Best Times To Buy (everything)

Best Times to Buy Everything – Find the best times to buy everything you need in this comprehensive list.

We’ve researched all over the web to find the best times to buy everything from cauliflower to cars.

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[UPDATED June 2022]

NOTE: Due to supply chain, shipping and economic issues the following best times to buy may vary in your area.  

Because consumer spending has slowed recently due to inflation, we may see discounts in the next couple of months as retailers try to dispose of excess inventory. In the following months, however, they will also probably be ordering less to avoid being stuck with overstock now that consumers are buying less. So if you have the money and need a particular item you may want to begin now to look for the best price so you can purchase the product soon.  

This is definitely NOT the time to make big purchases on credit, however. If you don’t have the money, it’s better to wait and save money for the purchase. Paying off loan balances will be increasingly more difficult if inflation continues to rise.
 

Tips on the Best Times to Buy Everything

These general tips will help you determine the best times to buy everything you need.

Make a List

Keep a running list of items you’ll need in the near future then watch for sales and discounts. 

Wait for a Holiday

The best discounts on many products will fall on Black Friday, Labor Day and Memorial Day. Big ticket items like appliances, electronics, furniture and mattresses will also be on sale President’s Day and Independence Day weekends. Even our vet’s online pharmacy offers discounts on holidays.

You can also buy holiday-themed products in the days just after a holiday and save them for the next year or another holiday. For example, some red Valentine products and candy as well as some green St. Patrick’s Day items can be used during the Christmas season.  

Buy Off-Season

Do Your Research

Check online reviews and sites like Consumer Reports to gather as much information as possible when purchasing expensive items.

Purchase Used

Look for used and refurbished products for even better prices. Scratch-and-Dent discount stores are a great place to find deals on less than perfect appliances and you’ll save significantly over purchasing a new product.

Buy Essentials Before You Need Them

The best time to buy any item is before you need it when you can find it on sale. For example, we recently replaced our water heater even though it still worked because we had the money, were able to get a good price and knew that it was well beyond its useful life.

Emergency replacement of big ticket items usually means spending more money than if you plan ahead.

Best Times to Buy Everything By Month

Use this list to help you find the best times to buy everything you need each month.

JANUARY

Appliances– During the holiday months, some stores keep older inventory and then reduce the remaining inventory at the beginning of the year. Purchase in  January to take advantage of reduced prices.

Bedding and Linens –  John Wannaker made January THE month to purchase new linens and bedding. In 1878 he started the marketing strategy of  hosting a “White Sale” at the beginning of the year. Still today retailers honor and follow his strategy.

Calendars – Calendars are a popular Christmas gift and it makes sense to start the year fresh with a new calendar, but if you wait until the first and second week of  January 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.

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.

Fitness Equipment– With New Years resolutions in full swing fitness equipment, fitness streaming services, workout dvds and gym memberships will be lowering prices to entice you to stay committed to your weight loss goals.

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.

Men’s Fall Suits (and other fall clothing)– January brings sales on fall suits. Off-season buying = big savings!

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.

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.

Swimwear- If you can find it, swimwear will be deeply discounted during this month.  

TVs and electronics- Just before the Big Game, retailers normally discount TVs and other home theater essentials.

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 weather hits and you’ll get a better deal. January’s when many stores begin to make room for spring clothing so bulky winter coats will be the discounted to move quickly.

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.

Seasonal Produce– citrus fruits, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips

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 Goods, Apparel and Mattresses-  These items will often be on sale during President’s Day.

Jewelry, Candy and Perfume – Around Valentine’s Day you’ll find sales on these items, but you may find the best deals (especially on candy) on February 15th when stores want to move the inventory that didn’t sell.

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.

Televisions – Spillover from the January sales for the Big Game mean this is one of the best times of the year to buy a TV and/or home theater system.

Video Games– January and February are when you’ll find the best 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.

Winter Items – Everything from winter sports equipment to boots and clothing will be on sale as retailers make room for spring merchandise.

Seasonal Produce– citrus fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, leeks, papayas, parsnips, rutabagas, turnips

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 Refrigerated 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. 

Grills – Retailers may offer sales on grills ahead of the busy summer season when prices will be higher.

Perfume- Another slow month for fragrance. Take advantage of the sales to give as gifts later in the year.

St. Patrick’s Day Related Items – After March 17th find discounted clothing, food and decor from the holiday.

Tax Software – If you do your own taxes now is the time to take advantage of sales on tax prep software.

Seasonal Produce– artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, mangoes, mushrooms, parsnips, pineapples, radishes, rutabagas, turnips

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.

Easter-Related Items– Candy, plastic eggs, stuffed animals and toys will be marked down right after the holiday. Stock up now for next year. (Just don’t forget where you store the items!)

Earth Day Green Merchandise- Reusable totes and water bottles, sustainably-made clothing and other environmentally friendly products will be on sale around Earth Day.

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.

Snow Blowers- Who needs a snow blower 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. 

Tax-Themed Products– In the past few years it’s become popular to offer discounts to make Tax Day more palatable. You’ll find sales on paper shredders, file organization, and other related office supplies, as well as discounts at some restaurants.

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.

Seasonal Produce – artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, pineapples, radishes, rhubarb, spring peas

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 and Furniture- Look for furniture and home decor discounts from big-box stores around Memorial Day.

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. 

Small Kitchen Appliances- Coffee makers, toasters, blenders and mixers will typically be on sale around Memorial Day and make great wedding or Christmas gifts for later in the year. 

