Did you know that about 92 percent of Americans have at least one computer at home or to Buy a Computer ? Yet, as technology advances, many people see the need to upgrade their current computer or purchase one with better features.
Of course, buying a computer can be overwhelming, especially when you are on a tight budget. Nevertheless, there are many ways to save, including waiting for the best time to buy a computer.
But, when is the best time to look for computer sales? And how can you make sure that you’re getting the most value for your money? This post will consider the answers to those questions, so keep reading to find out!
When New Models Are Released
Many people are willing to pay a substantial price for a brand new laptop as soon as it’s released. As a result, the demand for the older models immediately drops. So, if you don’t mind purchasing last year’s computer model, you should keep an eye out for when the newest computers will be released.
For example, Apple usually releases new products in spring and winter. But they also hold events around March, June, and September, so you’ll probably see deals pop up at this time. So, if you’re a fan of Macbooks, you’ll want to pay close attention to their website.
Similarly, Microsoft usually has a huge event in October where you can get major discounts on computers. But, you’ll have to be attentive because they don’t announce the sales until they are only a few days away.
Of course, not everyone is a follower of Macs or Microsoft products, so you should check with your favorite computer brand to find out when they launch their newest products, as they’ll likely put older types of computers on sale.
January: During or After the Holiday Season
Retailers take advantage of the holiday crowds to offer deals on items that aren’t as common as Christmas gifts. So, usually, you can find great deals on computers and other big-ticket electronics.
However, the discounts aren’t always price reductions. Sometimes stores offer gift cards or other vouchers, which you can use to purchase your holiday gifts.
It’s also common for stores to run one-day-only sales around the holidays, so you’ll need to check websites constantly if you don’t want to miss out on a good deal.
Many people think that after the holidays are over, the sales are too. But that’s far from the truth, as you can find incredible deals after the New Year.
The reason? After the International Consumer Electronics Show in January, everyone knows the new models that will be released. As a result, the sales of current computers drop as consumers wait in anticipation for the more recent versions.
Plus, stores need to clear up space and unload older models before the new ones hit the shelves.
July to August: Back to School Shopping Sales
One of the best times to find a good deal on a laptop is during the summer, as stores prepare sales for students. And, even if you aren’t headed back to school in the fall, you can take advantage of excellent sales.
Even though these sales are motivated by back-to-school shopping, they also coincide with Amazon Prime Day, giving you even more opportunities to score a good deal on a computer.
And, if you are a student or an educator, you can get even better deals during the back-to-school season. For example, most tech companies offer discounts if you show your student ID or an academic email address.
Moreover, you don’t even have to wait for a specific time of year to take advantage of student discounts and perks. For example, Apple gives students special prices all year round.
November: Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales
Black Friday isn’t like it used to be. There is no reason to wake up in the middle of the night to stand in line or fight for the hottest deals. For the most part, the sales are announced in advance and available for online purchase.
Of course, this change makes Black Friday nearly the same thing as Cyber Monday, and many companies are just deciding to run their sales all weekend long. But, most experts will tell you that the best deals for computers are on Cyber Monday.
Just be careful because some websites take advantage of consumers’ shopping fever and offer deals that aren’t that great. But, you can avoid falling victim to these traps by comparing the price with other stores.
Tips for Finding the Best Deal on a Computer
While the best deals are usually during huge sales, you can see considerable price drops all year long. Here are a few pointers that can help you get the best deal out there!
Watch for Flash Sales
On Amazon and Newegg, you can find flash sales at various times of the year. And, some manufacturers hold special deals for no particular reason.
Yet, it can be annoying to search for the best deals all the time. So, if you don’t want to worry about that, you can use price-tracking websites that help you monitor changes in a specific model’s price. Then, if it reaches your desired price, you’ll get a notification so you can purchase it quickly!
Compare Prices
Just because a product is on sale doesn’t mean that it’s the best price available. To find out if you are getting the best price, search for that model using Google Shopping. There, you’ll see a list of stores that are selling the same product and their prices.
Of course, you should also consider the shipping cost and try to use coupons whenever possible. For example, many credit card companies have browser plug-ins that alert you of available coupon codes when you are ready to check out. And, other plug-ins like Honey give you points for shopping and automatically apply coupons to your online cart.
While it may take some time to check for the best price, add items to your cart, and see the final price after coupons, it’s well worth it when it comes to spending hard-earned money!
Check Price History
Did you know that some sites change their prices constantly? So even if you see that the price has been reduced, it may have been cheaper in the past. Instead of relying on the item’s original price tag, you can check the price history to see if it’s the lowest price on the retailer’s website or at the store.
For example, if you are shopping with Amazon, you can use a Chome extension called Camelcamelcamel. And, Hover Hound works for Newegg.
Yet, there aren’t tools like this for all stores, so it’s not always possible to see the price history of the item you want to purchase.
Check Deal News Sites
Some websites are dedicated to alerting consumers of the best deals. So, staying up to date with these websites can help you get the upper hand on other consumers and get good deals on products as soon as they are available.
Weed Out Fake Reviews
While customer reviews are a helpful way to determine the quality of a computer type, some websites are riddled with fake opinions. Therefore, before purchasing a laptop based on positive reviews, you should decide whether or not they are genuine. You can do this with a tool called Fakespot.
Buy a Refurbished Computer
If you don’t need the latest features on your new computer, you can consider purchasing a refurbished one. Many retailers sell them at much more affordable prices and even offer a warranty for a specific period.
Refurbished computers are ideal for most consumers on a budget, especially those who plan on using their new PC for browsing the web or simple tasks. But, if you like to play online games, you’ll want to check the computer’s specifications (especially the processor and RAM) before purchasing it. For more information about a good computer for gamers, see page.
Don’t Miss the Best Time to Buy a Computer!
After reading this post, you know the best time to buy a computer! Now it’s time to be proactive by researching brands and models that you would like to purchase. Once you have one in mind, keep an eye out for the best prices, especially during the largest sales of the year!
If you do this, you’ll no doubt save a lot of money on your computer cost and get the best bang for your buck!
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