Seasonal Buying Calendar

When to Buy, What to Avoid, and How to Save Big

This isn’t just a sales calendar—it’s your month-by-month strategy guide to scoring the lowest prices on the products you want, without falling for bad deals.

January — Post-Holiday Clearance

  • Typical Discount Range: 20–30% off
  • Best Buys: TVs, soundbars, gaming monitors, small kitchen appliances
  • Skip/Wait: Avoid buying new flagship phones—prices won’t drop until mid-year
  • Bonus Tip: Look for “open box” or display models for deeper savings
  • New Model Releases: TV brands announce at CES (January), hitting stores in March

February–March — Model Year Transition

  • Typical Discount Range: 20–35% off previous year’s models
  • Best Buys: High-end TVs (OLED/QLED), cameras, last-gen laptops
  • Skip/Wait: Avoid buying brand-new models unless you need the latest features
  • Bonus Tip: Combine clearance pricing with manufacturer rebates for an extra 5–10% off
  • New Model Releases: Samsung and LG TVs in March

April–May — Spring Sales & Graduation Season

  • Typical Discount Range: 10–20% off
  • Best Buys: Laptops, tablets, Bluetooth speakers, printers
  • Skip/Wait: High-end TVs—better deals in summer/fall
  • Bonus Tip: Student discounts stack with retailer promotions for extra savings
  • New Model Releases: Dell, HP, and Lenovo refresh laptops in April

June–July — Mid-Year Sales & Prime Day

  • Typical Discount Range: 15–25% off mid-tier electronics
  • Best Buys: Smart home devices, headphones, fitness trackers, gaming gear
  • Skip/Wait: Cameras—better deals in November
  • Bonus Tip: Even if you don’t have Prime, competitors like Best Buy and Walmart price-match
  • New Model Releases: Nintendo and gaming accessories often launch mid-year

August — Back-to-School

  • Typical Discount Range: 15–30% off
  • Best Buys: Student laptops, Chromebooks, dorm electronics, headphones
  • Skip/Wait: High-end TVs—better deals in fall
  • Bonus Tip: Sign up for student email programs for exclusive bundles and freebies
  • New Model Releases: Apple often launches new MacBooks in late summer/early fall

September–October — Pre-Holiday Discounts

  • Typical Discount Range: 10–20% off
  • Best Buys: Mid-range TVs, home appliances, older-model smartphones
  • Skip/Wait: Gaming consoles—biggest deals hit in November
  • Bonus Tip: Retailers quietly test prices before Black Friday—track drops with tools like CamelCamelCamel
  • New Model Releases: Apple iPhones in September, laptops in October

November — Black Friday & Cyber Monday

  • Typical Discount Range: 25–40% off
  • Best Buys: TVs, gaming consoles, laptops, kitchen appliances
  • Skip/Wait: New model cameras—may see better deals in January
  • Bonus Tip: Some of the best TV deals drop the Sunday before Black Friday, not the day of
  • New Model Releases: None—holiday season is all about discounts

December — Holiday Bundles & Gift Card Promotions

  • Typical Discount Range: 10–25% off + bundles
  • Best Buys: Accessories, smart speakers, small gadgets
  • Skip/Wait: Large appliances—best deals in January/May
  • Bonus Tip: Many retailers give gift cards with big purchases—stack with upcoming January sales
  • New Model Releases: Rare—retailers focus on selling existing inventory

Impulse-Proofing Checklist

Before you buy in any sale:

  1. Compare last year’s model to the new one—changes may be minimal
  2. Check warranty terms (some clearance items have reduced coverage)
  3. Read at least 3–5 trusted reviews
  4. Factor in return policy deadlines (especially for holiday gifts)