FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Luke Knowles, (970) 672-1136, luke@freeshipping.org
Go Frugal Blog’s Best Time to Buy Guide offers consumers guidance about how to save money on more than 45 products and services
[Fort Collins, CO, May 7, 2009] – Timing is everything. The old saying especially applies to consumer purchases. You can save hundreds and even thousands of dollars every year by knowing the best time to buy products - from automobiles, appliances and furniture to clothing, cookware and linens. With this in mind, Luke Knowles has created the Best Time to Buy Guide for more than 45 products. The in-depth feature is available on the popular Go Frugal Blog at http://www.freeshipping.org/blog/best-time-to-buy-guide/.
Knowles understands this concept first-hand. In December 2007, he and his wife, Maisie Knowles, co-founded FreeShipping.org, which is a one-stop destination for consumers to find online retailers that offer free shipping deals. The site grew rapidly and it now features more than 1,320 merchants.
Knowles - who also wrote an e-book about free shipping and recently created Coupon Sherpa, an application that allows iPhone users to access in-store coupons on their mobile device – hatched the idea for the Best Time to Buy Guide when he started conducting research for his own use.
“We are having a house built, and within weeks we will need to make several large purchases, such as furniture, appliances and electronics,” Knowles said. “We were curious about when we should buy these products, and that made me realize that other people would be interested, too.”
Among the items detailed in The Best Time to Buy Guide are:
Big Appliances
The new models for large appliances roll out in September and October, so stores will be working to make room by discounting previous models. Some stores will keep older inventory in stock through the holiday months and then reduce what ever is left at the beginning of the new year.
During the rest of the year look for holiday sales around Memorial Day and Independence Day.
Best time to buy big appliances: October and January
Cell Phones
The best deal on a cell phone is offered when signing up for new service. Consider moving to another carrier, if you are at the end of an existing contract. Another way to save on cell phones is with rebate savings. "Free After Rebate" offers are made on most every popular phone at some point. Pricing usually includes a combination of instant savings and a rebate. The best time to buy is when you can get a cell phone for free, either by signing up for new service or with "cash back after rebate" offers.
Best time to buy a cell phone: When starting a new contract
Clothing
Once merchandise has been in stores a month or more, retailers begin dropping prices to circulate new items. Stores begin stocking shelves on Thursday to prepare for the weekend. Weekends are when the most items are sold so the best selection and best prices can be found if you make it to the store before the weekend.
Save additionally by shopping at the end of the season. Clothing stores need to make room for new collections and will mark down clothing significantly to reduce stock. As a new season nears begin looking for deals on clothing. For example, spring is the time to get a good deal on winter clothing.
Best time to buy clothing: Thursday evening and end of season
Computers
Computers have become essential items for students which is why most retailers have big back to school sales in August. You can also get a good deal on a computer during the run up to Christmas.
Technology blogs and manufacturer websites should have information about when new computer models will be released. If you have your eye on an older model and a new model is soon to be released, it may be worth the wait in order to buy it at a lower price.
Best time to buy a computer: August and December
Mattresses and Box Springs
The best time to buy a mattress and box springs is in May when retailers need to make room for new models. Your chances of getting a great deal at this time are quite good as manufacturers leave retailers enough room to reduce prices.
Best time to buy a mattress: May
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FreeShipping.org is the Internet’s premiere destination for online shoppers to find free shipping deals offered by almost 1,500 online retailers, including Victoria's Secret, Target, Bloomingdale's, Kohl’s, Sears, Best Buy, Old Navy, Nordstrom and Macy’s. For more information, visit www.freeshipping.org.
