Filed under: Your Home, Projects, Design, etc, News & Trends, Furniture
Ever noticed that mattresses are marked down at the same time every year? Well, so are power tools and cookware. Here's a month by month guide to great deals.
When it comes to shopping for home goods, the key to getting the most bang for your buck is simple -- plan ahead. So, to help our ShelterPop readers do just that, we spoke with the experts at Consumer Reports to find out the best times of the year to find great deals on particular items for your home.
Photo: Getty | Alamy
"We compile our list by speaking with our testers, who know their products manufacturing cycles, and our own in house market research division, which can also track pricing," says Amanda Walker, senior project editor at Consumer Reports. They also speak with industry groups like the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Home Furnishing Association to find out why some things go on sale when they do.
Sales are often triggered by manufacturing or seasonal cycles. For example, indoor furniture tends to go on sale some time after the furniture shows in High Point, North Carolina, which take place two times a year in April and October. "When you see snow blowers on sale in August and September," she says. "It's a good bet that stores are trying to cut rates on older inventory."
Keep in mind that none of these tips are set in stone. "Over the years we've seen a trend of items going on sale at the same time each year, but that can change at any time," explains Walker. "Most of this depends on the retailers' inventories; if one store manages to sell their entire grill inventory one year, there will be no sale."
But just because there's no sale, doesn't mean you can't get a great deal. "Three words for you: negotiate, negotiate, negotiate," says Walker. "In-store shoppers should go when retailers are less busy, like the early morning or late in the day on weekdays, so salespeople won't be in as big a rush. Ask for a better price, but always be polite. If they won't budge, ask to speak with a manager who is authorized to negotiate."
Are you ready to get your shop on? Follow this calendar for the best times to buy.
Photo: Doozzi Photography, Alamy
(January - March)
Early in the year is the time for White Sales: unbeatable sales on sheets, pillows and other linens, with price cuts as high as 50 percent. Also look for cheap electronics left over from the holiday rush and even "open box" reductions on high-tech gifts that were opened and then returned. And once the weather starts to take a turn for the better, showrooms will be chomping at the bit to clear out some space for their new outdoor furniture displays, which means a good chunk of their indoor furniture will go on sale.
Keep your eyes peeled for great deals on:
Bedding
Carpeting
Cookware
Indoor furniture
TVs and small consumer electronics
Photo: Alamy
(April - June)
Tax season brings specials on home office furniture and supplies, like computers. Another great use for that tax refund? Home improvement and lawn-maintenance items. Then, once Mother's and Father's Day roll around, you'll see specials on home appliances and guy-friendly items, like lawn mowers.
Keep your eyes peeled for great deals on:
Computers
Lawn Mowers
Carpeting
Cordless phones
Indoor furniture
Photo: shopics, Alamy
(July - September)
In preparation for the nation's biggest furniture trade show (the High Point Market), mid-summer is a great time to scope out major clearance sales from high-end furniture and accessories dealers. (Also look for "public" shopping days at local design centers and showrooms that usually cater to design professionals.) Once the weather starts to cool off, you'll also find deals on air conditioners and gas grills, as well as snow blowers and other winter-specific items that most people aren't thinking about yet.
Keep your eyes peeled for great deals on:
Indoor and outdoor furniture
Air conditioners
Snow blowers
Lawn mowers
Gas grills
Small consumer electronics
Photo: James Houck, Alamy
(October - December)
The much anticipated holiday season will bring sales and promotions on dining rooms and dinettes around late October and early November. Once we get into December, though, sales drop off since retailers know the public is already pre-disposed to spending during this time. After Christmas, look for major markdowns!
Keep your eyes peeled for great deals on:
Computers
Gas grills
Lawn mowers
TVs
Home appliances
For more shopping inspiration, don't miss:
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