Most people assume that Black Friday and holiday weekend sales are the ideal time to snap up the high-priced items on their lists. But experts say that—depending on the product—there may be several opportunities throughout the year to score dramatic deals.
For instance, one rule of thumb is that an item will be at its deepest discount right after a new model hits the market, says Andrew Schrage, CEO of financial education website Money Crashers. “That’s when retailers want to clear out old inventory,” he says.
So, before you open your wallet for a big buy, consider these expert-approved strategies to save serious cash.
Cars
Dealers have to meet monthly, quarterly and annual goals. The end of the year is when the three converge, so you’ll have the most leverage. Can’t wait that long? Wait until the end of the month, if possible. You can even time your purchase to a day or time when dealers are more likely to make a deal. Mondays and Tuesdays are slower, for example. And if you show up at the end of the day, you might get an excellent price on a car without a lot of haggling because the employees want to go home, Schrage says.
Appliances
The newest models of refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers and air conditioners are released in November. As a result, the prices start coming down between Labor Day and October, says shopping expert Trae Bodge. "Labor Day is my favorite," she says. "That's when the discounts are the deepest." But if you miss that period, Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other three-day holiday weekends also offer reliable deals.
Furniture
For large furniture retailers, restock periods are generally in February and August. That means the time to look—and ask—for discounts is January and July. If you’re furnishing a patio, you might want to shop in the winter months, says Schrage. If you’re redoing the kids’ room, you might want to try the back-to-school shopping period to get a good deal. You may also want to consider buying floor models for an even steeper discount, though they might have a scratch or dent or two. “One thing a lot of folks don’t know is that furniture prices are negotiable,” says Schrage. “Maybe not on the fresh merchandise, but if a retailer is looking to clear out old inventory, they might accept a lower price to move it.”
Mattresses
The end of winter or the beginning of spring is the best time to buy a new mattress—that’s when new models are released. “May, in particular, could be a great month to make a mattress purchase,” says Schrage. “That is the deadline for some retailers to clear out old inventory, meaning you might be able to find a steal.” And those commercials you see for sales over three-day national holiday weekends are legitimate—retailers want to take advantage of a shopper’s extra day to browse. And if you’re looking to buy a direct-to-consumer mattress online, those companies follow a similar sale schedule, Bodge says.
Televisions
One of the best times of year to buy a TV is during the sales that come right before the Super Bowl. “That's when lots of folks are upgrading their televisions in order to impress people who attend the party for the big game," says Schrage. Another great time to purchase a TV is before the new models come out, which is generally in spring. Black Friday is always a great time to take advantage of a TV deal, since retailers are looking to make the most out of the holiday shopping season.
Toys
Toys generally see steep discounts starting 10 days before Christmas. That said, if you're after the hot toys of the season, don't wait that long—they may sell out, warns Bodge. “The one exception is for video game consoles and games,” she says. “The biggest discounts for them come around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.”
Caribbean Vacations
To get the best deals, there are two things to keep in mind: when you book and when you visit. “The best time to book is either as soon as you know your travel plans, or to wait until the last minute,” says Schrage. “That second strategy might sound a bit risky, but it can pay off. Booking as early as possible might give you a better deal because there are plenty of spots available, depending upon how you’re traveling.” Generally, booking a Caribbean vacation for travel during May and June or November and December will net you the best deal. The caveat: The temperatures and climate won’t be as ideal, but you'll still enjoy good weather and fewer crowds.
Fitness Equipment and Gym Memberships
“Hands down, January is the best time to buy anything related to fitness, beauty and wellness," says Bodge. For rock bottom prices, join a gym in December or January. “This is when lots of folks are setting their New Year’s resolutions,” says Schrage. Summertime is another good time to sign up for the gym. When school lets out, companies discount memberships to try to keep sales and new customers from falling off too much.
Champagne
Bubbly is cheapest right before Christmas, right before New Year’s Eve and right before Valentine’s Day. “Retailers entice shoppers at times with steeper discounts on some of the higher quality brands,” says Schrage. “You might be able to serve the higher-end stuff at a mid-range price if you do your research.”
Tools
Because of weather, June is the time where tools get used the most and when they are most discounted, says Schrage. The month also coincides with Father’s Day. If you miss that window, wait until Black Friday and Cyber Monday, he says.
Maridel Reyes is a journalist based in New York. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, the New York Post, USA Today and The Boston Globe.
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