We’ve researched all over the web to find the best times to buy everything from cauliflower to cars. (Scroll to the bottom for a FREE printable chart!)
JANUARY
Large Appliances– During the holiday months, some stores keep older inventory and then reduce the leftovers at the beginning of the year. Purchase in January to take advantage of reduced prices.
Calendars – Calendars are a popular Christmas gift. January marks the month when sales drastically decrease. Wait a little longer to get your calender and you’ll get a better deal.
Carpet and Flooring– Many Americans make home improvements before the holiday season, so prices are sometimes increased. Wait until January and save when prices have been lowered to move inventory.
Furniture and Home Decor– Typically, new furniture arrives to stores in February or August. Expect price cuts and great sales in January and July. Also many people re-decorate in January when they want a new look for the new year, catch all the resales and discounts at large retailers selling off last year’s looks.
Linens and Bedding- John Wannaker made January THE month to purchase new linens and bedding. In 1878 he started the marketing strategy of having “The White Sale” at the beginning of the year. Still today retailers honor and follow his strategy.
Christmas Cards– You can find excellent deals on Christmas cards in January. You can expect discounts up to 80 percent off, as retailers want to get rid of the leftover inventory from the Holiday Season. If you have a place to store them, and won’t forget about them over the year, this is the best way to get the nicest Christmas cards for the lowest possible price.
Outdoor Gear– Retailers clean out the old and bring in the new of these items in the month of January.
Office Furniture– Office furniture stores have deals in the times surrounding the launch of new businesses – January and after tax season.
Perfume- We know you love smelling nice, but if you want to smell nice for less, avoid the holiday and valentine’s day fragrance rush. You’ll see much better prices in January or after February.
Men’s Fall Suits (and other fall clothing)– January brings sales on fall suits. Off-season buying = big savings!
Video Games and Toys–New games are usually released in November and December, to be on the market in time for the holidays. In January and February prices will start being marked down, especially on older games. Also the toy departments that overstocked for the holidays will be selling off the extras.
Winter Coats and Clothing– Wait a little longer after winter hits and you’ll get a better deal. Since winter coats take up so much floor space, later in the winter, when its time to make room for spring clothes, these will be on sale.
Motorcycles– Because of the cold, very few people are thinking about buying a motorcycle. No one dreams about riding in the low temperatures, snow or ice. This is the time to buy a motorcycle.
Wrapping Paper- After Christmas sales are the best time to buy wrapping paper of all sorts, and get it for a fraction of the pre-Christmas cost.
Swimwear- Stores are quickly trying to get rid of last year’s styles and this section will be deeply discounted. Bonus, buy now and start a fitness program to fit into your suit when spring comes!
Fitness Equipment– With New Years resolutions in full swing fitness equipment, DVDs, and gym memberships will be lowering prices to entice you to stay committed to your weight loss goals.
Seasonal Produce– Citrus fruits, Broccoli and Cabbage
FEBRUARY
Boats– Winter time or the early part of the year leading up to spring is your best bet for buying a boat. If you purchase between January and March, you won’t have to pay as much as dealers won’t bundle boat show prices into the final cost of the boat.
Cameras– With the release of the new models in January & February, best prices are found on older models in this month.
Home Theaters– The Super Bowl brings out the best deals on both big-screen TVs and home theatres.
Prom Dresses– Buying your prom dress now will ensure that you get the best deal, as new designs to be released are just around the corner in Spring. Buying this early ensures that you have plenty of time to make alterations should they be necessary.
Video Games– January and February are the best times to buy and get the greatest deals on video games, as manufacturers release their newest games in November & December in time for the holidays. If you wait until January or February, then you’ll get discounted prices.
Weddings- Want to save some money on your wedding? Get married in winter. May-September is the peak wedding season, so any of the winter months will provide the opportunity to negotiate lower prices on wedding venues and services, since the demand won’t be nearly as high.
Seasonal Produce– Lemons, oranges, grapefruit, and papayas as well as broccoli and cauliflower.
MARCH
China and Flatware– You can get great deals on the previous seasons’ patterns in March and after Christmas.
Frozen Foods– It’s National Frozen and Refridgerated Foods Month! Founders of this event encourage retailers to lower prices and offer coupons on these items this month. Be on the lookout!
Gardening Tools– You can save up to 50 percent on shovels, hoes, rakes and other gardening tools from February to April.
Perfume- Another slow month for fragrance. Take advantage of the sales to give as gifts later in the year.
Seasonal Produce– Broccoli, Lettuce, Pineapples and Mangoes
APRIL
Cruises–If you’re the type of person who can take an on-the-fly vacation, booking a last minute cruise in April can save you lots of money. As always, off season vacations save you money, although you do sacrifice weather sometimes.
Cookware- Some stores run sales on cookware in early summer because it is a popular gift for newly weds and graduating college students.
