We just love being “connected,” don’t we? What would we do without our apple watches, our iPhones, and our entertainment oasis designed to make the most boring night at home more fun? If you are like most people, you don’t have an inexhaustible supply of cash on hand to buy the latest and greatest, yet you don’t necessarily want to be thrifty when it comes to purchasing home electronics. What to do?
Fortunately, there are ways to save on those important home electronics purchases; with a few smart money moves, you can have your electronic cake and eat it too. Follow these tips for some serious savings on your home entertainment center equipment and beyond:
Consider used equipment
Refurbished electronics tend to be almost as good as mint condition. This is an excellent choice if you don’t mind older models. Those who restore these models have strict standards to adhere to when ensuring that this equipment is in good working order, and they can offer pieces at much lower prices than if they were brand new.
Opt for multimedia and multipurpose devices
Choosing electronic devices that fulfill more than one function is a great way to save money on your home entertainment components. Items like a CD stereo system that’s also Bluetooth enabled will allow you to enjoy music throughout your home via connected devices. There may be no need to install speakers in multiple rooms with smart placement of a central unit with Bluetooth capabilities.
Wait for the right time to buy
Depending on the time of year, there may be some super sales offers on electronics that you can’t pass up. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end of the year sales focus on pushing out slightly older models at discounted prices while retailers look for floor space to place newer models. Watch for these great deals at different times of the year:
- January–great for television purchases
- March and April—look for digital camera deals
- Late spring-early summer–desktop computer deals are amazing
- August—laptop deals are perfect for those returning to school
Finding the right deal at the right time will potentially save you hundreds on your electronic purchases.
Consider floor models
Floor models are available for testing on the sales floor, allowing customers to play with and modify settings as they search for the perfect sound or picture. As they are considered used merchandise, they get sold at huge discounts to consumers who don’t mind. Check with your sales representative to see if floor models will be coming up for sale in the near future, and compare the prices of these components to new ones that are in the store as well. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much money you could save.
Do your research
Go online and check the prices of your preferred electronics, as they are often less expensive than those in the store. Don’t be influenced by shipping costs, as many retailers will waive the cost of shipping if you purchase a certain dollar amount. If all else fails, bring an online price into a retail store and ask them to price match to get yourself the best deal. If they want your sale, they’ll work with you to find a satisfactory deal.
Doing a little bargain shopping beforehand and being willing to search for slightly older models will ensure that you are getting the most bang for your buck. Happy shopping!
