Black Friday vs January sales: which is cheaper

Verdict: It depends on the category. Electronics lean to Black Friday, winter and fitness items lean to January.

The question of Black Friday vs January sales has no single answer. Retailers discount things for different reasons at different times. In November they compete for gift buyers. In January they clear winter stock and make room for spring. Dates change each year, so check the retailer for the current offer.

Which wins on

These are typical patterns, not promises.

What matters most

Can the purchase wait? If yes, the later sale is often deeper. If no, buy at the first price that meets your target. Look at the price history so you know what the target is.

A short caution

Waiting for January can leave you with the wrong size or color. For items where fit matters, such as boots, buying in November at a small premium may be better. Also check return windows, since a holiday purchase often gets a longer one and a January sale may not.

How do you decide when you are unsure?

Ask three things. First, does the item sell out? Toys and popular tech do, so lean to November. Second, does it have a season? Coats, boots and fitness gear do, so lean to January. Third, is there a deadline? A gift for the holiday cannot wait, while a gift for a birthday in February can.

A worked example

These numbers are round and made up. A winter coat is $200 in November and $140 in January. A fitness item is $120 in November and $90 in January. If you need the coat for a cold snap now, pay the $200 and use it for the whole winter. If you can manage with your old one, wait and save $60. The fitness item can wait, since a missed November has no deadline. A TV or a popular toy usually flips the order.