Here Are Your Best Bets For Shopping on Cyber Monday

Updated July 2026

Cyber Monday is the biggest online shopping day of the year, but the convenience of clicking from your desk can hide real costs. Shipping fees, out-of-stock notices, and tricky return policies can turn a seemingly great deal into a headache. Last year, U.S. shoppers spent $1.465 billion on Cyber Monday, according to comScore. This year, desktop spending hit $1.735 billion. The key is knowing where to look and what to double-check before you click “buy now.”

Plan Your Shopping Around Timing

The earliest hours of Cyber Monday deliver the best chance to snag limited-quantity doorbusters before they sell out. Most retailers launch their deepest discounts at midnight or early morning, and popular items evaporate within hours. By noon, what’s left is often second-tier promotions or full-price products.

If you’re serious about a specific item, check the retailer’s preview page the night before. Many sites, including Amazon and Walmart, post teaser deals that let you plan your purchase path. Keep tabs on the clock, because time-sensitive flash sales are common. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office notes that acting early also reduces the risk of missing out on a deal due to inventory shortages. The downside? Early morning shopping means you might be half-asleep and more prone to impulse buys. Set a budget before you log on.

For context, that $1.735 billion in 2013 spending represented a 18% increase from $1.465 billion in 2012. That $270 million rise reflects a meaningful shift in consumer behavior, from in-store or delayed online buys to immediate, high-volume digital purchases. A single shopper who bought a $200 item in 2012 might now spend $236 in 2013 to keep pace with inflation and rising demand. This isn’t just price inflation; it’s a growing reliance on online deals as a shopping standard.

Always Check for Free Shipping

Free shipping is the single biggest factor that makes an online deal genuinely cheaper than buying in-store. Without it, a $10 shipping charge can add 20% to a $50 gift, erasing any discount you thought you had. Many retailers offer free shipping on Cyber Monday, but not all. Before you commit, visit CyberMonday.com, which aggregates free shipping offers from hundreds of stores. If the site you’re buying from doesn’t advertise free shipping, check whether a coupon code can cover it. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office specifically advises shoppers to confirm shipping terms before completing a purchase. A quick calculation can save you a trip to the mall and the cost of gas.

For example, buying a $60 gift with $10 shipping adds $10 to your total cost. If the same item is available at $55 with free shipping, you save $5. At scale, this applies to multiple purchases. If you’re buying five gifts at $60 each with $10 shipping, that’s $50 extra. Free shipping eliminates that entirely. The savings multiply with bulk buys, especially if you’re shopping for family gifts.

Use Price Comparison Tools

A single retailer’s sale price rarely tells the whole story. The same Blu-ray player might be $79 at one store and $69 at another. Before you buy, run the item through a price comparison site like PriceGrabber or even a simple Google search. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office emphasizes that researching seller reputation is just as important as price. Stick to well-known retailers with clear return policies. A rock-bottom price from an unfamiliar website could mean counterfeit goods or a phishing trap. If you’re comparing brick-and-mortar chain stores, their online prices may differ from in-store tags. Call ahead if you plan to pick up locally.

One reader scenario: If you have a 620 credit score and need about $8,000 for a down payment on a used car, and you’re considering financing through a dealership with a 12% APR, you’re paying $960 in interest annually. That’s $80 per month, more than a $200 gift basket. Instead, use a price comparison tool to find the best deal on essential purchases, saving $50–$100 on items like a toaster or a tablet. That’s not a full solution, but it’s real money that can help reduce other debts.

Stack Coupons and Rewards

Almost every major retailer accepts coupon codes during Cyber Monday. Before you enter your credit card number, search for that retailer’s name plus “coupon code” on sites like RetailMeNot. You could land a percentage off your entire order, free shipping, or a free gift with purchase. Even a 5% code adds up on a $200 purchase.

If you belong to a rewards program, start your shopping there. The MileagePlus Shopping portal for United Airlines, for example, lets you earn miles on purchases at hundreds of retailers. Other airlines and credit card issuers run similar storefronts. The miles you earn on gifts you were already buying can cover a flight later. Just be aware that entering a rewards portal may override some coupon codes, so test both before finalizing.

The downside: rewards programs often don’t work on items with deep discounts or clearance sales. If you’re buying a $10 item on sale for $3, some programs may not track the purchase at full value. Use them wisely, on higher-value items, not on impulse buys.

Ship Directly to Gift Recipients

If your gift list includes people out of state, let the online retailer handle the last mile. Most sites allow you to ship directly to the recipient’s address, often with a gift receipt and a personalized note. Some even offer complimentary gift wrapping. This skips the double-handling: you unpack, wrap, repack, and then stand in line at the post office, paying for shipping again. When the retailer offers free shipping, the savings multiply. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office points out that this approach also reduces the chance of your own package being stolen from your doorstep if you’re not home. The only caveat: double-check that the shipping address is correct and that the recipient isn’t traveling during the delivery window.

