Best Times to Buy: TVs
If it’s time for a new big screen but it isn’t time to spend a boatload of money, you need to read this article. Yes, you can have your dream TV and your budget, too, as long as you know when to time your purchase.
Here’s when to buy a TV throughout the year.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
The biggest shopping weekend of the year is prime time for TV deals. Retailers often slash prices on everything from budget models to high-end 4K and OLED TVs to draw in shoppers during the holiday season. Most experts consider Black Friday the single best day to buy a TV if you’re looking for steep discounts.
Retailers like Best Buy, Walmart and Amazon will roll out “doorbuster” deals on Black Friday, but quantities can be limited and these deals may sell out quickly. If you’d prefer not to battle the crowds and possibly return home empty-handed, shop Cyber Monday instead, when the deals may not be as spectacular, but will still be significant.
Tip: To get the best deal, start your research early. Compare prices and monitor the models you’re interested in several weeks before Black Friday so you find the best deals on the market.
Super Bowl season
The biggest football game of the year brings major TV discounts as competitors try to attract customers. Hit up big-box stores in January and February for TVs at a great price. You can also shop online for significant deals during early winter. While discounts during this period may not match Black Friday levels, they are still substantial enough to make a difference.
Tip: As a sale season built around the Big Game, wintertime TV-shopping is best for the really big screens. If you only need a mid- or small-sized screen, you’re best off waiting for another time of year.
Spring
The TV year starts in March or April, when manufacturers roll out new models. Take advantage of this by shopping for a new set in the spring. You’ll find last year’s models heavily discounted.
Tips: You’ll find the largest selection of marked-down TVs in early spring, but the closeout prices can last until summer.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is another excellent time to find discounts on TVs. This bi-annual event, now held in July and October, features exclusive deals for Amazon Prime members. Over the years, Prime Day has expanded to include competing sales from other retailers like Walmart, Target and Best Buy, giving you a much wider variety of TV deals.
Tip: If you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership, consider signing up for a free trial during Prime Day to access the member-only deals. But, remember to make sure you’ve canceled if you don’t want to buy Prime after the trial.
Back-to-school season
Another fabulous time of year to score a great price on a TV is back-to-school season. In July and August, retailers often slash prices on smaller and mid-sized models that are ideal for dorm rooms or apartments. If you’re looking for a smaller screen—perhaps for a bedroom, office or family room—this can be an ideal time to buy.
Tip: Keep an eye on bundle deals where retailers include accessories like soundbars, streaming devices or wall mounts, adding extra value to your purchase.
December
The holiday season leading up to Christmas and New Year’s can be a great time to snag a TV, especially if you missed the Black Friday and Cyber Monday rush. Retailers still offer holiday discounts to cater to last-minute shoppers, and you’ll often find deals on both mid-range and high-end models. In addition, many retailers want to close out their fiscal year strong, which can lead to extra markdowns on electronics in December.
Tip: If you’re patient, you might find even deeper discounts on Dec. 26, as stores look to clear out inventory after the holiday season.
TV buying tips
Whenever you do buy a TV, use these hacks to ensure you get the biggest bang for your buck:
- Go to the store. Yes, sometimes, you need to haul yourself off the couch and shop like it’s 1995. You can look up the best prices online, but it’s important to see the TV display and size in person so you really know what you’re buying.
- Get following. Many retailers reward their social media followers with early notification of sales, and even special discounts and coupons.
- Look for a price-match guarantee. When a retailer offers to match any price on the market, you know you’re getting a good deal. Be aware, though, that this feature may not be offered during Black Friday and other high-profile sale events.
Timing your TV purchase can make a huge difference in how much you pay. Use these tips to know when to buy a TV throughout the year.