
Maximize sales of specific products, new collections or limited edition items.
Promote digital products or services (online courses, consultations, etc.).
Provide special offers on subscription-based services.
Attract and acquire new customers
Customer loyalty
Increase brand awareness or website traffic
Building your email subscription list
Clear out discontinued items or excess inventory
Keep in mind that you can have multiple goals and that's perfectly fine.
2. Define your offers and sales for BFCM 2024
Once you've established your goals, it's time to determine what specific products, deals, or promotions you'll offer. When making these decisions, keep in mind your goals, your current capabilities, and your profit margins.
For sellers of physical products, this involves inventory planning, while for service providers and creators of digital products, it means considering their ability to deliver their digital products. Carefully consider whether you will offer discounts only on specific products or services (probably using them as special offers) or whether you will instead have all-inclusive promotions.
