**ZDNET’s Approach to Product Recommendations and Early Black Friday Deals at Costco: An In-Depth Guide**
When you see “ZDNET Recommends” attached to a product or deal, it’s not just a casual endorsement. ZDNET’s recommendations are the result of a rigorous process involving extensive testing, research, and comparison. The editorial team spends countless hours gathering data from a variety of reliable sources, including product listings from vendors and retailers, independent review sites, and customer feedback. The goal is to provide readers with well-informed, unbiased advice that helps them make smarter buying decisions, especially in the rapidly evolving world of technology.
**How ZDNET Evaluates and Recommends Products**
ZDNET’s editorial staff approaches each recommendation with a critical eye. Every article and review is fact-checked and thoroughly vetted to ensure accuracy and reliability. The team makes a point of consulting customer reviews to understand the practical experiences and concerns of real users—those who have already purchased and used the products or services in question. By synthesizing this feedback with their own research and testing, ZDNET is able to provide actionable insights that reflect the needs and priorities of everyday consumers.
It’s important to note that ZDNET’s editorial independence is strictly maintained. While the site may earn affiliate commissions when readers click on links and make purchases through their recommendations, this does not influence the products they cover or the way they are reviewed. ZDNET and its writers are not compensated by manufacturers or advertisers for their evaluations, and the site’s guidelines ensure that reviews remain free from outside influence. If a mistake or misleading statement is identified in their content, ZDNET commits to correcting or clarifying the information promptly, and encourages readers to report any inaccuracies they encounter.
**Costco’s Early Black Friday Deals: A Head Start on Savings**
While Black Friday—the day after Thanksgiving—traditionally marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season, many retailers are now launching sales earlier to give shoppers a head start. Costco, the membership-based wholesale giant, has already rolled out its holiday deals, both in stores and online, ahead of the official Black Friday date. According to the latest mailers, Costco’s first round of holiday savings runs from October 31 to November 16, with a second, main Black Friday event taking place from November 17 through December 1. Cyber Monday deals will be available online on December 1.
Costco operates on a membership model, where only members can access the deepest discounts and the full range of sales event deals. Non-members can make purchases online with a guest account, but should expect a 5% markup and may not qualify for certain exclusive offers. Annual memberships start at $65, and special deals on memberships are sometimes available through third-party sites.
**Top Early Tech Deals at Costco, Curated by ZDNET**
As a commerce editor, and a Costco Executive Member and frequent shopper, the author has personal experience navigating these sales and offers the following standout