Spring apparel- Most retailers bring Spring clothing out in March so you’ll start seeing discounts now when they make room for summer apparel.

Vacuum Cleaners- Sales continue from April.

Seasonal Produce- artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cherries, lettuce, okra, pineapples, rhubarb, spring peas 

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. 

Grills- Father’s Day sales on grills mean good prices if you missed the Spring discounts.

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’s the time to sign up.

Lingerie- Stock up on undergarments in June.  

Hardware and Tools- Father’s Day means sales on tools and equipment for Dad.  

Paint- The hottest months of the year produce the greatest sales on paint. Buy now! 

Seasonal Produce– apricots, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, corn, kiwi, lettuce, mangoes, peaches, strawberries, Swiss chard, watermelon, and zucchini.

JULY

Apparel-  The best deals on summer clothing will be in August, but you’ll begin to see markdowns now on some items.

Broadway Tickets– Fall is the time that most New Yorkers go to new shows. Summer shows are less attended, meaning that tickets may be cheaper during this time. 

Computers- July is typically a slow month for computer sales, before the back-to-school rush. You can often find good deals.  

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.

Furniture- Usually new furniture arrives to stores in February and August. Expect price cuts and great sales in January and July.

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. 

Ice Cream– National Ice Cream month means more coupons and promos are available for ice cream and novelty items this month Enjoy cheap cool treats!

Men’s Spring Suits (and other spring clothing)– Get deals spring suits and other clothing in July. 

Paint- Both interior and exterior paint are on sale during the hottest months of the year. 

Personal Electronics- Black Friday in November is a big day for sales, but many retailers have added deep discounts in July so you can find some of the best deals of the year during this time.

School Supplies- Retailers begin offering back-to-school sales at the end of July and shopping now will help you to avoid the rush in August.

Tools- Other than Father’s Day in June, July is typically the best time to get great deals on tool sets.

AUGUST

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.

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.

Seasonal Produce – acorn squash, apples, apricots, blueberries, butternut squash, cantaloupe, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, figs, green beans, kiwi, kohlrabi, lettuce, mangoes, okra, peaches, peppers, plums, raspberries, strawberries, summer squash, Swiss chard, tomatoes, watermelon, winter squash, and zucchini.

SEPTEMBER

Appliances- Labor Day brings big sales on both big and small appliances.

Bicycles- If you have money for a new bike, now’s 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.

Horses– Not everyone will be in the market for a horse, but because it’s expensive to board horses through the winter and the weather isn’t 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.

iPhones- In previous years Apple has announced its new iPhone models at the company’s annual keynote event in September. Usually prices will drop on older phone models around this time.

Lawn Mowers- See above.

Mattresses- Find the best deals on mattresses in the days around Labor Day when both department stores and mattress centers offer promotions.

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- acorn squash, apples, beets, butternut squash, cantaloupe, cauliflower, eggplant, figs, grapes, green beans, lettuce, mangoes, mushrooms, okra, peppers, persimmons, pomegranates, pumpkins, spinach, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, and tomatoes.

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.

Candy- As Halloween nears, you’ll begin to see sales on candy, but the best prices will be the first week of November when stores discount the leftover candy to move it quickly.

Cars- October has typically been a good time to buy a new car and 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, but with the increase in used car prices you may find it cheaper to buy a new car. Be sure to do a lot of research before buying. 

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– Fall clearance sales before the holiday season provide jeans at lower prices during this month. 

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.

Large Appliances- Other than Labor Day weekend, October is the best time to buy large appliances as stores make room for new models. 

Outdoor furniture- Expect good deals on patio furniture and outdoor living products once summer ends.

Toys-  Retailers try to extend the holiday profit season by offering great prices and pushing sales as early as October. 

Seasonal Produce- acorn squash, apples, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, cabbage, cauliflower, cranberries, grapes, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, parsnips, persimmons, pomegranates, pumpkins, rutabagas, spinach, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, turnips, and winter squash.

NOVEMBER

Electronics- Get great deals on electronics like tablets, laptops, gaming systems, smart phones and activity trackers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

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.

Holiday Gifts-  Look for deals on gift items in nearly every product category throughout the month and especially on Black Friday.

Kitchen Accessories/Cookware- Sales on these items continue from October.

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.

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.

Tools- Home improvement stores will discount tools, tool boxes, ladders and other home products during Black Friday promotions.

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- beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cranberries, leeks, mushrooms, oranges, parsnips, pears, persimmons, pomegranates, pumpkins, rutabagas, spinach, sweet potatoes, tangerines, turnips, and winter squash.

DECEMBER

Champagne- Champagne sales are high during the holiday season–great time to buy.

Christmas decorations- Find the best deals on decorations, wrapping paper, ornaments, artificial trees and similar seasonal items beginning the day after Christmas.

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.

Electronics Deals from Black Friday and late November may spill over into the beginning of December.

Frozen Turkeys and Hams- After Christmas and Thanksgiving, you can get the best 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. 

Toys- The two weeks before and the week after Christmas retailers will usually offer sales and/or discounts on toys to move their inventory.

Seasonal Produce- broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, grapefruit, kale, leeks, mushrooms, oranges, papayas, parsnips, pears, pomegranates, rutabagas, sweet potatoes, tangelos, tangerines, and turnips.

AFTER CHRISTMAS

See six great buys here:  After Christmas Sales: Six Great Buys

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Cheering You On!

P.S. – Remember: Just because something is at its lowest price, doesn’t mean that it’s a good deal for you. Make sure that you have money in the budget before making any purchase.