Best time to buy gadgets, furniture, and more
September 16, 2009 · Tagged with Banking and Budgeting
Timing is everything. To get the best deals, you’ve got to know when to shop.
There are some purchases that are difficult to time perfectly, such as stocks, airplane tickets and gas. But many other consumer staples — from cars to electronics to furniture — go on sale predictably at certain times of the year, saving you a bundle if you plan your purchases accordingly.
Check out a selection of the best buys for every month of the year:
January: Linens
It may be cold outside, but you can make the indoors warm and comfy — and save money in the process — by shopping department stores’ “white sales” in January.
It’s not uncommon to find discounts of 10% to 60% on sheets, blankets, towels and more (and not just in white).
January/February: Digital cameras
With the Consumer Electronics Show and Photo Marketing Association convention at this time of year, new camera models start arriving at retailers. That means deep discounts on last year’s perfectly good merchandise.
March: Frozen food
It’s national frozen-food month, and sales and coupons abound. If you have a freezer, stock up. You can store some foods as long as one year.
(Use this storage guide from the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service when deciding what to stock up on.)
April: Used cars
Looking for a used car? This is the best month to shop. Every year, car dealers stock up to kick off the spring selling season. Buyers have a full selection of inventory to choose from and plenty of willing negotiators to land the best deal.
May: Mattresses
As retailers make room for new models, mattress shoppers will find a lot of wiggle room on price, says Luke Knowles, founder of FreeShipping.org.
Look for discounts of up to 50%, as well as promotions for free delivery or free disposal of your old mattress.
June: Gym memberships
Health clubs get a wave of new sign-ups around the first of the year, but business tends to drop in the spring and summer before picking up again in the fall. Shop around for cut-rate promotions during the lull — you might score a lower monthly rate or get your enrollment fee waived.
And don’t be afraid to haggle with sales reps. They may be willing to deal while things are slow.