Hey Savvy Shoppers & Savers,
Experienced shoppers know that, as is often true in life, timing is everything. It’s not just about knowing what and where to buy, but also when to buy it. Prices fluctuate constantly over the course of a year as new product lines are unveiled and retailers attempt to clear out old stock. Knowing when to capitalize on these transitions is a great way to save big and get the best price possible.
Ideally, you would have purchased your winter goods months ago in anticipation of what you and your family would need this season, rather than be forced to pay inflated prices now, when the retailers have the upper hand. If you didn’t, alas, there is still hope. While you may no longer be able to save for the winter, you can save during it by making well-timed purchases. Here are eight items you should do your best to avoid buying until the weather warms up:
Corn and Other Seasonal Vegetables:
Exactly what constitutes “seasonal” will depend on your particular location, but there are general rules of thumb to follow. For instance, if possible, avoid crops that are typically grown in the summer months, as they will be both more expensive and worse-tasting in the colder winter. For instance, corn in the summer will be closer to 15 cents an ear and taste great; but try buying some now and you’re more likely to pay 40-50 cents an ear for corn that isn’t nearly as sweet. Try substituting a more winter-friendly vegetable in the meantime and save your corn-fix for summer cookouts.
Warm Weather Items:
Just like corn, it’s not a great time to buy other warm weather products, from clothing to outdoor furniture and grills. You may be able to find some good deals on swimwear, but articles like t-shirts, shorts, and other outdoor apparel are going to be much more expensive, as spring lines are just beginning to be released now.
Camping Gear:
Speaking of the great outdoors, you might think that camping gear would be drastically marked down during the winter months, when people are less inclined to ‘enjoy’ nature when it’s freezing outside. Well, you’d be wrong.
In actuality, camping and other similar seasonal activities are more often promoted when they are relevant to people. You’re more likely to find companies encouraging sales on camping gear in the spring, when families are making their summer plans.
Suitcases:
By the same token, many people are often surprised to find that travel equipment isn’t discounted much during the wintertime. There simply aren’t very many notable deals to be found; in fact, the best deals on suitcases and other luggage are typically found starting in March, hitting their strongest point around August. Consequently, you may want to wait until shortly before your spring and summer trips to buy your luggage, as that’s when prices will likely be lowest.
Computers:
Just like suitcases, the best time to buy computers is around August, not the winter. Retailers traditionally have their best sales of the year at that time to coincide with back-to-school shopping. So, if you can, try to get by with what you’ve been using for another six months, or be prepared to splurge.
You will, however, find sales on other electronics in the spring. This is because Japan’s fiscal year begins in April, which brings new consumer electronics products, which in turn brings discounts on last year’s models.
Snowblowers:
This may be irrelevant for many of you, but for those of you expecting heavy snowfall this winter, now is not the time to invest in a new snowblower. Due to the high demand in the wintertime, you’ll be hard-pressed to find them on sale anytime soon. So, if you can’t wait till March to get one, either be willing to pay full sticker price, or pay the neighborhood kid to shovel the driveway for you while you remain warm and cozy…indoors.
Cars:
If you’ve been considering buying a new car lately, you should have done it in 2011. Traditionally, the best time to buy is in the fall, with prices dropping as you go deeper into the season. But the turning of the calendar changes everything. The reason why prices are lower towards the end of a calendar year is because car salesmen are under the gun to meet monthly and yearly quotas. But with the dawn of a new year, that motivation goes out the window, and so do the discounts.
Linens:
You may have heard that January is the optimal time to buy sheets and other linens, as that’s when big retailers generally hold their ‘white’ sales. The truth, however, is that these ‘white’ sales don’t really live up to their billing, and are generally more hype than reality, price-wise. Linen sales in January are generally no better than other sales throughout the year, particularly in June. Don’t be fooled by special names; while they may generate additional excitement for an event, they do not necessarily guarantee a divergence from the norm.
And, as always, if you’re going to buy anything this winter season, be smart about where you buy it. By making a purchase via BondRewards, you’re not only guaranteeing yourself access to some of the best deals around, but also saving for the future with the rewards you get back in BondDollars. With a selection of over 600 different merchants, you’re bound to find whatever you need all on one site. Keep these tips in mind and shop at BondRewards to keep the costs down this winter…and the savings up!
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The more shopping you do online through BondRewards – the more BondDollars you can earn. Watch your BondDollars grow into big savings that you can later redeem for Cash or U.S. Savings Bonds! It’s a win-win so spread the word, secure your future, and show some love with BondRewards!
Melanie Roberts
Marketing Manager Bondrewards.com
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