Timing is everything, especially for frugal consumers who need to make big purchases. Knowing the best time to buy a car, a house or a video game console goes a long way toward saving big bucks.
The best time to shop for a big-ticket item is usually when a newer model is introduced. For example, furniture makers release new styles twice a year, so the best time to buy furniture is the month before the new products hit the stores. The end of a season also brings excellent bargains. Consider lawn mowers, which go on sale when winter is on its way and the grass won't need mowing until spring.
Keep in mind, though, that following the best-time-to-buy rules requires sacrifice. In other words, forget about having the latest and greatest model. Older models, typically equal in quality to the replacements and in some cases with similar features, come with the biggest discounts. The longer you wait, the deeper the price cut but the smaller the selection.Use this handy guide to help you keep track of deals month by month.
JANUARY
New furniture models come out in February, so bargains arrive this month. Keep an eye on office furniture, as stores target entrepreneurs launching new ventures in the new tax year. With the holidays over and winter setting in, department stores lure shoppers with "white sales," making this the best time to buy linens.
FEBRUARY
After Valentine's Day, stock up on high-end chocolate, which rarely goes on sale. Retailers continue to discount select electronics such as HDTVs, GPS units, and audio equipment, along with video games released during the holiday gift-buying frenzy.
MARCH
As temperatures rise and demand cools, sellers are ready to strike deals on winter sporting equipment and apparel. The same goes for that last ski trip of the season. Updated luggage styles arrive in advance of summer travel, so now's the time to buy last year's suitcases.
APRIL
Car dealers pick up used vehicles at auction this time of year and aim to move them quickly. Retailers mark down cookware as graduations and wedding season approach.
MAY
Retailers offer exceptional discounts to open the floor for incoming merchandise. The long weekend also sees markdowns on spring clothes as summer wear moves front and center. Deals on office furniture pop up again in May, with price cuts continuing through June. With the start of wedding season and graduations, count on finding bargains on home goods and other gifts. Items such as kitchenware should be discounted heavily, while picnic and grilling supplies see price dips in May.
JUNE
Warm weather heats up deals on health club memberships as many gym rats head outdoors. Showing off a new body? Victoria's Secret's semi-annual lingerie sale spurs the competition to slash prices, too. The onset of hurricane season makes cruises cheaper yet, especially for last-minute bookings. Cinemas offer an escape from the heat and a plethora of deals on movie tickets if you buy online.
JULY
With Father's Day past, July is one of the best times to buy tools. The semi-annual release of new furniture models in August invites sales in July. And with no gift-giving holiday in sight, jewelry stores vie for business.
AUGUST
Back-to-school sales can work to your advantage even if you don't have kids. August is a good time to buy laptops and merchandise such as backpacks and office supplies. In addition to attractive deals on kids' clothes, you'll see summer apparel heavily discounted and swimwear at all-time-low prices.
SEPTEMBER
This is the best time to buy plane tickets for holiday travel. New car models come out, leaving cut-rate leftovers from the last model year. Likewise, bicycles are released in September and last year's models go on clearance. Look for denim and desktop computers on sale after the back-to-school rush. Once again, mattress dealers roll out discounts for the three-day weekend.
OCTOBER
Not much goes on sale this month, but the remaining summer stock (bikes, grills, lawn mowers) takes on spooky-low price tags. Discounts on denim, new cars, and camping gear also continue into October. Deals on Halloween costumes and decorations start in mid-October and continue to increase as the witches and goblins close in.
NOVEMBER
Expect discounts on big and small appliances, vacuum cleaners, and furniture. This is also a good time to buy laptops, HDTVs, tablets, digital cameras, and other electronics. Tools kits make welcome gifts and sales abound; ditto for cookware. November brings a lull in the wedding business ahead of holiday engagements, and bridal shops stock up on wedding dresses.
DECEMBER
Savings continue on HDTVs, including bigger brand names such as LG and Samsung, as well as cookware, small appliances, tools, and wedding dresses. Toys reach their lowest prices as Christmas approaches. In the market for a new house? Sellers who leave a home listed during the holidays are usually very motivated to negotiate a deal. With New Year's right around the corner, producers of Champagne and other sparkling wines post sales. The day after Christmas brings a wave of fresh discounts, from holiday decorations to winter apparel.
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