Electronics and Televisions- Spring and summer is the best time to buy electronics, as the Japanese fiscal year is ending. Most electronics companies release their new models after the new fiscal year, so old models are reduced in price.
Office Furniture- Office furniture stores have deals in the times surrounding the launch of new businesses – January and after tax season.
Sneakers- Spring time brings out the committed runners, and sneaker makers are well aware of this. Deals and coupons are more available in April.
Snowblowers- Who needs a snowblower in the middle of the springtime? Not many people. Which is why you’ll get the best deals this month instead of waiting until winter.
Vacuum Cleaners– The introduction of new models in time for spring cleaning will result in lower prices on older models to make room for the new.
MAY
Cookware- Early summer is a time when some stores run sales on cookware because it is such a popular gift for newlyweds and graduating college students.
Electronics– See above.
Kitchen Accessories- Retailers know kitchen items are great gifts for wedding and graduation presents, which means springtime is a good time to buy. In the fall, people are making sure they have all the tools they need for holiday cooking, so October and November are great times to buy as well.
Mattresses and Box Springs– May is the month to buy these, as retailers are trying to make room for the incoming new models.
Picnic & Barbecue Supplies– Deep discounts are given on these type of items in mid-May and June to bring competition to other brands and win your business. In anticipation of the summer grilling and picnic season, retailers want to sell this stuff!
Refrigerators- The new models are coming! Shop now to get the best deals on the older ones. If you shop on a weekday instead of a weekend, you’re more likely to get the best customer service, since there are typically fewer shoppers during the week.
Vacuum Cleaners- See above.
Seasonal Produce- Artichokes, Asparagus, Broccoli, Lettuce, Okra, Rhubarb, Spring Peas, Cherries and Pineapples.
JUNE
Dairy Products- Dairy products go on sale in the summer months. Butter is an especially good buy and can be frozen for up to six months, so stock up now for holiday baking.
Gym Memberships– By this time of year, those who’ve purchased a gym membership are either enjoying exercising outdoors or have given up on their New Year’s resolutions. The sales reps at your local gym need new members and may discount memberships or offer free months. Of course, it is always cheaper to exercise at home with used equipment, but if you must use a gym, now is the time to sign up.
Hardware- Father’s day is a heavily advertised time for hardware sales. This is a great time to buy.
Paint- The hottest months of the year produce the greatest sales on paint. Buy now!
Seasonal Produce– It’s fruit harvesting season! Apricots, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Peaches, Strawberries, Watermelon
JULY
Broadway Tickets– Fall is the time that most New Yorkers go to new shows. Summer shows are less attended, meaning that tickets are typically at lower rates.
Computers- July is typically a slow month for computer sales, before the back-to-school rush. You can often find good deals.
Furniture- Typically, new furniture arrives to stores in February or August. Expect price cuts and great sales in January and July.
Ice Cream– More coupons and promos are available for ice cream and novelty items this month, as it is National Ice Cream month. Enjoy cheap cool treats!
Paint- Both interior and exterior paint are on sale during the hottest months of the year.
Grills- One of the reasons we all love the summer time is grilling out. Summer is coming to a close and so is the grilling season, so stores are looking to remove excess stock this month.
Men’s Spring Suits (and other spring clothing)– Get deals spring suits and other clothing in July.
Tools- Typically July is the best time to get great deals on tool sets.
DSLR Cameras– According to MSN Money DSLR cameras are at the best prices in July since typically people purchase them for graduation presents in May and June, or in November and December for Christmas presents.
Seasonal Produce–Apricots, Blueberries, Watermelon, Summer Squash, Cucumbers, Tomatoes, Corn, Green Beans and Lettuce.
AUGUST
Computers- Back to school sales yield good prices on computers in August. Combine this with a tax-free weekend to score an even better deal.
MP3 Players- August is the month when retailers put older models on sale to make room for the new ones. If you’re looking for an iPod or an MP3 player, this month is the time to shop!
Garden Plants and Flowers- Garden supply stores and nurseries are trying to clear inventory at the end of summer, so take advantage of lower prices now!
Lawn Mowers- At the end of summer, stores are making room for fall products, and lawn mowers take up lots of space. Look for retailers to discount the mowers to make room for incoming inventory.
School Supplies- School supply sales are great early in the season, and going that route is good. However, late in the month of August or a few weeks after school starts, retailers are known to discount school supplies by atleast 75%. You could always purchase the minimal amount before school starts and the rest once the big sales hit a few weeks later. Or stock up for the next year during that 75% off time.
Swimsuits- The end of summer is the best time to buy these, as the season is ending. Buy the next size up for your children to wear next spring.
Swing Sets- Swing sets take up lots of floor space, which merchants want to fill with fall holiday merchandise. Also, children are heading back to school and have transitioned out of their primarily outdoor play pursuits. This is the best time to buy a swing set.
SEPTEMBER
Bicycles- If you have money for a new bike, now is the time to buy. New models are released during September and old models will be discounted to make room for the new inventory. The best way to save money on bikes is to purchase them at garage sales from parents of children who have outgrown them.
