The Secret to GMA Deals and Steals: How to Actually Score

ABC's "Good Morning America" has turned bargain hunting into a national morning ritual. Every Thursday and Friday, millions of Americans sit with coffee in hand, waiting for Tory Johnson to reveal that day's "Deals and Steals." The discounts are real — often 50% to 70% off brands like Ninja, Olaplex, and Brooklinen. But here's what the show doesn't tell you: the good stuff vanishes in minutes, and if you don't know the system, you'll be left staring at a "sold out" screen while your neighbor brags about her $40 air fryer. So how do the pros do it? It starts with timing. Deals typically go live at 8:30 a.m. ET, right when the segment airs. If you wait until 9 a.m., you're already late. Set an alarm for 8:25, open the GMA Deals page in your browser, and log into the retailer's site ahead of time. Every second at checkout counts. Next, understand the inventory. Each deal has a limited quantity — sometimes just a few hundred units. Popular items like skincare bundles or kitchen gadgets can sell out in under five minutes. If you see something you want, buy it immediately. Do not add it to your cart and keep browsing. Your cart does not reserve the item. This is the single biggest mistake shoppers make. Shipping is another trap. Some deals offer free shipping, but many don't, and those costs can eat your savings. Before you commit, check the fine print. A $25 discount with $12 shipping is really just a $13 discount. Also watch for restocking fees on returns, especially with electronics and beauty tools. Want an edge? Follow Tory Johnson on social media. She often teases upcoming deals a day early, and sometimes posts direct links before the segment airs. Sign up for the GMA newsletter, too — subscribers occasionally get early access codes. And if you miss a deal, don't panic. Many retailers bring the same discounts back during holiday sales or clearance events, often at similar prices. One more thing: beware of copycat sites. Scammers clone the GMA Deals page during big segments, hoping you'll enter your credit card on a fake checkout. Always navigate directly from abc.com or the official GMA links. If a deal looks too good to be true — like a $300 Dyson for $49 — it probably is. The bottom line is that "Deals and Steals" rewards preparation, not luck. The people who score aren't faster typists; they're just ready before the clock starts. Treat it like a flash sale, not a leisurely shopping trip, and you'll walk away with genuine savings instead of regret. **Our take:** GMA Deals and Steals is one of the few mainstream bargain segments that delivers real value — but only for shoppers who treat it like a competition. Set your alarm, log in early, and never linger at checkout. Do that, and the steals are yours.