With so many makes and models available on the market, searching for the perfect tech device can be an arduous task. Many of these devices are fairly substantial investments, making it essential to properly consider the price, features, compatibility, and overall needs before making any final purchase.
Like most other industries, the tech world has a clear cycle of pricing, which tends to increase and decrease throughout the year based on noteworthy events and holidays. Properly understanding this ebb and flow ensures you get the best bang for your buck, whether you choose to shop Boxing Day deals or brave the madness of Black Friday.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday
In the US, Black Friday traditionally happens the day after Thanksgiving or the last Friday of November for the rest of the world. It is largely viewed as the kick-off to the festive shopping season and is arguably the biggest shopping day of the year in the United States. In recent years, it has transitioned from a one-day-only frenzy in brick-and-mortar stores to a multiday event that spans online sites and in-person locations, extending into the following week with Cyber Monday.
Many reports suggest that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the ideal days to purchase big-ticket items such as large home appliances and tech devices, like TVs, laptops, computers, smart home devices, kitchen appliances, and cellphones.
Many major retailers, such as Amazon, Target, and Best Buy, advertise their deals ahead of time, either through their websites or digital newsletters. Start your research at least a week or two in advance to stay informed and well-prepared.
Holiday Sales
Many stores implement holiday sales straight after Christmas and throughout the year for Memorial Day, Labor Day, and President’s Day to boost sales and increase foot traffic once the festive frenzy of the Christmas season has worn off.
While you may not be able to snag the best deal through Boxing Day sales and other annual holiday sales, you may be able to take advantage of clearance discounts and seasonal specials as stores look to clear out old stock at lower prices for the year ahead.
Product Launches
When major companies like Apple and Samsung release new devices, it is a great time to get a fairly good deal on older cell phones, laptops, gaming devices, and other tech. This is a common sales tactic by most major brands, who lower the prices on older models and devices when launching a new product.
This is also applicable to major home appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. Typically, the newest model is introduced to the market around October or November, and the price of last year’s model often tends to drop.
Amazon Prime Day
In 2015, leading eCommerce company Amazon introduced its annual Prime Day sale, which has since transformed into a globally popular two-day event that occurs in July for Amazon Prime members. As with any other major discount event, it is worth doing research into the price of items you are hoping to purchase to ensure you can spot deals worth taking advantage of.
Popular items that typically carry good deals on Amazon Prime Day include small kitchen items, gaming consoles, headphones, and Amazon devices like Kindles and Echo speakers.
Back to School Season
When the end of summer is on the horizon, and children are getting ready to head back to school for the new year, tech devices are often at the top of most parents;’ shopping lists. Some educational institutions require students to have access to specific devices, like laptops or tablets, so offering discounts and sales to customers seems reasonably logical.
Many stores will offer back-to-school promotions from late July through September, including everything from computers and laptops to printers, wireless routers, gaming consoles, and computer accessories. Some states across the US offer tax holidays each year, during which home tech and other back-to-school necessities are untaxed at purchase.
Things to Consider When Shopping
There is no denying that tech devices are expensive. Regardless of when you shop, there are a few things worth considering before making your purchase. Avoid falling for hype and pressure, and really think about whether the device you are planning to buy is something you need and will get good use out of.
Compare the regular price with the sales price. If the discount offered doesn’t feel big enough, you may want to shop around and explore better offers elsewhere. If you plan to upgrade existing tech you already own, properly research the features and benefits of a newer one and decide whether it is worth the extra cost.
Ensure you understand the manufacturer’s warranty for any new device, and when possible, opt to add an extended warranty. Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of each before making your final purchase.
With so many different models and brands on the market, it may feel overwhelming to narrow down your options and make the best choice. Customer reviews are a fantastic way to gain a better and more honest understanding of how a device works in the real world. They will provide you with valuable insight and highlight any issues and shortcomings you may not know otherwise.
Finally, it is a smart purchasing decision to choose devices and brands that can easily and effortlessly connect and integrate into the same network, especially if you already have a smart home device set-up.
