Summer will be over soon enough, so if you’re looking for a way to save some money on the summer items you still need, then this post is for you. With these top tips, you’ll be able to buy all the items you need without worrying about your budget.
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In this post, you’ll find top tips to save money on end of summer items.
The summertime is a big selling period for most retailers. Patio furniture, seasonal décor, clothing, shoes, and even beach accessories are their biggest moneymakers. Luckily, if you shop for these things at the end of summer, rather than the peak time, you can save a bundle.
Follow these tips on how to turn the big summer moneymakers into your money savers!
Secret Stash
Pouuin 7-Piece Rattan Patio Conversation Set with Olefin Cushions
One of the best tips for buying items that you need is to have an eye out for end-of-summer sales. Companies will often drop prices at the end of summer to make room for new products. If you’re in need of patio furniture like umbrellas, lawn chairs, or outdoor rugs and pillows, then now is a good time to get it at a good price.
Sure, you may have needed that Adirondack chair two months ago. But, if you’re able to save 50% off just by shopping in late August, chances are it’s worth storing until next year. In order to truly save on end of season summer stuff, you must be flexible.
If you’re willing to stash items away until next year, you can stock up on anything from patio sets to grills and much more for a fraction of the advertised cost in May or June.
Stores like Target and Lowes will often drop their prices upto 50% or more on patio furniture at the end of summer. If you need patio sets and outdoor pillows, you can save up to 80% off the listed price. This can be a good way to stock up on patio furniture for the coming summer without spending much at all.
Haggle it down
Teamson 3-Piece Gray Woven Bistro Patio Set with Gray Textiline
Now, one of the biggest ways to save money on summer items is to haggle. If you’re able to negotiate a better price, you can get everything you need for a lot less than what you originally paid.
You know that new Patio Set you’ve been eyeing?
Well, instead of paying $500 and up for it, try getting it for $200 when it goes on sale.
If you’re feeling super bold, you can walk right up to the store manager and ask for an even lower price on the merchandise. Chances are, not many customers would be willing to purchase a bistro set on August 29th, especially if you live in a cold climate. The store needs to make that sale. And many times, if you’re willing to haggle, you can save a great percentage on end of season summer purchases.
The store needs every end of season summer sale they can get. So, they’re often willing to lower prices on items – all you have to do is ask! Of course, this is an unpublicized practice. But, if you’re willing to put your haggling skills to the test, your thrifty ways can have you laughing all the way to the bank.
Walk up to the manager and say something like:
“Hi, I noticed that the price on this bistro set is $129. But because it’s almost September, I’m not willing to pay that price. Is there any way that you can come down into the double digits?“
Yes, it’s quite pushy and a frank question to ask. But, that is what haggling is all about: paying less than the list price or even the sale price. And, when managers are desperate to move display items or boxed merchandise off the floor in order to make room for new items, they’re eager to make the sale – even if it means a $30 loss.
Beach Items
Generally, stores try to move beach items, such as beach balls, towels, coolers, and umbrellas as quickly as possible. In many states, consumers will only be able to get good use out of the merchandise from June to August. Therefore, most consumers make their purchases from June to July in order to maximize their use.
Mid August and September are great times to buy these items because the prices are generally slashed significantly. Big box stores like Wal-Mart and Target often have the best deals, simply because they need to introduce new displays and the outdated beach items are eating up valuable floor space.
Granted, it isn’t possible to haggle in stores such as these. However, Home Depot has summer clearance sales and these stores often have great deals on beach gear. Target has a rewards program where they give out free $5 gift cards in exchange for purchasing a predefined quantity of a mix of items.
You can likely score free beach items by simply purchasing the necessary items in order to receive the free gift card. And of course, you should always use coupons in order to lessen your out-of-pocket costs.
Conclusion
Smart shoppers buy at the end of the season. Whether it’s Christmas items in January, Halloween decorations in November, or summery merchandise in late August or September, shopping after the season saves money, time and effort.
Overall, you don’t have to spend a lot of money on the last minute items that you need for the summer. By taking advantage of these top tips and using them to your advantage, you can save a bundle.
What are you going to be shopping for at all the end of summer sales?