Buying big things when they are on sale can save you a tremendous amount of money.
Typical sales discounts run from 20-40%, and “clearance” items can have even greater discounts.
Happily, sale items are not all over the lot, but tend to be cyclical and seasonal, with many happening about the same time every year.
The exact timing may vary depending upon the climate and the area of the country you live in, but when you see an ad for an “annual sale” you can bet on that sale returning next year.
To find when these are going to occur, ask sales associates for dates of their annual sales or their next sale. Many will be glad to alert you to upcoming events.
Be aware, too, that some stores will give you a refund if you bought at the regular price but the item goes on sale a few weeks later. Some stores, for example, have a thirty day policy: they will refund the difference between what you paid and the sale price within 30 days, IF you bring in your receipt.
Here is a roundup of seasonal sales.
Note: Below is an excerpt from the book “Cheaper: Insiders Tips For Saving on Everything” by Rick Doble and Tom Philbin
January
After New Year’s many Christmas items sell for 75% off, including Christmas and holiday cards, decorations and scented candles. Any candy that has Christmas or holiday packaging can be marked down as much as 75%.
Also look for other holiday-related items, that is, products that often sell well as Christmas presents and seasonal items, such as kitchen gadgets, toys, cookware, bathrobes and slippers.
January is also the end of the winter season for most stores. This means that they have to get rid of winter merchandise to make way for the spring items. Therefore look for sales on rugs and winter clothing.
Look for annual white sales of towels, linens, sheets and other bed-related items. You should also be able to find sales on major appliances and furniture.
February
Just as with Christmas, grab any boxes of candy with Valentine’s Day packaging. Expect markdowns as much as 75%.
The biggest sales event in February is President’s Day, when electronics, audiovisual equipment and computers often go on sale.
Many other businesses may offer President’s Day sales as well, such as furniture and mattress stores. You can also find good deals on air conditioners, exercise equipment and used cars.
NOTE: The many jewelry sales that seem to pop up are often not what they seem. The regular price listed is often highly inflated and the huge sale discount, there, not that much of a discount…so beware!
March
March tends to be a quieter month for sales but look for the last of the winter clothes to be on sale (at the very lowest prices of the season) and also promotions for the upcoming spring line of clothing, along with camping and gardening items. Laundry appliances often go on sale in March.
April
Easter Candy, especially chocolate, gets drastically marked down after the holiday. And believe me, the chocolate tastes just as good, maybe even better, at up to 75% off.
May
In May gardening supplies, luggage and mattresses go on sale. Also look for sales on outdoor furniture, TV’s and some appliances, plus sales on spring clothing.
If your schedule allows, May is also a good time to travel at discount prices. Known as a shoulder season (it’s not the high season or the low season, hence the name) you will often have a more enjoyable time with fewer crowds along with substantial discounts.
Since it is just before the peak summer months, you will find most facilities open but prices can be as much as 40% less than what you might pay in just another month.
NOTE: Mother’s Day jewelry sales may not be what they seem. See our note for February about jewelry sales.
June
Look for annual sales on electronics and summer sporting goods. You may also find sales on furniture and mattresses.
July
This month marks the end of the summer and warm weather season and stores need to start to get ready for the “back to school” season (the 2nd busiest time of year after Christmas). This is a great time to buy a bathing suit or beachwear.
Store-brand clothing often goes on sale at drastic discounts during this time and into August. This is one of the times when you may be able to buy new clothes below cost.
A number of large items also can go on sale in July. Look for air conditioners, appliances, audiovisual equipment, furniture, bicycles, mattresses, refrigerators, tires, washers and dryers.
August
There are virtually no sales in August (except a noted for July) since there will be a major clearance after Labor Day in September.
September
Warm-weather clothing that’s still left gets dumped after Labor Day. Look for final clearance (not sales) events on summer and warm-weather products such as summer and spring clothing, camping equipment, outdoor cookware, fans, patio and pool items and recreational stuff.
There are many new car sales and clearance events from September to the end of the year. But don’t buy until next year’s models are introduced, called the “new model introduction” (NMI), which will give you another 5% discount or so.
Just as in May, the September shoulder season for travel (just after the peak season) is often a good bargain and less crowded.
October
Look for Halloween candy at up to 75% off. Also look for sales on school items or clearance on back-to-school.
New cars will be on sale in October. Take a look at the September section for more information on the NMI for the very best deal.
In some areas October is a great time to travel. It is an especially good time to go to Florida, since tourist areas are often a good bargain and less crowded.
November
Oddly, turkeys are often at their lowest cost in November. Stock up and put one or two in the freezer.
Look for sales on shoes, used cars and appliances. Like October, November is also a great time to go to Florida.
December
DO NOT BUY ANYTHING BETWEEN THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS. But look for sales immediately after Christmas. The biggest discounts will be in January.
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