eBay gets a jump on Black Friday

eBay is ending its ban on holiday promotions with a big splash.

Starting Friday, Nov. 1, eBay is launching a series of “Friday Drops” special savings offers every Friday through Dec. 13. Shoppers can visit the eBay site every Friday at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT to obtain the “hot drop” discount of the day, starting with a $20 price reduction on the new Apple Watch Series 5 on Nov. 1. Final prices will be unveiled on the day of each drop, available while supplies last and all with free shipping.

eBay is also unveiling a “Holiday Brand Outlet” and offering a best price guarantee program, which offers 110% of the price difference on more than 100,000 items.

“With the Cyber Weekend occurring later this season, we’re offering eBay shoppers ways to make the most of the holiday season and find exactly what they want for everyone on their list,” said Sam Bright, VP and GM of verticals, eBay. "From weekly drops offering unbelievable deals, to extra savings on direct brands and trusted sellers every day, to scoring the perfect gift from the unique to rare, we’re delivering the best value for our customers.”

In September, eBay introduced its “Holiday Chill” promotion which marked the occasion of 100 days until Christmas by promising not to offer any holiday-themed ads, promotions, specials or sales until November. In October, the e-tailer followed up with the “Holiday Jargon Jar.” This virtual jar donates $1 every time a retailer overuses seasonal buzzwords (such as “merry,” “mistletoe,” “’tis,” and “’twas”) on Twitter, up to $50,000.