Understand Return Policies Before You Buy

Returns are the hidden friction of online shopping. A brick-and-mortar store lets you hand the item back and get a refund on the spot. Online returns often require printing a label, repacking the item, and dropping it at a carrier. Some retailers charge restocking fees, especially for electronics. Others have a shorter return window for online purchases. The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office advises consumers to read the return policy fine print before ordering. If a gift is for a picky relative, a restrictive return policy could mean a wasted gift. When in doubt, favor stores that offer free returns and a generous window, like Target or Best Buy, which often extend holiday return periods into January.

Protect Your Personal Information

Cyber Monday sales spike from work computers, with 49.2% of 2013 desktop spending originating from office networks, according to comScore. That means millions of people are entering credit card numbers on networks they don’t control. Make sure the site uses encryption: look for “https” and the lock icon in the address bar. The Washington State Attorney General’s Office warns against clicking links in unsolicited emails or pop-up ads. Type the retailer’s URL directly into your browser. A safe practice is to use a credit card rather than a debit card, because credit cards offer stronger fraud protections under federal law. If your card number is stolen, you aren’t on the hook for unauthorized charges while the issuer investigates. The Federal Trade Commission recommends monitoring your statements regularly during the holiday season.

How to Spot a Cyber Monday Scam

Too-good-to-be-true deals are the bait. An email promising a $500 iPad for $99 is almost certainly a phishing attempt or a counterfeit site. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office cautions shoppers to be wary of deals that sound too good to be true. Scammers set up fake storefronts that mimic legitimate retailers, complete with similar logos and URLs. Check the domain name carefully: “amaz0n.com” or “walmart-deals.info” are red flags. The FTC advises using verified payment methods and never wiring money. If you’re unsure about a site, search for reviews and complaints with the Better Business Bureau. A real Cyber Monday deal never requires you to download unknown software or share your Social Security number.

Budgeting for Cyber Monday

A deal is only a deal if you can afford it. The excitement of one-day-only discounts can push you to overspend. Set a hard dollar amount for the day, and break it down by gift recipient. Use a simple spreadsheet or a budgeting app to track each purchase. Stick to it. The FTC recommends treating online shopping with the same discipline as in-store spending. If an item busts your budget, skip it. Chances are, a similar deal will appear again before December 25. The downside is that you might miss a truly limited-time offer, but avoiding credit card debt is worth more than any single gift.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving, created by the National Retail Federation’s Shop.org division in 2005 to encourage online shopping. It has since become the largest online spending day of the year, with retailers offering deep discounts exclusively on the web.

When is Cyber Monday 2013?

Cyber Monday 2013 falls on December 2. This is the Monday after the Black Friday weekend, and many deals start at midnight Eastern Time.

How much do people spend on Cyber Monday?

In 2013, desktop online retail spending on Cyber Monday reached $1.735 billion, an 18% increase from 2012, according to comScore. The prior year, spending was $1.465 billion.

Is Cyber Monday better than Black Friday?

It depends on what you’re buying. Cyber Monday often features deeper discounts on electronics, apparel, and digital content, while Black Friday still dominates for big-ticket in-store doorbusters. In 2012, Digital Content & Subscriptions spending grew 28% year-over-year on Cyber Monday, per comScore, suggesting a shift toward online-only deals for downloadable goods.

How can I avoid shipping costs?

Check CyberMonday.com for a list of retailers offering free shipping. Many stores also offer free shipping with a minimum purchase, so consolidate your buys. Using a coupon code from RetailMeNot can sometimes eliminate shipping fees even if the site doesn’t advertise it.

Are Cyber Monday deals really the best prices?

Not always. A PriceGrabber comparison can reveal that a competing retailer has the same item for less. Some retailers inflate original prices to make discounts look bigger. Trust but verify, and look at price history trackers if available.

How do I stay safe while shopping online?

Shop only on secure sites (look for “https” and a lock icon). The Washington State Attorney General’s Office advises paying with a credit card for stronger fraud protections. Avoid clicking email links; type the retailer’s URL directly. Keep your computer’s antivirus software up to date.

Can I return items bought on Cyber Monday?

Yes, but policies vary. Some retailers extend their return windows during the holidays, while others charge restocking fees or require original packaging. The Hawaii Attorney General’s Office urges consumers to read the return policy before ordering. Save all receipts and order confirmations.

What types of products are discounted on Cyber Monday?

Tech gadgets, small appliances, clothing, toys, and digital subscriptions tend to see the steepest cuts. In 2012, Digital Content & Subscriptions spending jumped 28% year-over-year on Cyber Monday, per comScore, making e-books, music, and streaming services popular buys.

How do I compare prices online?

Use price comparison engines like PriceGrabber or Google Shopping. Enter the product name or model number to see a list of retailers and their current prices. Factor in shipping and tax, as some sites show only the base price.