The Biggest Shopping Events of the Year
Black Friday and Cyber Monday (together often called BFCM) represent the largest retail discount period of the year. For savvy shoppers, they're an opportunity to make planned purchases at genuinely reduced prices. For unprepared shoppers, they can lead to overspending on things you didn't need. This guide will help you be the former.
When Do the Sales Actually Start?
Despite the name, Black Friday deals now typically begin well before the Friday after Thanksgiving. Many retailers launch "early access" sales in the first or second week of November. Cyber Monday officially falls on the Monday after Black Friday, but deals commonly extend through the following week — sometimes called "Cyber Week."
- Early November: Pre-sale leaks and early access for loyalty members
- Mid-November: Many major retailers begin official Black Friday sales
- Thanksgiving week: Peak discounts across most categories
- Cyber Monday + Cyber Week: Best deals on tech and online-exclusive items
What Actually Goes on Sale?
Not everything is deeply discounted. Knowing which categories see the best BFCM deals helps you plan strategically:
- Electronics – TVs, laptops, headphones, and smart home devices are consistently among the deepest discounts.
- Appliances – Large and small kitchen appliances often see significant markdowns.
- Clothing & Shoes – Fashion retailers commonly offer sitewide percentage discounts.
- Toys & Games – High demand makes these popular, so act early.
- Subscriptions & Software – Cyber Monday is excellent for digital products and annual subscription deals.
How to Prepare Before the Sales Start
- Build your wish list now. Decide in advance what you want to buy, so you're not impulse-shopping during the hype.
- Research normal prices. Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to check whether the "sale" price is actually a real discount or just the regular price with a false markdown.
- Create accounts early. Set up accounts and save payment info at stores you plan to shop — checkout speed matters for limited-stock items.
- Set a total budget. Decide your maximum spend across the entire BFCM period before any sales begin.
- Sign up for retailer emails. Many stores send early access codes to subscribers before public sales launch.
Day-Of Shopping Strategies
- Shop online where possible to avoid crowds and access more deals.
- Check multiple retailers before buying — the same product may be cheaper elsewhere.
- Watch for free shipping thresholds to avoid paying shipping costs that eat into your savings.
- Stack cashback app portals with your purchases for an additional percentage back.
Post-Sale Tips
Many retailers offer a price protection policy — if an item you purchased goes lower within a certain window, you can request the difference back. Keep your receipts and check prices again in the week following BFCM. Additionally, December holiday sales sometimes beat Black Friday prices in categories like clothing and home goods.
The Golden Rule of BFCM Shopping
Only buy what you planned to buy. A 40% discount on something you weren't going to purchase is still money spent, not money saved. Go in with a list, stick to it, and BFCM becomes one of the most powerful tools in a frugal shopper's calendar.