When buying electronics, mastering the art of timing can save you a lot of money. A great example is purchasing an iPhone in September when new models are released.
The same goes for video game consoles. They typically drop in price during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Black Friday
Black Friday is a well-known holiday shopping day where name-brand TVs, phones and electronics are often sold at some of their lowest prices of the year. However, many deals during this time differ from those you’d find at other times of the year. Some examples of this are doorbuster items that don’t disclose their brand names and Black Friday discounts on sets that include only one cable or cord, which can be a significant downside for families.
For some shoppers, the Black Friday shopping experience can be stressful, with minor injuries being reported from stampedes of people fighting over coveted electronics. In recent years, retailers have tried to ease the crowds by allowing shoppers to shop online before and during Thanksgiving. NerdWallet research has shown that getting some of the same deals on popular electronics like headphones and computer monitors throughout October can be a better option for those not interested in battling crowds.
Some of the best Black Friday deals come with gift cards or discounts not included in the advertised price. These can be good deals, and you can click here to ensure you can use the coupons or redeem the rebates. Also, remember that some stores will charge a 5-15% restocking fee if you return the item.
Cyber Monday
The Monday after Thanksgiving is Cyber Monday, an online shopping day offering deals on everything from laptops to clothes to electronics. Cyber Monday has become more popular in recent years than Black Friday, and many retailers offer similar sales on various products.
Knowing which stores and websites to shop at is important for the best deals. Online-only retailers like Amazon and Newegg are great places to find tech deals, while department stores such as Kohl’s and Macy’s have a good selection of clothing. Small appliances and kitchen items such as pressure cookers, air fryers, smart home devices and headphones are usually sold at Walmart. At the same time, electronics from Apple, Samsung and Sony often appear at Amazon and Best Buy.
Regarding specific tech, look for discounts such as 4K TVs and laptops. Smart devices such as smart speakers, thermostats and doorbells are on sale for Thanksgiving, so you’ll likely find a better deal. Some gaming consoles (especially the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Y) sell out quickly, so if you see one you want, it’s worth pouncing on it right away. Other high-demand tech items, such as the Apple Watch and Apple AirPods, tend to be available again on Cyber Monday.
End of the Year
The end of the year can be an ideal time to nab deals on electronics. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have established themselves as the best times to score electronics discounts; as retailers vie for your attention with enticing offers; slashing prices to generate high consumer demand and maximize long-term profit.
But other sale periods can yield similar results, albeit with different nuances. For instance, She Finds notes that home theater and other electronic devices may be most readily available at discounted rates after the annual Consumer Electronics Show in January, when new models are usually introduced.
Other devices, such as smart refrigerators and robot vacuum cleaners, drop in price immediately after release. Additionally, you’re in the market for a new computer. In that case, it’s best to avoid buying one during January or February; when sales typically focus on clearing out old inventory and making room for new models.
If you’re willing to skip the crowds and shop online, you can still nab some impressive discounts. For example, you can often get a good deal on Apple’s latest iMacs, AirPods and headphones in August; when back-to-school sales are in full swing. You can also find deals on tech gadgets like laptops and tablets during this time; as well as office supplies and art and crafts materials.
Back to School Season
The back-to-school season is one of the biggest shopping periods for retailers after Christmas. It begins in late summer and runs through the end of August and early September when schools reopen after summer vacations. Back-to-school (BTS) sales help parents, kids and college students find great deals on products they need for the year ahead. This year, BTS shoppers are starting their searches earlier than in recent years. As a result, marketers need to get ready sooner than ever before to launch targeted campaigns, content; and products that appeal to the younger generation of back-to-school shoppers.
Whether you’re looking for electronics deals or other popular products; the best time to buy will vary depending on the type of product you’re interested in. For example, TVs and digital cameras have the best discounts during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Meanwhile, smaller consumer electronics like digital cameras; and headphones tend to have better deals in mid-summer, when new models are released.
Regardless of when you’re looking for the best deals on electronics, always compare prices to find the best price possible. You’ll be more likely to find the best discount on your next purchase by comparing prices across several online and physical stores. And remember to sign up for store emails and newsletters to receive the latest deals and special offers.