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Black Friday

Black Friday vs Prime Day: which sale is the better buy

Black Friday vs Prime Day: which sale is better for what you want? A simple table, a rule by category, and what to do when one store runs both.

Rania Khelifi4 min read

A person shopping online on a laptop
Image by QuinceCreative from Pixabay
Verdict: Black Friday for range, a store event for that store's own gear. Neither is always cheaper. Your target price decides.

Black Friday is a broad shopping season across many stores. A store-run summer event is one store's sale, often with member-only offers. Both use the same tools: a banner, a countdown and a short list of deals. The difference is who is selling and what is on offer.

Event dates change each year, so check each store's own announcement.

Which wins on what?

QuestionBlack FridayStore summer event
Range of storesWideOne store
Range of categoriesWideWide on that store
Member offersSomeOften required
TVs and laptopsStrongMixed
Store-brand devicesMixedOften strong
Competing pricesMany stores matchFewer
Return windowOften extendedCheck the store

Pick Black Friday if

  • You want a TV, laptop or large item.
  • You can compare across stores.
  • You want a longer return window.

Pick the store's summer event if

  • The item is the store's own brand or device.
  • You already have the membership.
  • You need the item sooner than November.

Rule: Set a target price first. Buy at whichever event hits it.

What should you watch for?

Check that the "was" price is real. Look at the last 30 days, the last 90 days and the last big event. See how to spot a fake sale before you buy.

Also watch for a membership you do not want. A free trial that renews is not a free deal. Cancel or set a reminder.

For the November side of the story, see Black Friday: what is real and what is hype and is Cyber Monday different from Black Friday.

How do you decide with a real list?

Take your wish list and mark each item by seller. Items sold only by one store, such as that store's own devices, tend to sit in that store's event. Items sold everywhere, such as TVs and laptops, can be found across many stores in November. Then check the price for each item in the other event of the year. If it is within a small gap of your target, you are done.

These numbers are round and made up. A pair of earbuds is $80 normally, $60 at the summer event and $55 in November. You have saved $20 either way. Waiting saved another $5 but took months. For some people the early buy is the smart one.

Rule: A small gap is not worth a long wait.

What if both events miss your target?

Then neither is the right time. Prices for many items settle in a range through the year, and a sale only matters if it beats that range. Keep the item on your list, check the price every week or two, and set an alert if the store offers one. Many items return to a low price within a few months.

Do not let a missed event push you into a poor buy. The wait is usually free. The return window of a purchase made in a rush is not.

How do coupons and cashback fit in?

Event prices can stack with coupons, cashback or a store card offer. The rules differ by store, and some events block stacking. See how to stack coupons, cashback and sale prices for the order that usually works. Read the terms on the day, since they change each season.

Quick questions

Is Black Friday better than a summer store event?

For TVs and laptops, often yes. For store-brand items, the summer event can be as good.

Can I use both?

Yes. Set your target price and buy when either event meets it.

Do I need a membership?

Some store events require one. Check the terms.

Should I wait for the next event?

If the price is not at your target, usually yes.

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