China & Flatware– Purchase last season’s patterns and get a great deal.
MP3 Players– See above.
Lawn Mowers- See above.
Horses– It’s expensive to board horses through the winter and the weather is not the best for riding, so some private owners, tourist operations and summer camps sell their horses at the end of the summer. The end of horse racing season finds reduced prices on thoroughbreds.
Patio Furniture- The first week after summer ends is the best time to buy patio furniture. Many stores reduce their prices drastically to make room for Christmas decorations.
Wine- Fall harvest brings in the best selection of wines as well as the release of the latest vintages.
Seasonal Produce-Broccoli, Lettuce, Pumpkins, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Apples, Cranberries, Grapes and Pomegranates.
OCTOBER
Air Conditioning Units– Stores clear their inventory at the end of the summer. As temperatures cool, prices go down and an off season purchase will save you lots of money.
Large Appliances- Purchasing refrigerators, washers and other large appliances in October is wise as the stores want to clear older inventory to make room for all the incoming new models.
Cars- New models come out at the end of the summer, so the end of a model year is a great time to find a good deal on a car, as they are making room for new models. The models that have been on the lot for the longest time can generally be negotiated for the best prices. Of course, it’s best to purchase a car that is 1-3 years old rather than a new model to avoid losing money to depreciation.
Gas Grills- During the summer time many people buy gas grills. However, when sales decrease in the fall, so do prices.
Horses-See above.
Jeans– Clearance sales before the holiday season provide jeans at lower prices during this month.
Toys- Retailers try to extend the holiday profit season by offering great prices and pushing sales as early as October.
Kitchen Accessories/Cookware–In the fall, people are making sure they have all the tools they need for holiday cooking, so retailers mark down baking necessities like mixers and cookware.
Seasonal Produce- Pumpkins, Sweet Potatoes, Mushrooms, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Pears, Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Papayas and Pomegranates.
NOVEMBER
Live Christmas Trees- Get your christmas tree right after Thanksgiving and you’ll get your best deal. Most folks are more focused on starting holiday shopping so trees are priced lower to increase sales.
Electronics- Get great deals on electronics on Black Friday and Cyber Monday during the holiday season.
Frozen Turkeys- Extra demand usually means higher prices, but not so for turkeys. Prices hit their lowest point of the year just before Thanksgiving. Purchase a couple of extra ones for the freezer if you have room.
Kitchen Accessories/Cookware-See above.
Recreational Vehicles- The best time to buy an RV is right at the beginning of winter when buyer traffic slows down. Retailers want to clear inventory, increase their cashflow, and not have to winterize and store the vehicles. Of course, it is always best to buy used rather than new to get the best value.
Toys- The beginning of November is a great time to take advantage of pre-Christmas sales.
Wedding Services– Weddings in January, February, October, November or December will save you money. There is low demand for wedding services and at wedding venues during these months, as it is the off season. Negotiating lower prices will be much easier. You can save a lot on a wedding by getting married in the winter! Not to mention on your honeymoon as well!
Seasonal Produce- Broccoli, Cauliflower, Mushrooms, Sweet Potatoes, Grapefruit, Oranges, Papayas, Pears and Pomegranates.
DECEMBER
Champagne- Champagne sales are high during the holiday season–great time to buy.
Computers- Retailers offer great deals on computers in time for Christmas.
Cookware- Since its such a practical gift, cookware is one of the most popular sale items for retailers during the holiday season.
Frozen Turkeys and Hams- After Christmas and Thanksgiving, you can get the greatest deals on frozen turkeys. Since the run for turkeys is over with the ending of the holiday season, retailers just want to get them off of their shelves. You can also find great prices on hams for Christmas.
Golf Clubs- December and March are the best times to buy golf clubs. Deep discounts on the previous year models are available because the new models are released.
Hardware- The holidays area terrific time to find discounts on hardware items.
NFL Tickets- By December, teams with losing records will have little chances to make the playoffs. With that in mind, many people don’t want to go watch a ‘pointless’ football game. Of course the teams that are going to the playoffs’ tickets will be more expensive but if you’re just looking for a nice date night out or just want to enjoy a game with your local team go in December.
Swimming Pools– Though you can find good deals through the summer on pools, the off season remains the best time to buy.
Small Appliances- The holiday season brings out the best sales on small appliances. They are great gifts and retailers try to sell as many of these as they can during this season.
Televisions- Expect great sales on televisions during the holiday season, as well as Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Seasonal Produce- Broccoli, Cauliflower, Mushrooms, Sweet Potatoes, Grapefruit, Oranges, Papayas, Pears and Pomegranates.
AFTER CHRISTMAS
See six great buys here: After Christmas Sales: Six Great Buys
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Remember: Just because something is at its lowest price, does not mean that it’s a good deal for you. Make sure that you have money in the budget before making any purchase. 🙂