When it comes to scoring a great deal on a big buy, when you shop can make a significant difference in how much you pay. Use this guide to schedule your next purchase wisely so you pay less.
New Car
When: November or December
Why: Don't, as many experts advise, buy this year's model in late summer when next year's models hit. There's a year of depreciation on it already. Instead, wait a few months and buy the new model late in the year, when dealers are antsy to hit their year-end numbers. "Look for the vehicle in the far corner of the lot that hasn't been washed," suggests Jack Nerad, the executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book. That means the dealer doesn't consider the car a profit maker.
Why: Don't, as many experts advise, buy this year's model in late summer when next year's models hit. There's a year of depreciation on it already. Instead, wait a few months and buy the new model late in the year, when dealers are antsy to hit their year-end numbers. "Look for the vehicle in the far corner of the lot that hasn't been washed," suggests Jack Nerad, the executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book. That means the dealer doesn't consider the car a profit maker.
Home Theater
When: The week before Super Bowl Sunday
Why: You'd think everyone would be buying home-theater gear for the big game, but it's not so. "Retailers are banking on holiday money being tossed around, and manufacturers want to hit quarterly estimates," says Kevin Pereira, host of G4's Attack of the Show. Look for savings of 30 to 40 percent.
Why: You'd think everyone would be buying home-theater gear for the big game, but it's not so. "Retailers are banking on holiday money being tossed around, and manufacturers want to hit quarterly estimates," says Kevin Pereira, host of G4's Attack of the Show. Look for savings of 30 to 40 percent.
Weekend Getaway
When: Between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Why: "Hotels are clawing for business," says John Vlahides, a writer for Lonely Planet. Rates will already be discounted 20 percent, but if you speak with the in-house reservations manager, you could score another 5 or 10 percent off, says Vlahides.
Why: "Hotels are clawing for business," says John Vlahides, a writer for Lonely Planet. Rates will already be discounted 20 percent, but if you speak with the in-house reservations manager, you could score another 5 or 10 percent off, says Vlahides.
Jewelry
When: Monday morning, in summer
Why: You'll be the only customer. "You can always save 10 percent on jewelry," says Ken Gassman, president of the Jewelry Industry Research Institute. "But you can save as much as 20 percent if you negotiate when you're alone."
Why: You'll be the only customer. "You can always save 10 percent on jewelry," says Ken Gassman, president of the Jewelry Industry Research Institute. "But you can save as much as 20 percent if you negotiate when you're alone."
Clothes
When: January 31 or August 31
Why: "Retailers are looking to make their monthly sales numbers and clear inventory to make room for new spring or fall lines," says Marshal Cohen, chief retail and fashion analyst with NPD, a research firm. Shop when the store is empty and you'll save up to 75 percent, Cohen says.
Why: "Retailers are looking to make their monthly sales numbers and clear inventory to make room for new spring or fall lines," says Marshal Cohen, chief retail and fashion analyst with NPD, a research firm. Shop when the store is empty and you'll save up to 75 percent, Cohen says.
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