Bargain Hunting: When Are the Best Times of Year to Secure Deals and Discounts?

If there's one thing most of us can agree on, it's that there's nothing quite like snagging a bargain! Knowing you've gotten a deal is always a good feeling, whether it's something lavish or inexpensive.

While sales and offers are available in some capacity at pretty much any time of year, there are specific periods when your chances of getting a discount are significantly higher. Because of this, knowing when the best deals come on the market can save you quite a lot of money in the long run.

Stay with us as we take a look at the optimum times to score discounts to make your hard-earned cash much further!

What Are the Prime Shopping Periods for Deals?

In an increasingly consumer-focused world, you rarely need to look too far to find a store or e-commerce platform with a sale. That said, these are the times of the year when slashed prices and discounts are abundant.

Black Friday

Perhaps the most famous day of all for discounts, Black Friday is the ultimate time of year to land a sizable discount on any and every kind of item or service. 

Black Friday takes place every year on the day after Thanksgiving. Although it began as a tradition in the United States, this shopping phenomenon has spread across the globe and even extended into the following week with the growing prominence of Cyber Monday.

End of Season

For those of you hoping to bag clothes, shoes, and accessories at reduced prices, be prepared to hit up your favorite store towards the end of each season. 

You'll likely spot sales popping up several times a year just as the seasons are about to change, but the final weeks of summer and winter tend to bring the lowest prices. Some stores run their sales earlier than others, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled even during the middle of a season.

Pre-holiday

In the lead-up to a holiday, especially if it's an event that centers on gift-giving of some sort, like Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or Father's Day, you'll often notice promotions and price cuts in some stores.

If you start bargain hunting too early, discounts are few and far between. However, many retailers lower their prices as the holiday draws closer in an effort to sell off any remaining stock, so it's a good idea to wait until around a week in advance.

Post-holiday

Many stores can't manage to shift all of their inventory before a holiday, which is why sales are so commonplace in the subsequent days and weeks. Because shop owners are eager to sell off their old stock and bring in their new products, you can find some fantastic bargains in-store online.

January is naturally the most well-known time of year for post-holiday deals, but don't forget to check for deductions after Labor Day, Memorial Day, and any other events. That said, you'll need to be quick, as a lot of retailers start their sales the very next day after a holiday!

Some Things to Be Mindful of Before Searching for Sales

It's easy to get carried away when you spot marked-down prices and promotions, but there are a couple of things you should bear in mind before swiping your credit card.

It's Only a Bargain if It's Something You Were Already Planning To Buy

The most important thing to remember when purchasing anything discounted is that something can only be considered a bargain if you would have been willing to pay the original price. 

One of the biggest mistakes we make as consumers is only buying something because it's available at a reduced price. In many of these instances, we don't even end up using the item, so we fall victim to a false economy. Whenever you feel lured in by a low price, ask yourself if you'd still be prepared to pay in full before you decide to buy.

Make Sure You Research the Items You Have In Mind in Advance

If there's a particular item you've been eyeing up before it goes on sale, make sure you've noted all the details beforehand. This is especially relevant to electronics or appliances that come in several variations.

Sometimes, we're in such a rush to secure a product that we can easily purchase the wrong model or edition once it goes on sale. Unfortunately, this can lead to a multitude of issues, as it's not always possible to return or exchange discounted items.

Check and Track the Pre-sale Prices

Despite having pricing laws and regulations to adhere to, some retailers are still incredibly deceptive about their marked-down goods. In some cases, stores will raise their prices in the weeks leading up to a sale. They'll then restore them to their original price when the sale begins to make it appear as if the item has been reduced.

The best way to avoid falling victim to this trick is to keep tabs on the prices of the items you're looking for outside of typical discount seasons.

Examine Refunds and Returns Policies

When we come across special offers or clearance prices, it's human nature to get carried away and buy things we soon realize we don't need or have a use for. After the dust has settled, you might start to think about returning some of the items you've picked up, but not all merchants will offer refunds or exchanges on sale items.

Before committing to any purchase, check out the store's policy about returns to ensure you know where you stand. It's worth noting that this typically doesn't apply to faulty or damaged goods.

Plan Your Shopping Strategically to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

Heading on a shopping spree or have some upcoming purchases in mind? Use this guide to find the best prices and unlock some incredible bargains for everything from last-minute flights to clothes for that event you have coming up.