(This post is part of a Money Blog Network Group Writing Project on Year-End Money Moves. Check out the Money Blog Network for the whole scoop!)
As 2007 winds down there is the opportunity to pick up things at bargain prices. Of course, nothing is a bargain if you don't really want it, so bear that in mind if you act on these suggestions:
- After-Christmas sales. Retailers will need to clear their shelves of holiday things and excess inventory. The deals may not be the best on December 26th but they will come, especially if it's for stuff like holiday candy, wrapping paper, whatever. When I was younger the best deals on clearance candy were at the drugstores. They'd discount the candy 90%.
- You may be able to deal better with non-holiday items because this time of year is also end of financial quarter and possibly end of financial year. A friend reminded me of this Friday night. There was big pressure on him to take care of a big customer so that the purchase order would come through in the fourth quarter. This meant that the sale would apply to the sales team's quota for this year, meaning that it could make or break a bonus payout. I expect that some businesses will be very aggressive with sales due to this perfect storm of sales goals, so it doesn't hurt to push for deals at this time of year. The worst they can say is no.
- Thrift stores. Charities like thrift stores get a lot of personal property donations this time of year because (a) people procrastinate and they want to get a deduction for this year's taxes and (b) people just got new stuff that takes up space for the holidays, so they need to clear the old stuff out. So if you like to shop thrift stores, this is a great time to do it because you'll have a better choice of goods to look through.
Happy year-end bargain hunting!
I love the post-X-mas deals!! You can really do well with clothes. Stores need to clear the way for Spring items. I picked up a down vest from EMS for more than half off after last x-mas.
Don't forget the internet merchants are going to be doing the same kind of deals to end the year. I expect big discounts on Amazon and a few other big time merchants.
My sister also swears that you can do well at thrift stores which have drop-boxes in very rich sections of town, especially at the holidays. It's amazing what the very wealthy will throw away! There's no iron-clad insurance that a trip to the thrift store will lead to a bargain, but it's worth a peek now and again, I think.
Hi,
I agree with you. Post-Christmas sales is indeed great when it comes to getting quality items at cheaper price and with discounts and special offers. At the same time, you can avail saving stamp schemes available at retailers' stores. One can also avail coupons at sites like EBay and the like.
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Merry Christmas in advance!