When to Buy What – April
S
pring is here! The dogwoods are blooming and lawn mowers are out in force. We here at Custom Timber Log Homes love this time of year, because it gets people in mood for fun in the great outdoors! If you’re like us, springtime also puts you in the mood to spend some money! But, as we’ve learned, there are some months that are better than others for buying certain items. So, before you rush to the stores, read on to find out if this is the best month to buy whatever you’ve had your eye on.
Rain Coats
April tends to be a rainy month, so many retailers beef up their stock of wet weather apparel and accessories in the spring. However, the rain doesn’t last long, which means retailers need to move their inventory quickly. Because retailers have these items marked down, now is a great time to find discounts on rain coats, boots, hats, and umbrellas.
Cookware
Because cookware is a popular gift item for newlyweds and graduates, many retailers will begin marking these items down now. If you want the best selection, buy your cookware gifts now. If you want the deepest discounts, wait until next month.
Sneakers
This is the time of year when the fitness buffs leave the gym and hit the pavement. Shoe companies are well aware of this, so they offer great discounts on running shoes this time of year. You might even be able to find some good deals on all-terrain shoes, which would come in very handy if your log home is situated in the mountains.
Electronics
If you’re in the market for a new computer, TV, or digital camera, now is a good time to buy, especially if the item you’re looking at is a Japanese product. Why? Japan’s fiscal year closes at the end of March, and this is when Japan releases their new models. Products from Japan will be marked down to clear out space for new inventory, and products from other countries will go on sale to compete for your business.
Vacuums
Retailers put vacuum cleaners on sale this time of year in the hopes of reaping the benefits of your “Spring Cleaning.” You can find good deals on vacuums now through June or July, as the new models are brought out in June. As with cookware, buy now for the best selection; wait a month of two for the best price.
Lawn Mowers
For obvious reasons, mowers are prices to sell during April. Gardening tools are also still at reduced prices, so stock up now on all your outdoor tool needs.
As we are all painfully aware, April 15th is tax day. Retailers want to help you spend your tax refunds, so they begin to offer good discounts on several big ticket items during April. Now is a good time to buy if you’re in the market for:
Jewelry
If you’re considering buying jewelry as a Mother’s Day gift, or just as a gift for yourself, now is a good time to shop. Jewelers are more willing to negotiate their prices during April, because they want to make sure they get a piece of your tax refund. This can often be a good time to get a better deal on jewelry repair, too.
Used Vehicles
Many Americans use their tax refunds to purchase a used automobile, so dealers mark their inventory down to try to sell as many as possible. This is also a good time to purchase a 2014 new vehicle before the 2015 autos roll onto the lot. So, if you’ve been considering buying a vehicle to make treks home through the mountains easier, now is a great time to shop.
Office Furniture
The end of April, just after tax season, is a good time for buy office furniture. One reason for this is that most home-based businesses start up either in January or right after tax time. Retailers offer good discounts to help get these businesses set up.
Home Improvements
Many people spend their tax refunds fixing up their homes. Whether you do the work yourself or you hire someone else, April is a good month to find specials on the materials you’ll need to do the job right.
April is a month of highs and lows. The warmer weather and the beauty of nature can really put a smile on your face. But, the rainy days and filing your taxes can turn those smiles upside down quickly. At least you can smile about saving some money if you’ve taken our tips and gotten a good deal on a much-needed item this month. So, good luck and happy shopping! Check back next month to find out what you should buy in May.