I Asked ChatGPT: How Much Do Shoppers Actually Save on Black Friday?
Written by
Jordan Rosenfeld
Edited by
Molly Sullivan
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Black Friday has become a hallowed shopping event, a time of year when the average consumer believes they will get some of the best deals on products at any time. While retailers may lead you to believe you’re saving a phenomenal 40% to 50%, I asked ChatGPT to dive into the actual data.
The data revealed a more modest story. Research the AI found suggests the average price drop during Black Friday week may be significantly less than 10% in some categories. That doesn’t mean there are no bargains — but to really get great deals, you have to know where to look.
The Real Numbers Behind the Discounts
When you dig into the numbers, the “average” discount on Black Friday/Cyber Week comes in around 25% to 30%, ChatGPT noted. For instance, one source on Black Friday statistics reported that global and U.S. average discount rates of 27% and 29% for Cyber Week 2023. Other research found category-specific discounts ranging from approximately 11% to 23%.
Within specific product groups, however, savings vary widely:
- Apparel and accessories: Around 20% to 30% on average, though occasionally there may be a better discount on a specific product, brand or category.
- Beauty and makeup: Here, too, discounts can be “up to” 30% and 40% off in top deals, but these are not typically the average discount.
- Electronics and computers: These items can offer discounts in the 20% to 35% range, though given the costs of these items, these discounts can make a bigger dent.
Additionally, ChatGPT noted that the biggest savings tend to come from “door-buster” offers or models with limited availability. Regular stock may not drop nearly as much.
The Categories Where You Don’t Save Much
Not all categories shine on Black Friday, and the reality is that some discount claims are overstated. ChatGPT drew on data that found fewer whopping discounts in these areas:
- Groceries and general goods: Discounts are often in the single digits, if they happen at all.
- Home goods and furniture: Many deals are under 10% off.
- Online-only deals: Even here savings tend to hover around 25%, versus higher claims in-store.
In short, if it’s something you buy all year long, chances are the savings aren’t massive.
The Hidden Tricks Retailers Use
ChatGPT pointed out that while many discounts look deep, they often rely on manipulative tactics. For example, prices may be inflated in the weeks before Black Friday, only to “drop” to normal levels but be called a “deal.” Other common tactics include:
- Items labelled “50% off” that are older models, limited SKUs or carry-over inventory.
- Real-time pricing algorithms that raise and lower prices quickly, so deals vanish fast. In other words, the sticker might say “Best Price Ever,” but the base price you’re comparing against may never have been typical.
When Black Friday Is Actually Worth It
So, when is it worth going full shopping-mode? ChatGPT’s short list:
- Go for electronics, small appliances, select beauty products and brand name clothing — these categories tend to deliver stronger discounts.
- Skip household staples, generic groceries or lower-margin electronics where price cuts are not as significant.
- Use price-tracking tools (like Honey or CamelCamelCamel) so you know a “deal” genuinely beats past prices.
- Consider Cyber Monday instead — especially for online deals, where you often find equal or better discounts than Black Friday itself.
Smart Shopping Tips for Real Savings
Stay savvy year-round by keeping an eye on prices throughout the year on items you know will be on your Black Friday list. Then you’ll have a better sense of whether you’re getting a deal or not.
Additionally, combine deals, ChatGPT suggested, like combiningdiscounts with credit card cash back or loyalty program rewards.
Always avoid impulse shopping, which can lead to jumping on something that’s not as great of a deal. Also, the AI recommended, ask yourself: Would I buy it full price? If not, it might not be a deal.
The Real Takeaway
Even on Black Friday, a “deal” isn’t always what it seems. If you shop smart, stick to high-discount categories and verify prices, you can walk away with real wins instead of buyer’s remorse.
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