| Suppose you could always buy on sale. Imagine how | | | | - When you see an annual sale catalogue, save it and |
| much money you would save. While this seems | | | | file it away. You can bet that this sale will occur again |
| impossible, it is really quite simple. Many products go on | | | | about the same time next year. Also save newspaper |
| sale regularly throughout the year. If you know ahead | | | | ads for recurring sales such as founder's day and |
| of time, you can plan. | | | | annual clearance sales. |
| You can find annual and semi-annual sales on | | | | - Keep a calendar just for making notes about sales |
| everything from cars to furniture, clothing to appliances | | | | that occur during the year in your area. |
| and candy to stereos. These sales often happen | | | | - The schedule of sales varies somewhat between |
| when seasons change or when new models come | | | | regions of the country, especially north to south, since |
| out. There are even annual sales on used items. The | | | | seasonal changes occur at different times. |
| following tips will help you find the best deals month | | | | - Be flexible. Since you are buying inventory that is left |
| after month. | | | | over, you will not find the same selection you would |
| - Don't be afraid of last year's models. As a salesman | | | | have found earlier in the year. Purchase something |
| at a national electronics store told me, "All models are | | | | that suits your needs, but don't worry if the color is not |
| discontinued eventually." So, for example, a brand new | | | | exactly right. |
| stereo that is being phased out can be a very good | | | | - Get the same warranty as new. When you buy a |
| deal. | | | | discontinued new item from the previous year, you |
| - Be aware of the particular time when products | | | | should get the same guarantee as the latest brand |
| change. For example, almost everyone knows that | | | | new product. |
| new car models come out in the fall. However, if you | | | | - There is one exception to annual sales: don't buy |
| buy after the new automobiles are actually on the | | | | anything around Christmas. Almost nothing goes on |
| showroom floor - known as the new model | | | | sale from Thanksgiving to December 25. Yet |
| introduction or NMI - you will get a much better bargain | | | | immediately after, you can find remarkable deals. |
| than you would have gotten just a few weeks earlier. | | | | If you think of these sales from the stand point of |
| - Some items like clothes may be discounted long | | | | businesses, they need to get rid of their old inventory |
| before the season is over. For example, summer | | | | so they can pay for and make room for new |
| clothes can go on sale right after the Fourth of July | | | | products. A business benefits by getting rid of last |
| because stores need to make room for fall clothing | | | | season's stock and you benefit by getting products at |
| and back-to-school merchandise. | | | | deep discounts. Happy bargain hunting! |