Does summer always tempt you to spend a little more? Between seasonal sales, vacations, and warm-weather hobbies, it’s easy to fall into the trap of impulse buying this time of year. But before you start filling your cart, it pays to shop strategically. Learning about all the things to never buy in summer can help you avoid overpaying and save serious money on seasonal purchases.
Outdoor Furniture
Sure, you’re ready to uplevel your backyard with some comfy and cute new chairs and tables, but know that if you buy outdoor furniture in the middle of summer, you’ll likely pay too much. You can look for used furniture on sites like Craigslist and OfferUp — or, if you can be patient, wait until the end of summer when these items go on clearance.
School Supplies
Maybe you’re the kind of person who likes to be ready months before school starts when it comes to school supplies. That way, you don’t have to fight the crowds shopping for your kids’ notebooks and pencils in September. The thing is, big box stores fight to get your money, so starting the last two weeks of August, prices for crayons, pens, pencils, notebooks, glue, lunchboxes, and backpacks drop way down. Waiting a while could help you score great deals on school supplies.
Electronic Devices
If you or your college student needs a laptop, cell phone, or other electronic device, know that summer is not the best time to buy … unless you know that Amazon holds its Prime Day each July. Over a couple of days, you can find great deals on all kinds of items, including electronic devices. Check to see the specific dates for this year’s Amazon Prime Days.
You’ll also find back-to-school sales at the end of August, and many retailers discount devices for their Labor Day sales.
Outdoor Gear
Looking for a high-end bicycle? A kayak? A camping tent? Rather than pay full price in June or July, you can benefit from end-of-season clearances as stores get rid of last season’s models to make room for items that sell in the fall. You can save up to 70% if you wait to make your purchase in late August or September.
Handbags and Accessories
Think ahead to how stylin’ you want to look in the fall and buy mid-season accessories and purses when designers make room for their fall fashion lines. Look for pieces that are classic, not trendy, and you can snag items that will last you for years at a fraction of the cost of the original price.
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Swimwear
It can be hard to get out of the mindset of buying a bikini or swim shorts at the start of summer, but retailers know that you’ll be willing to pay full price so you can hit the beach in new digs. Instead, starting in July, plan for what you’ll want for next swim season. You’ll see marked-down swimsuits in late July. This way, you can buy more suits for the price of one and switch out your style every time you go to the beach next year!
Home Decor
Love decorating your home with watermelon-themed art or Fourth of July flags? With a little planning, you can outfit your home for next summer by shopping in mid to late summer when decor goes on sale to make room for fall decorations.
Picnic Supplies
The same goes for paper plates and napkins, plastic forks, and tablecloths. These items don’t cost much in general, but isn’t it nicer to stock up when they’re marked down? Next year, you’ll pat yourself on the back at the first cookout of the season, knowing you’re a savvy shopper.
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Grills
If summer means grilling to you, know that a good grill can run you $150 to as much as $2,000 (only for the very serious griller!). But you can get the same grill (or even an upgrade) for 20 to 50% less than full price. Retailers have to make space for items they sell in the fall, and they’ll continue to discount those grills until the last one is gone. Keep an eye on the one you like and wait for the price to drop.
Winter Clothes
Sure, the last thing you want to do when it’s 100 degrees outside is to try on winter coats and sweaters. But did you know that buying winter clothes in the summer can save you as much as 70% on winter boots, coats, sweaters, gloves, hats, and more? Take inventory of what you need in the winter, then when those summer clearances roll around, you’ll know exactly what you need to purchase.
Indoor Furniture
Summer is when furniture retailers clear out their inventory to make room for fall collections. You can benefit from this by waiting until those sales in late July through Labor Day to purchase sofas, chairs, dining tables, beds, and other furniture.
Sunglasses
Just like swimsuits, sunglasses are another item you never want to pay full price for in summer. If you can be patient and wait until clearance events in July, you can even score designer sunglasses at steep discounts.
Luggage
Ready to replace that suitcase that’s falling apart? Use tape to hold it together until mid-July to September. That’s when luggage retailers mark down their hard shell and carry-on sets. You can buy one piece or an entire set that will see you around the globe!
Saving money on these items may require some planning ahead. Consider your needs for next year at the end of summer, and you can get more for less money.
Air Conditioners
Prices spike during heat waves because demand is at its highest. You’ll usually find the best markdowns in late August, September, or even early fall when retailers start clearing seasonal inventory.
Bicycles
Summer is peak biking season, so retailers rarely discount popular models in June and July. Better deals tend to show up in late summer or early fall when stores make room for next year’s inventory and colder-weather gear.
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