Monday 10 March 2014

Save a Little or....Know WHEN to Buy and Save a Lot..

The main point of being frugal with style is that you don’t ever want to cut standards by buying second-rate products, you just want to pay the least amount of money for the quality things you do buy. Naturally, the way to do that is to always buy on sale, but even better, buying WHEN THE BEST SALES HAPPEN.

There are factors that determine when to buy anything, from food to appliances to cars and everything in between. Grocery stores have cycles of when they offer products for sale, around every three months or so, therefore if you failed to stock up on items during the last sale, wait a month or two to stock up during the next one. Other factors that impact grocery store sales are holidays and seasonal activities so that you’ll find all kinds of baking supplies listed for sale before Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. You’ll find hotdogs, ground beef, buns, condiments, disposable paper products, barbecue supplies, etc. on sale before long holiday weekends all through the backyard living season.

There are deals to be found every month and the following products are discounted during March:
Digital Cameras – the new models are out, which means clearance of the previous models with savings of $200.00 (or more) on a $700.00 camera. The same goes for TVs. For both of those products, there are so many different kinds and models around, that it really pays to do some online research first, checking out all the features and reviews, deciding what is wanted, what the prices are at the various online stores, checking for coupons or other discounts (for those just click on the links at the bottom of the blog: 1. free shipping codes and coupons and 2. promo codes and coupons (Retailmenot). Then make up a checklist with everything that’s wanted, things not understood and needing clarification, return policy and warranty, and all other questions and take this with you to the local store where you can see and touch the product to determine if this is what you really want. In the case of TVs, is there set-up required and if so, do they provide this service? Of course, you also want them to meet or better the online price.
A good place to start checking digital cameras is at http://www.consumerreports.org and search for the digital cameras buying guide.
For TV’s, a good article is available at http://www.techradar.com/news/television/hdtv/best-tv-2013-what-tv-should-you-buy-this-year... 
For reviews of all tech products, including Digital Cameras, TVs, MP3 Players, DVD players and every other tech thing, check with cnet.com

Other products discounted during March:
  • Humidifiers
  • All Kinds of Electronics – MP3 Players, DVD players, etc.
  • Winter clothes
  • Luggage
  • Outdoor furniture, although I can’t see that happening this year, around here anyway – who can think Spring with all the snow that’s still around – I think there will be a better chance of picking up those deals in April.
  • At the many Outdoor Shows currently making the rounds, you can make great deals on Recreational Vehicles, Boats, Motorcycles, Golf Clubs, Skis, etc. (Check with the local sporting goods stores to see if they will match any deals available – I’m a great believer in supporting the local economy first.)
With Spring cleaning around the corner, now is when to buy cleaning equipment, including washers and dryers, vacuum cleaners and power washers. Cleaning supplies, such as window cleaner and all-purpose cleaner, will also be on sale, but why not go the least expensive, green, non-toxic route by clicking on Homemade Household Cleaners, at the bottom of this blog, which will take you directly to the correct area on the Farmer’s Almanac website.

To get a really good deal, don’t shop on the weekend when everyone else does. With so many others shopping, the salespeople have more of an “I don’t need this sale” mindset. Early to mid-week is the best time to shop; for online buying, the best deals are found on Mondays.

Knowing when to buy, and putting some effort into research before buying, will result in substantial savings every time.

Photo - 50 percent on dartboard shows big savings, courtesy of Stuart Mills. (freedigitalphotos.net)
I am not affiliated with any of the websites referred to in this post. They've only been included for readers' benefit.

Talk to you again next week,

Lenie

19 comments :

  1. Holy Moly! This never occurred to me! What an eye opener to realize that sales follow different cycles other than after Chistmas! Thanks for the valuable tip! Bookmarking this!

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  2. Knowing when to buy is certainly important Lenie and it applies not just at retail because wholesalers have their cycles too. When I was busy earning money I didn't pay nearly enough attention to this at the retail level but now I have time to think about it and plan better your advice is very solid.

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  3. Great tips. I think of the January sales, or end of summer ones, but not necessarily the others. And I love buying things on sale.

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  4. Jacquie, Paul and A,K, Thanks for your comments. I love buying on sale, especially great ones, so its fun to find all the different ways to do so.
    Lenie

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  5. Nice. It is great to know that there are so many regularly scheduled sales during the year.

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    1. Hi Beth
      Its true - you miss one sale, don't worry, another one will be along soon enough.
      Lenie

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  6. Lenie thanks for this post. It came right on time for me. I'm in the market for outdoor furniture but I'll hold off until the April sales roll around.

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    1. Hi LA
      Start watching the end of March, early April - and good luck, hope you find a super sale.
      Leniel

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  7. Hi Lenie,
    We pay attention to the same kind of shopping cycles at our local supermarket. Many times, you can save, but you have to be careful. Some of the big box stores offer better discounts by buying in bulk. It comes down to how much you need. What ruins any attempt to save are those products strategically placed for impulse purchases.

    Kind Regards,
    Bill

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  8. I'm so with you and I smiled. I just took advantage of a great sale price on a new Canon 70D DSRL Camera. I am patient and I do pay attention to the business cycles and year end sales. It's pretty amazing what you can buy at special prices, when you pay attention and aren't in a hurry to get the next best thing. :-)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Susan
      Doesn't it make you feel great to get the product you want at a really great price. I love that.
      Lenie

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  9. Hi Lenie,

    Thank you for dropping by my blog and the warm welcome to the "bloggers helping bloggers" group. I am thrilled to be there as well.

    Looking forward to connecting with you and many great people there.
    Regards,
    Kumar

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  10. I have noticed more sales on Monday but never really gave it any thought. I think we have to ask ourselves how badly do we need the items. Isn't it better to wait until it is on sale?

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  11. Since i am looking for a new tv and camera right now this post is extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. I didn't know the sales trends for those items. It might be time to pick up a new camera.

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  13. Thanks for this. I didn't realize that TVs and digital cameras may be discounted in March. I'm not in the market yet for a new camera, but may be by next March.

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  14. I'm really horrible about watching for sales, though I do tend to buy items at the end of the season as often as I can.

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  15. As a devoted shopoholic I do not think I ever buy anything at full price. Having been in the retail business after college, I know when to buy what. But, so many people have no clue. So, thanks for educating the group on when to be where to save some serious bucks!

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  16. Hi Lenie

    I always wait for sales like when it is winter clearance sale i will buy for next winter :) , but i was in search of new Camera so thank you for the link i will try to find best with lowest price for me,....
    I have also subscribed to sites of all Malls here so when they have promotions they send newsletters , i always compare prices and go for the one with lowest price...
    Thanks for sharing links in your post for help.
    Keep writing :)

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I want this blog to be interesting, informative and current. Your comments let me know if I'm on track, so comments are greatly appreciated.
Thanks - Lenie