Thanks to the internet, you can shop for the best prices anytime…but some months of the year are better than others, depending on the product you are seeking. Here is an easy guide to the best bargains, month by month. Nextag.com show every item displays a graph that charts the item’s price history so you can see the trends.
A few things to note about our bargain guide:
– Bricks-and-mortar bargains will depend on your location. Dean’s Hawaiian hometown retailers will not follow the same seasonal pattern as the shops where I live on the East Coast.
– Balance your bargain-hunting with an assessment of your needs. For example, if you really, really need a lawn mower, you’ll be taking a chance to wait for the end-of-season clearance; the model you want may be out of stock. Where I live, the good selections on outdoor stuff are gone by mid-summer; everyone buys early.
-Overall, though, my absolute favorite bargain month is July. All the spring and summer clothing is on clearance, and it’s a great time to shop in person rather than online. You’ll find stores less crowded thanks to many people being on vacation.
-Buying a car? Wait till the end of the month, when dealers are trying to boost their sales figures and may be more willing to deal. Even better, pick an end-of-month date during October, November or December, because dealers also will want to clear out the current model year inventory.
Here is Jennifer’s month by month bargain buying guide.
BEST BARGAINS BY THE MONTH
January
* post-holiday sales, especially on holiday supplies and gift items
* post-holiday clearance on fall clothing
* bicycles
* bed and bath linens: January white sales
* rugs
* sports equipment
* computers and other electronics
February
* post-Valentine’s sales: jewelry, perfumes, chocolate
* final clearance sales on winter clothing and accessories
* boats
March
* air conditioners
* washers and dryers
* pre-season sales: garden and patio supplies
* final clearance: outdoor winter sports gear
April
* post-Easter sales: spring clothing, candy
* bridal gowns (save up to 70%)
* cruises, European vacations
* paint and wallpaper
* vacuum cleaners
* pre/early season sales on swimwear
May
* Grilling items for Memorial Day
* post-Mother’s Day sales: jewelry, watches silver
* athletic clothing and shoes
* home maintenance items
June
* post-Father’s Day sales: men’s cologne, ties, tools
* fishing and camping gear
* men’s cologne
* storm windows
* televisions
* building materials
July
* Big clearance time for summer clothes and accessories
* furniture
* pre season sales: school clothes and supplies
* summer sports equipment
August
* school supplies
* lawn and garden equipment
* computers
September
* pre-season sales: winter coats, gloves, scarves
* final clearance on summer clothes
* outdoor grills, patio furniture
* bicycles
* refrigerators and washing machines
October
* Columbus Day sales on winter wear
* last year’s car models
* fishing equipment
* houses
* crystal, silver, glassware
November
*halloween costumes
* houses
* quilts and blankets
* space heaters
* turkeys
December
* appliances
* wrapping paper
* holiday cards
* carpet and flooring
* best time of year for buying a car or motorcycle
Photo Credit via Flickr
PCWorld has an article on how to avoid the biggest web shopping annoyances. I’ve had my ups and downs with online merchants before, this article is informative in telling you what things to expect and avoid when buying online.
Article Highlights:
* Watch out for phony feedback or customer reviews on products or merchants
* Getting a price-match can be a huge headache, some merchants
* Find a customer service phone number can be like searching for the Holy Grail
* Watch out for money back guaranteed claims, some merchants make it painful to request your money back
* Also watch out for free gift cards or cash back on just-completed purchases, you may be signing up for a paid trial membership
July for furniture? This is the first time I’ve ever heard this in 30 years. Consumer reports and literally every single other report tells you to buy in February. Don’t buy furniture in July, buy in February. Also this list is really vague and small. And December is the worst time to buy Christmas cards unless it’s a post holiday sale, which you list in January. At least make your list consistent.