Black Friday vs. Cyber ​​Monday – Which shopping holiday offers the better deals?

Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday are two of the most exciting days of the year when it comes to shoppers looking for big savings on holiday shopping.

While Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) historically focused on in-person sales at clothing retailers and tech stores, Cyber ​​Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) was the day when online shopping platforms offered big discounts on top -Provide items that can all be shipped directly to you without any hassle.

However, in recent years, many deals start earlier and online, even on Black Friday.

“Black Friday is still king for big-ticket items like electronics, televisions, gaming consoles and home appliances,” said Michael Ryan, financial expert and founder of michaelryanmoney.com Newsweek. “Retailers tend to put their best foot forward on these items. While many of these deals are offered in-store, Black Friday is no longer just about crowds. Most retailers have also moved to online offerings.”

However, for those who prefer to shop online, Cyber ​​Monday is the ultimate.

“Shopping in your pajamas beats dealing with crowds on Black Friday,” Ryan said. “If you’re into online shopping, Cyber ​​Monday is your day to shine.”

To get the best deals, start price tracking early by using comparison tools available online and don’t wait until Cyber ​​Monday to shop for the most important items on your list.

Ryan said it’s also important to pay attention to return policies.

“With the pressure of time-sensitive sales, it’s easy to forget that some retailers may have shorter return windows or high restocking fees,” Ryan said. “Research shows that many ‘offers’ are excessive from the start. So shop wisely. Compare prices. Stick to your budget. And don’t fall for the marketing hype.”

Some stores will increase prices before Black Friday and then artificially lower them to a lower discount, Ryan said, adding that this is particularly common with furniture and clothing.

Does Amazon have better deals on Black Friday or Cyber ​​Monday?

Amazon is offering significant savings on both Black Friday and Cyber ​​Monday.

While Black Friday deals are available from November 21st to 29th, Cyber ​​Monday deals start on December 2nd.

But depending on what products you’re looking for this holiday season, one of the days could prove to be more rewarding for saving.

“While Black Friday brings the rush on expensive electronics, Cyber ​​Monday focuses on everything,” Ryan said. “It is also an ideal place for fashion, gadgets, smart home devices and smaller electronics such as headphones or tablets. Plus, you can compare prices so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.”

So, in general, Black Friday is the best choice for those looking for TVs and gaming consoles, while Cyber ​​Monday offers the best deals on gadgets and accessories while offering a slight edge when shopping online.

According to Alex Beene, a financial literacy lecturer at the University of Tennessee at Martin, the best deals may not be available on both days.

“Often we have seen retailers lower their prices a week before Black Friday to take advantage of the discounts that other retailers will be offering,” Beene said Newsweek. “At the same time, some of the best deals may come after Cyber ​​Monday as retailers look to get rid of inventory that didn’t see strong sales over the holiday weekend. That doesn’t mean you should avoid these days entirely, just check beforehand for price reductions.