If you love online shopping, you already know how easy it is to buy something just because it looks like a deal. I’ve done it too. The problem is that many discounts are not real savings at all.
The truth is simple: the biggest savings come from buying at the right time. Once you understand how online shopping events work, you stop guessing and start planning.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the biggest online sales of the year, explain what actually goes on sale, and show you when it’s truly the best time to shop online.
Online Shopping Events vs Best Product Categories (Quick Comparison)
| Online Shopping Event | Electronics | Fashion | Home & Appliances | Software & Subscriptions | Beauty & Personal Care |
| Black Friday | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cyber Monday | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Amazon Prime Day | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Singles’ Day (11.11) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Holiday Season Sales | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Back-to-School Sales | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| Mid-Year Online Sales | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| End-of-Season Clearance | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| App-Only Sales | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Brand Anniversary Sales | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
⭐ = Good ⭐⭐⭐ = Very Good ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = Best
Top 10 Online Shopping Events That Happen Every Year
1. Black Friday – The Biggest Online Sale of the Year
When it happens:
Black Friday happens in late November (the Friday after Thanksgiving). Most sales now run 5–10 days.
Typical discounts:
- Electronics: 20%–50%
- Appliances: 30%–60%
- Fashion: 30%–70%
Brands that usually offer strong deals:
Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Apple (gift cards), Samsung, Nike, Adidas, Sony, LG
What you should buy:
TVs, laptops, phones, headphones, kitchen appliances, and gaming consoles
Smart tip:
Prices are often raised in early November. Track prices at least 2 weeks before Black Friday to spot real savings.
2. Cyber Monday – Best for Online-Only & Digital Deals
When it happens:
The Monday after Black Friday
Typical discounts:
- Software & subscriptions: 25%–70%
- Gadgets & accessories: 20%–40%
Brands to watch:
Dell, HP, Microsoft, Adobe, Samsung, Logitech, gaming, and SaaS brands
What you should buy:
Software, accessories, laptops, office tech, digital services
Smart tip:
Cyber Monday often repeats Black Friday deals with less pressure. It’s perfect if you like to compare calmly.
3. Amazon Prime Day – Flash Deals With Mixed Value
When it happens:
Usually June or July (sometimes a second event in October)
Typical discounts:
- Amazon devices: 30%–60%
- Daily essentials: 20%–40%
Brands to watch:
Amazon (Echo, Kindle, Fire), Anker, JBL, Philips, Samsung, Xiaomi
What you should buy:
Smart home devices, headphones, essentials, and small electronics
Smart tip:
Not every Prime Day deal is great. Stick to items you planned to buy before the event.
4. Singles’ Day (11.11) – Massive Global Discounts
When it happens:
November 11 (often runs for a full week)
Typical discounts:
- Fshion & beauty: 30%–70%
- Electronics: 20%–50%
Brands to watch:
AliExpress, Shein, Nike, Adidas, Xiaomi, Huawei, global fashion brands
What you should buy:
Clothing, beauty products, accessories, electronics
Smart tip:
Check shipping time and return policies. Some deals are great, but delivery may take weeks.
5. Holiday Season Sales – Longest Sale Period
When it happens:
Late November to December
Typical discounts:
- Gifts & toys: 20%–50%
- Clothing & décor: 30%–60%
Brands to watch:
Amazon, Target, Macy’s, IKEA, H&M, Zara, toy brands
What you should buy:
Gifts, toys, clothes, home décor
Smart tip:
Prices change frequently. If you see a good deal early, don’t assume it will return.
6. Back-to-School Sales – Hidden Goldmine
When it happens:
July to September
Typical discounts:
- Laptops & tablets: 15%–35%
- Office furniture: 20%–40%
Brands to watch:
Apple (education pricing), Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, office brands
What you should buy:
Laptops, tablets, desks, chairs, backpacks, and software
Smart tip:
Most deals apply even if you’re not a student. Always check eligibility.
7. Mid-Year Online Sales – Quiet but Powerful
When it happens:
June to July
Typical discounts:
- Fashion & home goods: 30%–60%
- Older electronics: 20%–40%
Brands to watch:
Fashion retailers, electronics, are clearing old stock
What you should buy:
Clothing, home items, last year’s electronics
Smart tip:
Buying last year’s model saves money with almost no downside.
