17 Everyday Products & The Best Time Of Year To Buy Them
Shopping has never been easier than it is today, thanks to websites that allow us to purchase anything we want with the click of a button and various instant payment methods.
However, frugal consumers know that all months are not created equal when it comes to shopping. Prices go up and down, depending on the season.
Luckily for you, we’ve put together a definitive list of the best timeframes for buying specific types of goods.
Here are the best things to buy during each month of the year.
January
Exercise equipment
The most common New Year’s resolutions are all related to health and fitness, so it’s no surprise that retailers compete with each other by putting exercise equipment on sale in January. Stores are also eager to get last year’s models out the door, so they can make room for new inventory.
There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a great deal on fitness gadgets to help you meet your health goals – just make sure you don’t become one of the 92% of people who abandon their New Year’s resolutions.
Televisions
When the Christmas season ends, the run-up to the Super Bowl begins – and nothing says Super Bowl like a big screen TV. That’s why, as you’ve probably already guessed, Super Bowl season is the best time of year to buy a TV.
Retailers are more than happy to offer great deals on TVs throughout January, so grab an awesome deal, invite a few friends over and watch football’s biggest night from the comfort of your own home. Food and beer are not included!
Bedding
Linens can be expensive, so it’s wise to stock up on all your bedding needs in January when the annual “white sale” is taking place at shops across the country. This sale takes place every year to allow retailers to make space for new inventory, which typically comes out in the spring. You can pick up great bargains on everything from blankets to towels, sheets to duvet covers.
February
Mattresses
When it comes to mattresses, you have two choices – buy a cheap one and pay the price with back pain and sleepless nights, or splurge for a quality one and get a great sleep. Luckily, if you realize early that February is the best time of year to buy a mattress, you can splurge a lot less than you might have thought.
For some reason, President’s Day is the time when stores love to put their mattresses on sale. Who knows why a day dedicated to honoring the nation’s leaders became associated with mattresses, but just go with it.
March
Digital Cameras
If you still value a proper camera over your smartphone’s image-capturing power, then be sure to hit the shops in March – the best time of year to buy a camera, thanks to all the new models hitting the shelves. The best part is that the changes to the newly-arrived models are often so subtle that your “old” model will probably be just as good (and a heck of a lot cheaper).
Luggage
A great time to buy luggage is in March, when stores get their new inventory. You can land major deals on awesome brands – and who cares if you buy a suitcase from last season? The baggage handlers at the airport are just going to throw it around anyway. The important thing is to get something sturdy that can last you a long time.
April
Vacuum Cleaners
Vacuuming isn’t the most enjoyable of activities, but it’s a necessary evil. If you’re in need of a new one, the best time of year to buy a vacuum is April. Not only is this the time when you’ll get the best deals, but it’s also very convenient for your spring cleaning needs.
May
Grills
Memorial Day is pretty much synonymous with cooking out, so it’s pretty lucky that grills go on sale in May. According to Consumer Reports, Memorial Day sales tend to offer discounts of 50% or more. So, throw some hot dogs on the grill and toast to the start of a great summer.
June
Tools
You don’t have to be a Dad to take advantage of amazing Father’s Day deals on tools and hardware. This can be great if you’re planning a home improvement project, want to expand to your tool collection, or have high hopes of landing a gig on HGTV.
July
Furniture
If you’re looking to add new pieces to your home furnishings, the best time of year to buy furniture is July. This is because the semi-annual release of new furniture takes place in August, which means stores need to clear out inventory to make room for new stuff. If you buy outdoor furniture this time of year, you can start enjoying it right away!
August
Computers
Back-to-school sales are a great time to get a new laptop or tablet, even if you’re not a student. The best time of year to buy a new computer is August, so take advantage of this period to score a bargain on a piece of quality equipment that will help you achieve success at school, work, or home.
School supplies
General school supplies are also on sale during the month of August, from crayons to pencil cases and anything else students need. Any sales catering to college dorm decor can also be helpful to the general public, if you happen to be in need of a new desk or set of bookshelves, for instance.
September
Large Appliances
Household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens can be painful for the pocketbook, but shopping in September can help alleviate that pain.
Why is September the best time of year to buy appliances? This is the period when retailers want to get rid of their inventory to make room for new models, so it’s worth waiting until September before you upgrade your appliances.
This can also allow you to spring for a nicer model than you would normally be able to afford. Fortunately, these deals can also be found in October.
October
Outdoor Gear
Consumers can get great deals on camping supplies and other outdoor merchandise once Labor Day is over and summer fades into autumn. And even though the long days of summer won’t roll around again for another year, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy your new purchases before the snow starts falling.
November
Everything
It’s a no-brainer that November brings awesome deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, for just about every kind of product imaginable. If you’re going to take advantage of in-store bargains, be sure to do your research ahead of time, arrive early, and keep your wits about you. In other words, don’t get trampled or allow yourself to get into a screaming match with retail staff or fellow customers (which sadly happens every year in stores across the country).
December
Toys
Toy discounts get steeper and steeper as Christmas approaches, with the best deals taking place on Super Saturday – the last Saturday before Christmas. This is a great time to buy toys that your little one might like, but it’s not a wise plan if your child is seeking the hottest “it” toy on the market. Those should be bought as early as possible.
Cars
When December rolls around, car dealerships are holding their final clearances on the previous year’s models. Brush up on your negotiating tactics and you might find yourself walking away with a steal of a deal. You might also be able to convince the dealership to throw in some extra bells and whistles if they’re desperate enough to clear out their inventory.