In today’s world of rising prices, getting the best deal on your purchases has never been more important. Many people don’t realize that there are numerous items and services that can almost always be bought at a discount. By knowing which products you should never pay full price for, you can save a significant amount of money over time.
This list will reveal 22 things you should always try to buy at a discount. From everyday essentials to big-ticket items, these are products and services where savvy shoppers can consistently find deals, discounts, or alternative buying options.
Furniture
Furniture stores often have high markups and frequent sales. Wait for holiday weekends like Memorial Day or Labor Day for significant discounts. You can also find great deals on floor models or at outlet stores. Consider buying secondhand furniture from thrift stores or online marketplaces for even bigger savings.
Gym Memberships
Gyms regularly offer promotions, especially around New Year’s or in January when people make fitness resolutions. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price or ask for perks like free personal training sessions. Many gyms will waive signup fees or offer a free trial period if you ask. Compare prices at different gyms and use competitor offers as leverage.
Cars
Never pay the sticker price for a new car. Research the invoice price (what the dealer paid) and use it as a starting point for negotiations. Look for end-of-month or end-of-year deals when dealerships are trying to meet sales quotas. Consider buying a slightly used car to avoid the initial depreciation hit. Be prepared to walk away if you don’t get a good deal.
Electronics
Electronics prices fluctuate throughout the year, with the best deals often appearing during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Sign up for price alerts on sites like CamelCamelCamel to track price drops. Look for open-box items or refurbished electronics from reputable sellers for significant discounts. Consider buying last year’s model when new versions are released for big savings.
Clothing
Retail clothing prices are often inflated to account for future sales. Wait for end-of-season clearance sales for the best deals. Sign up for store newsletters to access sales and exclusive discount codes early. Check outlet stores or online discount retailers for brand-name clothes at lower prices. Don’t forget to look for cashback offers when shopping online.
Travel
Flexibility is key to getting the best travel deals. Use price comparison sites and set up fare alerts for flights. Book flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays when prices are often lowest. Look for package deals that bundle flights, hotels, and car rentals for better overall pricing. Consider traveling during shoulder seasons when prices are lower, but the weather is still good.
Mattresses
Mattress stores have huge markups and are always willing to negotiate. Shop around major holidays like Memorial Day or Labor Day for the best sales. Don’t be afraid to ask for freebies like pillows or a bed frame to be thrown in. Consider online mattress companies that often offer lower prices and generous trial periods.
Insurance
Never auto-renew your insurance policies without shopping around first. Get quotes from multiple providers and use them to negotiate with your current insurer. Look for bundling discounts if you have multiple types of insurance. Ask about discounts related to good driving records, home security systems, or completing defensive driving courses.
Cable and Internet Services
Cable and internet providers often have unadvertised deals for new customers. Call and threaten to cancel your service to be transferred to the retention department, where the best deals are offered. Look for new provider promotions in your area and be willing to switch for better rates. Consider cutting the cord and using streaming services as a cheaper alternative to cable.
Groceries
Never shop for groceries without a list and a plan. Use store loyalty cards and apps to access digital coupons and personalized deals. Buy generic or store-brand products instead of name brands for significant savings. Stock up on non-perishable items when they’re on sale, and consider buying in bulk for items you use frequently.
Restaurant Meals
Look for early bird specials or dine during off-peak hours for discounted meals. Sign up for restaurant email lists to receive coupons and birthday freebies. Use restaurant.com or other dining deal sites to purchase discounted gift certificates. Consider going out for lunch instead of dinner, as lunch menus often feature similar items at lower prices.
Movie Tickets
Attend matinee showings for lower ticket prices. Look for discount days at your local theater, often on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Join theater loyalty programs for points that can be redeemed for free tickets or concessions. Consider subscription services like MoviePass or AMC A-List for frequent moviegoers to save on multiple visits.
Textbooks
Never buy new textbooks from the college bookstore without checking alternatives first. Look for used books or consider renting textbooks for the semester. Check online marketplaces for student-to-student sales at your school. Explore digital versions of textbooks, which are often cheaper and more convenient. Some libraries also offer textbook rentals or digital access.
Prescription Drugs
Always ask if there’s a generic version of your prescription available. Use prescription discount cards or apps like GoodRx to compare prices at different pharmacies. Ask your doctor for samples or about patient assistance programs for expensive medications. Consider filling 90-day prescriptions instead of 30 days for additional savings on many medications.
Home Appliances
Shop for appliances around major holidays when stores offer significant discounts. Look for floor models or scratch-and-dent appliances for big savings on items with minor cosmetic flaws. Use price-matching policies to get the best deal, and don’t forget to negotiate installation fees or extended warranties. Consider energy-efficient models that may cost more upfront but save money on utility bills in the long run.
Jewelry
Avoid buying jewelry close to major holidays like Valentine’s Day or Christmas when prices are inflated. Look for estate sales or pawn shops for unique pieces at lower prices. Consider lab-created gemstones as a more affordable alternative to natural stones. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially at independent jewelers or when buying multiple pieces.
Software and Digital Products
Look for student or educator discounts on software, even if you’re not currently enrolled. Check for free open-source alternatives to paid software that might meet your needs. Wait for seasonal sales on digital marketplaces like Steam for games or Adobe for creative software. Consider subscription models instead of one-time purchases if you only need the software for a short period.
Gym Equipment
January is often the worst time to buy gym equipment due to high demand. Wait for spring or summer when people are selling barely-used equipment from abandoned New Year’s resolutions. Check online marketplaces and garage sales for great deals on secondhand equipment. Consider bodyweight exercises or resistance bands as low-cost alternatives to expensive machines.
Wedding-Related Items
Avoid mentioning “wedding” when booking venues or services to avoid the wedding markup. Consider off-season or non-Saturday weddings for significant discounts. Look for sample sales on wedding dresses or consider renting or buying secondhand. DIY decorations and favors can save money and add a personal touch to your special day.
Oil Changes and Car Maintenance
Look for coupons in local mailers or on the service center’s website before getting an oil change. Consider learning basic maintenance, like changing air filters or wiper blades. Compare prices at independent shops, which are often cheaper than dealerships for out-of-warranty cars. Join loyalty programs at auto parts stores for discounts on DIY supplies and parts.
Plants and Gardening Supplies
Buy perennial plants in the fall when nurseries are clearing out inventory. Start plants from seeds instead of buying seedlings for significant savings. Check big box stores for clearance plants that just need a little TLC. Join local gardening groups to participate in plant swaps or get cuttings for free.
Pet Supplies
Buy pet food in bulk or sign up for auto-ship programs for regular discounts. Look for generic or store-brand alternatives to expensive name-brand pet products. Check animal shelters for low-cost vaccination clinics and spay/neuter services. Consider making your own pet toys or treats for both savings and healthier alternatives to store-bought options.
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