So few things routinely sell for their listed price that it’s always a challenge to land a better deal than someone else who bought the same item.
But consumers have a better shot at finding a great price if they know when to shop for certain items, according to experts.
For instance, most people know the best time to buy a new car is toward the end of a model year — October through December — when dealers are more apt to accept a lower price in order to make room for the newer models.
But did you know the best time to buy a vehicle is at the end of those months, when salespeople are more willing to deal in order to meet monthly sales quotas? Better yet, go on a weekday when it’s not so crowded and chances are lower for salespeople to make sales.
“Even better, go when it’s raining,” says Mark Di Vincenzo, a journalist in Newport News who wrote the book on best-time buying, “Buy Ketchup In May and Fly at Noon.”
“Whether Hondas or Cadillacs, there are quotas. Bad weather means even fewer buyers,” he said.
Not all the best-time factors deal with buying. Sometimes it’s a matter of better service. When looking to find a sympathetic insurance claims adjuster, call late Friday afternoon.
“They’re in a good mood and the weekend is about to start,” Di Vincenzo said. “Several told me they’d do things on Fridays they’d never do another day of the week.”
Much of it is common sense — such as purchasing summer clothes for next year at the end of this season — but most consumers are impulse buyers and don’t plan well.
“Some of the smartest people I know lack common sense and don’t put two and two together,” Di Vincenzo said.
Another example: Look to buy a house in late spring. Though new listings glut the housing market in early spring with the onset of nice weather, it also is the time sellers might be overpricing or too optimistic with their list price. Waiting a bit allows for things to settle down and gives buyers better chances for a deal while still having a strong selection.
Best-time buys in the summer
June
Gym memberships: The wave of enlistments at the start of the year aren’t replicated in the spring, when new memberships dwindle. Additionally, a number of the New Year’s resolution members start to fall off, and regular members start to look outdoors for their workouts. Haggle for a good monthly price and insist on a waiver of the enrollment fee.
Hardware: Father’s Day means sales, and retailers seem to think dads like nothing more than a power tool and push them hard at this time. Otherwise, chances are good you’ll pay full price throughout the year. Look for closeouts and discontinued models.
July
Furniture: As in January, the new fall models start to hit showrooms in August, leaving July for large sales of up to half off to clear space for new inventory. Don’t look to basics such as mattresses. Instead, focus on sets and sectionals.
Computers: Unless you keep track of when chip makers are offering new technology or updates, the best time to buy is mid-summer when back-to-school deals start and winter holiday markdowns on last year’s model are steepest.
August
Flip Flops: Summer is when retailers stock up on the styles and patterns, pushing them at low prices. Waiting until the fall to buy could mean a hefty premium for the out-of-style sandal.
Garden plants and flowers: Great time for buying perennials that will bloom next year if put into the ground as soon as the heat breaks. Lawn mowers are another good deal to seek out since they also take up valuable space in the warehouse retailers would rather have for new stuff.
