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Best time to buy: guides for TVs, laptops and vacuums
Updated · By the RipePrice team
For most big purchases, the best time to buy is a short list of sale windows and the weeks around a new model, and the best price is simply one that beats the item's own recent history.
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Three rules that work for almost everything
Know the usual price. A discount only means something compared with what the item normally costs.
Use the sale calendar. Late November, the summer sales and some seasonal clearances are when many categories dip.
Watch the model cycle. When a new version comes out, the old one often gets cheaper.
There is no single best day, but late November and the major summer sales are the biggest windows for many categories. The right time also depends on when a new model is released.
Is waiting for a sale always worth it?
Not always. If the item is already near its recent low, waiting adds risk (it can sell out) for a small gain. If it is well above its recent low, waiting is more likely to pay off.
How can I tell what a good price is?
Compare today's price to the item's own history. The 90-day low and the 90-day average on each RipePrice product page show you the range.
Does a new model release make the old one cheaper?
Often, yes. Older models tend to be discounted when their successor arrives, while stock lasts. The difference between generations is sometimes small, so check what actually changed.