Well, August is here and the year is already more than half way over. Where has the time gone?
There really aren’t any noteworthy holidays in August (with the exception of National S’Mores Day on August 10th – but we don’t expect that will have too much impact for online retailer pricing!)
Don’t write off August completely though, there are still plenty of opportunities to find sizzling deals before summer is officially over.
Here are a list of hot deals you should be looking out for this August:
1. Back to School
This is a phrase you will hear over and over again this month, but that’s a good thing! When the retailers are in competition for customers then you, the shopper, are the real winner! If you are doing your back to school shopping online, we suggest opening a couple of tabs so you can do quick price comparisons between different retailers that are all selling the same pens, pencils, notebooks, and highlighters.
If you just want to drive to a store and get all of your shopping done at once, that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t also find great savings. Bring your smartphone and price check the items as you are putting them into your cart (especially the pricier ones). If you see an item at a lower price at another store, that doesn’t necessarily mean a separate trip. Take the item to the cash register and ask if they will price match. Now a days many retailers do!
2. Patio Furniture
We still have a solid month left of summer, which is why August is a fantastic time to buy your new patio furniture. While it is likely that September will truly have the best pricing on patio furniture, the selection will also be completely picked over. In August we will start seeing those prices drop, we’ll still have options to choose from, and we’ll still have a couple of weeks (months if we’re lucky!) to enjoy the new patio furniture before it’s time to bring it inside for the winter.
3. Early Labor Day Furniture Sales
Counting down to Labor Day already? I know, it sounds crazy. But the truth is that furniture stores extend their holiday pricing as much as possible to make sure they get your business! Did you just drop a kid off at college and realize you didn’t bring quite enough furniture? Well if they can hold off a couple of weeks you will surely find great pricing in late August and early September. This also means you should start thinking ahead to the holidays. Last year when you had friends and family over for Thanksgiving dinner were you wishing you had more dining room chairs? A bigger kitchen table? Well Labor Day furniture store sales are your best bet for finding new furniture at great prices!
4. Travel
Vacations are usually booked a good bit in advance. So even though it’s only August, airlines, hotels, and other travel related businesses are going to try to make the most of this summer before it’s over. Keep an eye out this month for some discounted last minute travel. Did you already take your summer vacation? That doesn’t mean you can’t book an inexpensive weekend getaway if the price is right! When I am looking for a quick trip and don’t have a specific destination in mind I like to checkout citypass.com for ideas. With up to 50% off admission to top museums and attractions, you can surely make some fun and affordable memories.
5. Laptops and Computers
Laptop and Computer sales that we see this month will be mostly related to Back-To-School shopping. Since the sales won’t be based on clearing out old products to make room for new models we may not necessarily see rock bottom pricing. However, during these back to school sales, retailers often throw in some freebies to make your purchase worthwhile. If you are looking to buy a new computer in August keep an eye out for free software, printers, and accessories that may be bundled in with your purchase.
6. Swimsuits and Clothing
End of summer clothing sales are upon us. Of course this doesn’t really mean summer is over, just that it’s time to find a great deal! Keep in mind that ALL clothing won’t likely be on sale, probably just summer clothes. There are still some warm days ahead though, so don’t fear about buying that short sleeve shirt or tank top, and when the temperatures do start to drop you can always grab a hoodie or jacket to wear those discounted “summer” outfits well into the fall!
7. Gym Memberships
There are two main times of year when we flock to to gym. Beginning of January (how many times has that been your New Years Resolution?) and in the spring as we start dreading putting on a bikini before getting rid of the holiday weight! But in reality our health and wellbeing is important all year long. This month local gyms will likely try to entice you with discounted membership rates. Keep in mind that most gym membership rates are negotiable, so it doesn’t hurt to ask for an even lower price than what is advertised.
8. Snow Removal
This pains me to even write. It’s only August and I just typed the word “snow” and no one is even forcing me to do so. Ok, I’m going to be strong and think about snow for a couple of minutes while I write this and then I can let myself turn and look out the window to the beautiful bright and warm sunshine outside. Let’s make this quick.
Winter is coming! (Game of Thrones anyone?) August is a great time to buy discounted sidewalk salt and snowblowers. Why? Remember that Econ 101 class? Supply and demand. They have supply and we have no demand! But we will in not too long, so save the money and buy it now while it’s on sale.
Ok we made it through, excuse me while I run outside and make sure it’s still 80 degrees F outside in Pittsburgh.
9. Bicycles and Camping Gear
Look for retailers to start offering discounts on camping gear and bicycles this month to avoid having to store these bulky items over the winter. There is still time for you to get some use out of your new items before packing them up for the winter.
10. Air Conditioner Units
As temperatures start to drop retailers are going to try to clear out their remaining stock of air conditioners. If you were thinking of buying an air conditioner for an uncomfortably hot room in your house before next summer or are looking to upgrade from your existing AC unit that barely got the job done this summer then August is a great time to do so.
Now you know what general types of sales to look out for this month. Make sure you install our FREE DealTrunk extension so you’ll know when specific products become available at hot prices!
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What types of deals are you hoping to find this month? Tell us in the comment section below.