Did you know that airlines change their fare schedule three times a day? Or that cars are more likely to be a bargain at the end of the month?
By Bankrate.com
We spoke with a few experts to get the inside scoop on the best times of the year to shop.
Airline tickets
Best time: It depends
There really is no best time of the year to buy plane tickets. But if you expect to travel around the holidays, always plan ahead because deals are hard to come by.
"If you can get a good deal for Thanksgiving and Christmas at any time, buy it. That is their peak period, and airlines have a limited inventory," says Neil Bainton, the chief operating officer of Farecompare, a travel-planning Web site that tracks airline ticket prices.
For non-holiday domestic travel, Bainton recommends that travelers never buy tickets more than 90 days away from their departure date. "You want to watch the 21-day mark because some carriers will file their lowest fares as a 21-day advance purchase. And then the next window is at 14 days, which you really don't want to go by unless you're feeling lucky," Bainton says. Getting a good ticket price depends on the competition in the markets you're flying to and from and the supply of seats versus the demand.
Airline file updates to their fares three times a day: 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. weekdays, with one filing –- at 5 p.m. -- on Saturday and Sunday. (All times are ET.) "Most of the lowest fares are filed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and sometimes Saturdays. It depends on the carrier and the market," Bainton says.
Air conditioners
Best time: winter
Common sense prevails in the air-conditioner market, according to Diane Ritchey, editor of Home Appliance Magazine.
Big appliances
Best time: September and October
Just like the fall clothing influx, new models of major appliance models such as ranges and washing machines hit showroom floors in September and October, says Home Appliance Magazine's Ritchey. About the same time, last year's models go on sale to make room.
Bicycles and outdoor gear
Best time: January
"If you want the newest stuff, the time to look is in February and March, when the season's models come out.
Boats
Best time: January, February and March
According to Thom Dammrich, the president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the winter boat-show season is the time to get a good price on a new boat.
Cars
Best time: September
New model years begin appearing at dealerships in the fall, making September an ideal time to snatch up the previous year's model at a discount. By the end of the year, inventory dwindles, so acting earlier assures a determined buyer of the best selection.
Cell phones
Best time: any time
A new cell phone comes out approximately every five minutes. Obviously, that's hyperbole, but John Morris, the editor of home and entertainment coverage for CNET.com, says the team reviewing cell phones can barely keep up with the steady stream of new models being offered.
Computers
Best time: July and August
If you're shopping for a low price on a computer, buying slightly older technology can save you some money. Following the release schedule of chip makers Advanced Micro Devices and Intel will offer some clues as to when computer manufacturers will offer updates and redesigns, says CNET's Morris.
Cookware
Best times: April and May; October and November
"There are two big seasons for cookware and cookware promotions," says Hugh Rushing, executive vice president of the Cookware Manufacturers Association. "One is in the spring, in April and May, coinciding with the graduation and wedding season. The other is in October and November, with promotions in regard to the holidays."
Furniture
Best times: January and July
New furniture hits the showrooms after the holidays, in February, and again in August. Jackie Hirschhaut, the vice president of public relations and marketing for American Home Furnishing Alliance, says there are two times of the year for guaranteed low prices.
Gas grills
Best time: winter
Ritchey says that, when it comes to gas barbeque grills, timing for the best deal is the same as shopping for air conditioners.
Jewelry
Best time: Avoid the holidays, Valentine's Day and Mother's Day
For jewelry, it's more a matter of when not to buy if you're focused on getting the best deal possible."You're going to pay closer to full price around the holidays because most jewelers generate one-third of their annual revenues and almost 100% of their annual profits in those two months," says Ken Gassman, the founder and president of the Jewelry Industry Research Institute. "You're going to get great value the other eight months of the year." In general, avoid the fourth quarter, that's when most of jeweler's yearly profits are made.
Linens and bedding
Best time: January
The white sale was a marketing strategy originally devised by John Wannamaker in 1878 and it was so successful that retailers still follow his lead today. "January is kind of an industry standard," says Deb Dyer, of upscale bedding cataloger Cuddletown.
Mattresses
Best time: always
Is it always a good time to buy a mattress? It is if you ask Nancy Shark, the executive director of the Better Sleep Council, a consumer education project supported by the mattress industry.
Real estate
Best time: spring
Buying and selling season starts in March and goes through the summer. Spring invigorates the real estate market, meaning there are more homes to choose from. "In the spring market, homes look the best, grasses are green, flowers and trees are in bloom. says Tom Stevens, president of the National Association of Realtors.
Recreational vehicles
Best time: fall and winter
The market for recreational vehicles works somewhat like that of autos.
Toys
Best time: October and November
Retailers open up the toy chest in October and November to kick-start their moneymaking season, says Reyne Rice, a toy trend specialist of the Toy Industry Association.
TVs and home theaters
Best time: winter holiday sales and January
For home theater items, in general, the holidays are a good time, says CNET's Morris.
Vacuum cleaners
Best time: April and May
Most new vacuum models come out in June, Ritchey says
Wedding
Best time: winter
Getting married during the off-season can net big savings. Demand for wedding services wanes during the very cold months -- or if you happen to be in a tropical climate, the very hot months -- and that can work to your advantage. Read "7 ways to save on an off-season wedding" for tips on a winter wonderland wedding, or sweltering summer nuptials, as the case may be.
I know it's a shtickel long!
Topic: The best time to buy . . . anything (Read 1704 times)