Black Friday vs. Pre-Christmas Day Sales: When to Snag the Best Deals?

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When to shop Black Friday or Pre-Christmas day sales

Get the most out of your holiday shopping by understanding when to shop Black Friday or pre-Christmas. Insights from MoneySavingExpert.com highlight the advantages of planning your purchases wisely.

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When to shop Black Friday or Pre-Christmas sales? When Do You Save More?

Getting the best value for your money during holiday shopping can be challenging. According to MoneySavingExpert.com, Black Friday tends to deliver bigger discounts on popular products compared to pre-Christmas sales. In a study of 50 popular items, 70% were cheaper on Black Friday 2023 than on 19 December 2023, with Black Friday offering an average discount of 29%, while pre-Christmas sales averaged just 19%.

If you’re looking for the biggest savings, Black Friday might be the right time to buy.

Shopping Periods You Need to Know

  1. Black Friday (29 November 2024)
    • It kicks off major discounts and often features site-wide offers and promo codes.
    • This is the best time to buy electronics, big-ticket items, and take advantage of store-wide discounts.
  2. Pre-Christmas Sales
    • Start mid-December and focus on last-minute gifts.
    • Discounts tend to be smaller, but it’s a lifesaver for procrastinators.
  3. Post-Christmas/January Sales
    • This is ideal for clearance deals on surplus stock.
    • This option works best for non-time-sensitive items, though limited stock might mean slim pickings.
pre-christmas sale

Data Speaks: Why Black Friday Comes Out on Top

Here’s a closer look at MoneySavingExpert.com’s research from 2023:

MetricBlack FridayPre-Christmas
Cheapest Price Found70% of items12% of items
Average Discount29%19%
Same Price Both Periods18% of items18% of items

For many big brands, including Apple, Dyson, and Amazon products, Black Friday prices were the lowest, making it the best time to shop if you need gifts ready for Christmas.

Martin Lewis on Black Friday vs. Pre-Christmas Shopping

MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis says:

“If an item you’ve been planning to buy has a decent discount on Black Friday and you need it by Christmas, the chances are you should buy it. Waiting for pre-Christmas sales often doesn’t pay off.”

While there are exceptions, Black Friday generally delivers better prices, especially for big-ticket items and electronics.

Tips to Maximize Savings

  1. Track Prices Early
    Research your target items before Black Friday so you know if the “deal” is genuinely worth it. Use tools like CamelCamelCamel for Amazon, PriceRunner, or PriceSpy to monitor prices.
  2. Compare Retailer Perks
    When prices are similar, look for added benefits like extended warranties (John Lewis) or price-match guarantees (Curry’s).
  3. Leverage Extended Return Policies
    Many retailers offer longer return periods over the holidays. Buy during Black Friday, and if prices drop further in December, you can return and repurchase (check policies first).
  4. Set a Budget
    Don’t assume you need something just because it’s on sale. Use the Money Mantras:
    • Do I need it?
    • Can I afford it?
    • Is it worth the price?
  5. Avoid Impulse Buys
    Retailers use flashy sales to encourage overspending. Stick to your list to avoid regretful purchases.

When to Wait for January Sales

For non-gift items like winter clothing, home goods, or fitness equipment, January sales often have deeper discounts. However, the selection is limited, and these sales aren’t ideal for Christmas shopping.

Shop Smart This Holiday Season

If you’re debating whether to shop on Black Friday or wait for Boxing Day sales, Black Friday is likely your best bet for serious savings. With bigger discounts on electronics, toys, and popular gifts, it’s the ideal time to check off your holiday shopping list.

Visit MoneySavingExpert.com for more tips and deal updates, and monitor trusted comparison tools to ensure you’re truly getting the best price.

Happy shopping, and may your holiday season be budget-friendly!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Black Friday better than Boxing Day sales for deals?

Yes, Black Friday typically offers bigger and broader discounts compared to pre-Christmas sales. According to MoneySavingExpert.com’s research, over 70% of items analysed in 2023 were cheaper on Black Friday, with an average discount of 29%, while pre-Christmas discounts averaged just 19%.

2. Should I wait for Christmas sales instead of shopping on Black Friday?

If you find a fantastic deal during Black Friday on an item you plan to buy, it’s better to purchase it. It can be risky to wait for Boxing Day sales, as the item might sell out or not receive further discounts. Black Friday generally has a wider selection of deals.

3. What kinds of products are cheaper on Black Friday?

  • Electronics and gadgets: TVs, laptops, headphones, gaming consoles
  • Home appliances: Air fryers, vacuum cleaners, and coffee machines
  • Fashion and beauty: Designer items, makeup, skincare

Retailers often use Black Friday to draw in shoppers with deep discounts on these categories.

4. What products are better to buy during pre-Christmas sales?

  • Toys and gifts: Retailers aim to clear holiday inventory closer to Christmas.
  • Festive decorations: discounts on Christmas trees, ornaments, and lights.
  • Seasonal clothing: winter coats, holiday party outfits, and boots.

5. Are post-Christmas (January) sales better than Black Friday?

Post-Christmas sales often feature deeper discounts, but they’re focused on surplus stock. You may not find the exact item you want, especially for popular gifts or electronics. January is better for buying home goods, fitness gear, or clothing.

6. Can I combine Black Friday deals with pre-Christmas sales?

Yes, savvy shoppers can take advantage of extended return policies. Buy items during Black Friday and monitor prices in December. If the price drops, return and repurchase (check retailer policies to ensure this is possible).

7. Do prices ever drop further after Black Friday?

Sometimes. Around 18% of items tracked by MoneySavingExpert in 2023 had the same price on Black Friday and pre-Christmas, and only 5 items (10%) were cheaper post-Christmas. While it’s possible, waiting is often fruitless for the majority of products.

8. What are some tips for shopping smart during Black Friday and pre-Christmas sales?

  • Set a Budget: Avoid overspending by planning your purchases in advance.
  • Track Prices: Use tools like CamelCamelCamel, PriceRunner, and Google Shopping to see if discounts are genuine.
  • Compare Perks: Look for added benefits like free delivery, extended warranties, or cashback offers.
  • Shop Early: Many Black Friday deals start in early November, so don’t wait until the actual day.
  • Use Loyalty Programs: Maximize savings with points or discounts through retailer loyalty cards like Tesco Clubcard or Boots Advantage Card.

Black Friday vs. Pre-Christmas: Detailed Comparison

FeatureBlack FridayPre-Christmas Sales
Discount DepthUp to 70%Up to 50%
Product VarietyWidest selection availableLimited to holiday-related items
Best for…Electronics, appliances, fashionToys, decorations, seasonal goods
Risk of Out of StockHigh for popular itemsLower but limited options
Return PoliciesOften extended for holidaysStill extended during the season
Ease of ComparisonMore data and tools availableFewer comparisons possible

More questions people ask

  • “When are the best Black Friday deals available?”
  • “Do pre-Christmas sales beat Black Friday discounts?”
  • “Best holiday gifts to buy on Black Friday”
  • “Electronics deals: Black Friday or pre-Christmas shopping?”
  • “What items should you wait to buy until pre-Christmas?”
  • “Why Black Friday is better for big-ticket purchases”

Get the best deals this holiday season by planning your purchases strategically. If you’re shopping for big-ticket items, Black Friday is your go-to. For festive goods or last-minute gifts, check out pre-Christmas sales. Use price trackers, stay within budget, and follow retailer return policies to ensure every penny counts.

For more insights and deal updates, visit MoneySavingExpert.com and start saving smarter today!

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