What Should I Buy When?
Our Monthly Guide to Getting the Best Deals at the Best Times
The holidays are upon us! Thanksgiving has come and gone, and our pants are just a little tighter than they were a week ago. Now, it’s time to think about Christmas. All of us here at CTLH love the Christmas season—decorating the tree, hanging lights off of anything that will stand still, gorging ourselves on Christmas cookies and eggnog. Then, of course, there are all the gifts to buy. Now, while it may be easier to list the things that are not on sale this month, we aren’t going to do that. That would be taking the easy way out. So, without further ado, here are your December deals.
December
Cyber Monday
While Cyber Monday isn’t an actual item to buy, we wanted to start with it, since it has become such a popular sale day. Of course, Cyber Monday is the Monday after Black Friday. On this day, retailers offer great deals and discounts on a number of items, all from their online stores. Many sites offer free shipping in addition to the discount on the item you are purchasing. Whatever you’re looking to buy, chances are you’ll find a deal on Cyber Monday. One note: many retailers have begun to run Cyber Monday deals throughout the entire week. So, if you didn’t get in on the deals Monday, you may still have a chance to score some great discounts online.
Wedding dresses
Many boutiques stock up around the holidays to prepare for holiday engagements and all the purchasing that accompany those. If you’re in the market for a wedding dress, December is a good time to shop. You’ll also be able to find deals on general wedding items, so buy now while the price is right.
Outerware
It might not even be officially winter yet, but retailers are already thinking about spring. They are ready and willing to slash prices on coats, jackets, scarves, gloves, and hats, to move these items out and make room for the warm weather apparel that is on the way to the stores. Got kids? Go ahead and get a head start on next fall and winter. Just make sure you allow some growing room.
Bikes
Whether you’re buying a bike as a Christmas present or for your personal use, now is a good time to buy. Retailers know a bike under the Christmas tree looks good, and they are making deals to get the bike our of their stores and into your homes. Bike helmets are on sale now, as well.
Tools and hardware
A guy can’t ever have enough tools, right? That’s what retailers think. Since tools are the Number One Christmas gift for men, maybe the retailers are onto something. If you’ve got a Mr. Fix-It on your list, make him happy with some shiny new tools for Christmas. And, make yourself happy, too, by getting a good deal.
TVs
You can find deals on TVs all year round. However, you can find some of the best deals around mid-December. Retailers want to move out the inventory that didn’t sell on Black Friday, and they will cut prices to entice buyers to shop. Whatever type of TV you’re looking for—plasma, HDTV, etc.—you’ll find it at a good price right now.
Small appliances
These not only make good Christmas gifts, but they also help to make good Christmas meals. So, whether you’re buying for yourself or someone else, this is a good time of year to get a new coffee maker, electric can opener, or mixer. As with TVs, wait until mid-December to buy these items.
Cookware and flatware
While November was the best month to purchase cookware and flatware, many retailers will carry those deals into December. If you haven’t bought these items yet, you can still find good discounts.
Golf clubs
It may be a tad bit chilly to play golf, but it’s the perfect time of year to buy golf clubs. Retailers offer great discounts during the cold winter months to increase traffic and move out inventory. So, if you or someone on your list is a golf enthusiast, head on down to your local pro shop. They’ll be glad to see you, and they’ll reward you with deep discounts.
Air conditioners
Demand is low, so prices will be low, too. It’s that simple. December is a great time to purchase a new air conditioning unit if you need one. Installation will be quicker, too, since not as many homeowners will be requesting the services of an air conditioner specialist in December.
Swimming pools
The off-season months are the perfect time to have a swimming pool installed. Is your new log home finished? Then, have your pool installed now while the demand is low. Retailers offer great deals during the winter to increase traffic and cash flow. Use this to your advantage.
Real estate
If you’ve decided to purchase land, this is a great time to do it, as real estate activity slows during this time of year. Sellers looking to move real estate will be more willing to drop their prices right now, more than any other time of the year. So, if you’ve been looking at the perfect lot for your dream log home, go ahead and make an offer now!
That wraps us up for another month, and for the year. We hope you’ve enjoyed our “What Should I Buy When?” series. We’ve certainly enjoyed putting it out each month, and we hope it has helped you save some money along the way.
From all of us here at Custom Timber Log Homes, have a very Merry Christmas! We hope 2015 brings health and happiness to you and your loved ones!