October Buying Guide: 10 Things To Buy Right Now and Save
As we head into Fall, many retailers are trying to roll out Summer and seasonal merchandise, as well as make room for new models, creating some great deals on certain products. Here are the 10 best deals to be had right now.
Large Appliances
When it comes to large appliances like washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers, October is a great time to buy.
Manufacturers always unveil new models in the winter, making October the key month to unload last years models to make room for the new stuff.
In order to do this, especially in a down economy, they have to sell them at a great discount.
Lawn Mowers
Grass stops growing in November and December, and the demand for lawnmowers plummets, leaving retailers with inventory they have to store, which obviously costs a lot of money.
So retailers put them on sale, making October the prime time to score a deal on a new mower. Don’t wait until next Spring to buy, you will pay 25% to 40% more than right now.
School Supplies
If your child doesn’t have everything they need for the new school year, don’t fret as deals abound. Many retailers over-bought school supplies and now have excess inventory they need to unload, much to your wallet’s happiness.
This is also a good time to stock up for next year, or to buy cool Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers for your kids.
Fireplace Tools
Don’t wait until your fireplace is in full roar to buy a grate, poker, or hearth decor. By that time, retailers are in the driver’s seat and you’ll end up paying full price. October is the last month to find a good deal until next spring.
Bicycles
Pretty much without fail, new bike models are unveiled every September. With this comes crowded showrooms and warehouses, making it essential that bike shops and sporting good retailers unload last years models.
As we head into October and even into November, shops will continue to slash prices in order to move out old models. So if you need a new bike, or are considering getting one for your child this Christmas, right now is a great time to shop.
Swim and Pool Stuff
I was walking through my local Walmart the other day and was blown away with their clearance rack.
It was chalked full of swim toys and water blasters priced up to 75% off the original price. Right now is a great time to stock up for next summer.
Digital Cameras
If you are NOT particular about having only the newest and latest, then October is a great time to buy a new digital camera. The main reason is because manufacturers tend to release new models heading toward the Christmas shopping season.
Retailers are quite aware of this and need to sell last years models to make room for the new. Thus, many stores are currently selling cameras at a discount.
Air Conditioners
If you need a new air conditioner for your home, don’t wait for triple digit heat to start your shopping, you will get racked over the coals. October is an excellent time to shop as many units will be on sale in order to clear out inventory space.
This is especially true at big box stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s. I personally saw some great deals (40% Off) on A/C units last weekend. As you have seen with much of my advice, the best time to get a deal on a product is to shop when nobody else is.
Automobile Tires
You can set your watch by when tires go on sale every year. Specifically, every October, tire retailers offer incredible incentives to drivers to buy a new a set of tires before winter driving hits.
So if you are driving on balding treads, right now is a great to buy. Not only will you get a nice discount, but that first winter storm won’t be quite so slippery with a good set of tires underneath you.
Barbecues
BBQ’s are quite large as you can imagine and take up significant room. Thus, retailers need to clear them out once grilling season has ended in September.
The end result: Deals abound on new grills right now! I personally bought our Weber grill in October and saved 20% off the sticker price.
Happy Savings.
Photo credit to Kevin.
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)