8. End-of-Season Clearance – Deepest Discounts
When it happens:
End of summer and winter
Typical discounts:
- Clothing & shoes: 50%–80%
Brands to watch:
Zara, H&M, Nike, Adidas, outdoor brands
What you should buy:
Fashion, shoes, seasonal gear
Smart tip:
Buy for next season. Clearance shopping rewards patience.
9. App-Only Online Sales – Mobile Advantage
When it happens:
Throughout the year
Typical discounts:
- Extra 5%–20% app-only coupons
Brands to watch:
Fashion apps, grocery apps, marketplaces
What you should buy:
Beauty, groceries, daily essentials
Smart tip:
Compare app vs website prices. App deals are not always cheaper.
10. Brand Anniversary & Marketplace Mega Sales
When it happens:
Varies by brand
Typical discounts:
- Site-wide: 20%–50%
Brands to watch:
Major marketplaces and large online retailers
What you should buy:
Depends on the platform
Smart tip:
Enable alerts so you don’t miss these less predictable events.
Typical Discount Ranges by Event (What to Expect Realistically)
This table helps readers avoid unrealistic expectations and spot fake deals.
| Shopping Event | Common Discount Range | What Usually Gets the Best Deals |
| Black Friday | 20%–60% | Electronics, appliances, gaming |
| Cyber Monday | 25%–70% | Software, accessories, digital tools |
| Amazon Prime Day | 20%–60% | Amazon devices, essentials |
| Singles’ Day | 30%–70% | Fashion, beauty, accessories |
| Holiday Season Sales | 20%–60% | Gifts, clothing, décor |
| Back-to-School | 15%–40% | Laptops, furniture, software |
| Mid-Year Sales | 30%–60% | Clothing, home goods |
| End-of-Season Clearance | 50%–80% | Fashion, shoes |
| App-Only Sales | Extra 5%–20% | Beauty, groceries |
| Brand Anniversary Sales | 20%–50% | Mixed categories |
How You Can Use an Online Deals Calendar to Save More
Smart shoppers don’t chase every sale. They follow an online deals calendar and plan purchases around major online sale events.
Simple habits that work:
- Track prices before sales start
- Make a shopping list and stick to it
- Ignore countdown timers designed to create urgency
Best Time to Buy Popular Products (Smart Shopper Cheat Sheet)
| Product Type | Best Shopping Event | Why It’s the Best Time |
| TVs & Large Electronics | Black Friday | Biggest price cuts of the year |
| Laptops | Back-to-School, Black Friday | Student pricing + seasonal discounts |
| Smartphones | Black Friday, Holiday Sales | Older models are heavily discounted |
| Fashion & Shoes | End-of-Season Clearance | Deepest markdowns |
| Software & Subscriptions | Cyber Monday | Largest percentage discounts |
| Home Appliances | Black Friday | Inventory-clearing deals |
| Beauty Products | Singles’ Day, App-Only Sales | Bundles + coupons |
| Smart Home Devices | Prime Day | Exclusive platform discounts |
Also Read: Top Tips for Saving Money While Shopping Online
Final Thoughts: How to Become a Smarter Online Shopper
Online shopping does not have to drain your wallet. When you understand online shopping events, recognize the best time to shop online, and focus on value instead of hype, you save more and regret less.
You don’t need every deal.
You only need the right deal at the right time.
FAQs
1. Which online shopping event has the biggest discounts overall?
Black Friday usually offers the largest overall discounts, especially on electronics and home appliances. However, the “best” event depends on the product. For example, software and subscriptions are often cheaper on Cyber Monday, while fashion sees deeper discounts during end-of-season sales.
2. Are online shopping deals really cheaper than normal days?
Yes, but only during major online sale events. Price-tracking studies show that real discounts are most common during scheduled sales like Black Friday, Prime Day, and clearance seasons. Random flash sales often show fake markdowns based on inflated prices.
3. What is the safest time to buy expensive items online?
The safest time is during well-known online shopping events with return protection and price guarantees, such as Black Friday week or Prime-style events. These periods usually offer better customer support, easier returns, and price-match policies.
4. How can I tell if an online discount is fake?
A discount is likely fake if the price was raised shortly before the sale. To avoid this, check price history using comparison tools or browser extensions and compare the same product across multiple websites before buying.
5. Do prices drop again after big online sales?
Yes, especially for fashion and seasonal items. Prices often drop further during end-of-season clearance sales, even after major events like Black Friday. If you can wait and don’t need the item immediately, patience often leads to bigger savings.
