What Is Black Friday?

Black Friday, held the day after Thanksgiving, marks the start of the holiday shopping season in the United States. In 2024, Black Friday falls on November 29th. It’s known for massive discounts and doorbuster deals, drawing crowds both in-store and online. Over time, this once one-day event has expanded, with many retailers starting promotions earlier in the week, often referred to as “Black Friday Week.”

What Is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday, launched in 2005, is an online shopping event that takes place the Monday after Thanksgiving. In 2024, Cyber Monday will occur on December 2nd. Created to boost e-commerce sales, it offers major discounts on tech products, software, and digital services. With a focus on online-exclusive deals, it’s ideal for shoppers who prefer the convenience of snagging bargains from home, especially on gadgets and digital products.

Nowadays, Black Friday and Cyber Monday often overlap both online and in-store, creating what feels like a month-long shopping extravaganza. However, the types of deals they offer still differ slightly.

Differences Between Cyber Monday and Black Friday

Shipping and Delivery Cost Differences

This year, Amazon kicked off Black Friday deals early, and many retailers are encouraging shoppers to start buying ahead of time. This push is largely due to ongoing supply chain issues, which could delay some shipments. Here’s what you should consider for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shipping:

• Delivery Times: Items bought on Cyber Monday are typically still expected to arrive before Christmas, but it’s smart to double-check shipping times, especially on high-demand products.
• Shipping Costs: Since Cyber Monday is focused heavily on online shopping, shipping costs may vary. Many retailers offer free shipping on Cyber Monday—some without minimum purchase requirements. However, not all do, so be sure to look for promotions that include free shipping to avoid unexpected costs.
• Membership Benefits: If you’re an Amazon Prime or Walmart+ member, you can access free shipping, which can make Cyber Monday shopping even more convenient.

For even more savings, consider choosing in-store or curbside pickup options to skip delivery fees altogether.

Inventory

Stock concerns tend to be less of an issue on Cyber Monday. Still, remember that some discounts are tied to limited inventory. While you can often find standard gaming consoles like the PS5 across many stores, special items like the PS5 Pro might have limited stock. 

Black Friday tends to have the year’s biggest discounts on high-demand items like gaming consoles, iPads, TVs, and gaming laptops, but these deals might not last the entire day. Many top Apple Black Friday deals, especially on older models, are often priced low enough to sell out quickly. Waiting until Cyber Monday could mean missing out on some of the hottest offers, making Black Friday the prime time to snag big-ticket electronics, particularly in the gaming and tech categories.

Convenience

One of the biggest benefits of shopping on Cyber Monday is that it doesn’t interrupt family time, unlike Black Friday, which often overlaps with Thanksgiving gatherings. Many Cyber Monday sales start during the weekend, allowing for a more relaxed shopping experience compared to the rush right after Thanksgiving dinner. Waiting until Cyber Monday can make holiday shopping feel less hectic and more manageable once things settle down.

Types of Promotions

Black Friday and Cyber Monday feature distinct deals for different shopping needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Big-Ticket Deals on Black Friday:

• Electronics: TVs, tablets, and smart home devices
• Appliances: Refrigerators, washers, and kitchen gadgets
• Gaming: Consoles, gaming laptops, and accessories

Accessory and Home Deals on Cyber Monday:

• Tech Accessories: Headphones, chargers, and portable speakers
• Home Goods: Decor, bedding, and small appliances
• Fashion and Beauty: Clothing, skincare, and beauty tools

Cyber Monday often includes online-only flash sales and sitewide discounts, making it ideal for picking up smaller gifts and household essentials.

Which Day Should You Shop?

If you’re in need of something soon—like a new fridge or TV—then Black Friday is likely your best bet. Deals on big-ticket items are more common and tend to have the biggest markdowns right on Black Friday itself, including some 50% off sales on popular electronics and appliances. Stock levels can be an issue, so shopping early on Black Friday can help you secure those high-demand products before they’re gone.

On the other hand, if you’re not in a rush and are looking for tech accessories or digital items, Cyber Monday might be worth the wait. Many retailers roll out special online discounts for gadgets and tech, often with added sitewide deals and promotions exclusive to Cyber Monday.

How to Find the Best Black Friday Deals

• Check Previous Prices: Make sure you’re getting an actual discount by reviewing past prices.
• Compare Retailers: Before buying, check other stores to see if they offer a better price.
• Use Deal Sites: Visit sites like koupon.ai to find additional discounts or promo codes on specific items.
• Sign Up for Email Alerts: Subscribe to your favorite retailers’ newsletters for early access to deals and potential exclusive discounts. Following them on social media can also provide extra offers or early access.
• Avoid Impulse Buys: If shopping online, try not to browse endless deals. Stick to your list to avoid spending on things you don’t need.

These tips also work well for Cyber Monday. If you’re worried about missing out, consider buying key items on Black Friday to lock in deals and avoid the rush. Remember to focus on your needs to avoid overspending.

FAQs

When is Cyber Monday 2024?

Cyber Monday 2024 will start on December 2nd. It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving, following Black Friday but lasting a bit longer. However, if there’s something specific you’re hoping to grab, it’s a good idea to be ready early—big discounts can sell out fast!

When is Black Friday 2024?

Black Friday 2024 will be on November 29th. However, many retailers, including Amazon, start their sales earlier—last year, Amazon kicked off its deals as early as November 15th. Keep an eye on when your favorite stores begin their promotions, or you can always check our website for the latest discounts and updates!

Is Cyber Monday Better Than Black Friday?

It depends on what you’re buying. Cyber Monday is better for tech and online-only deals, while Black Friday offers deeper discounts on a broader range of products.

Which Day Has Better Tech Deals?

Cyber Monday generally has more aggressive discounts on tech gadgets and software, but Black Friday still features excellent tech deals, especially on TVs and appliances.

Conclusion

Both Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer incredible savings, but choosing the right day depends on what you’re shopping for. If you’re looking for big-ticket items, Black Friday is your best bet. For tech enthusiasts and online shoppers, Cyber Monday is ideal. By planning ahead and knowing what to expect, you can maximize your savings and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience.

Happy shopping, and may the best deals be with you!