subject: Outdoor Furniture Sale - Tips on When to Find the Bargains [print this page] Outdoor Furniture Sale - Tips on When to Find the Bargains
If you're like most people, me included, you're looking for the best possible bargains when you buy at an outdoor furniture sale.
With the economy so uncertain, it makes sense to shop sensibly and make sure your buying dollar gets the best value possible.
Plus, I just hate to pay full price! So when can you find the outdoor furniture sale bargains?
Start Your Outdoor Furniture Sale Shopping Online
I always start shopping online.
I do this for a number of reasons. First of all, I want to know what the newest styles and trends are for the season, and most online retailers will showcase these on their websites.
Second, I want to get an idea of what the typical prices are currently. This gives me an idea as to what to expect when I do venture out to my local merchants. Also, sometimes it helps to know that Lowe's has the same item online for 20% less than the local store. Many times local retailers will match prices, or even beat the online prices just to make the sale.
Third, even my local retailers often have sale fliers online so I can save the legwork and view their outdoor furniture sale merchandise in the comfort of my home. This saves time and is rather efficient of me! (My husband would be so proud!)
When to Expect the Sales
Outdoor furniture sales typically take place in the spring with the "open the season" sales, mid-summer, and then there are the "end of season" sales from the very late summer to mid-fall. The end of season sales are usually called "clearance"! These sales are my favorites.
As the warm season progresses, the sale prices tend to get better. With the spring sales, you can expect discounts of about 20% off retail. The mid-summer sales will provide a little better discounts, usually in the neighborhood of 25 - 33% off the retail price, but the final - and best - discounts happen at season's end. This is where you can really find outdoor furniture sale bargains!
Discounts for outdoor items are generally in the neighborhood of 50% or more when merchants will clearance out the summer stock.
This is because most retailers only have a limited amount of storage space, and they would prefer to get rid of this season's items since next season will have a brand new line of summer stock. Merchants know that most people want to buy items that are currently in style (consider that whatever Paris Hilton is currently wearing is the current hot fashion item; trends can change very quickly).
It is more cost effective to them to close out this year's styles and gain some storage space than to hang onto outdoor furniture that consumers may consider "out of style" next season.
If you can wait, you will find the very best outdoor furniture sale deals in the fall.
Don't Be Afraid to Make an Offer
I have a friend who taught me this little secret: when you find something that you want to buy, ask the salesperson this question: "Is this the best you can do?"
Don't be confrontational. Just casually ask the question and then wait.
Do not talk! Wait for the salesperson to answer. The pause can be a little uncomfortable. Many times, though, the salesperson will reply with another discount.
For example, I found a cute little bistro table and chairs set that I thought would go great in a little corner of my deck. The original price was $149. It was late summer, and the store had already started to clearance merchandise through their own outdoor furniture sale. The bistro sets were listed for $75, which was a nice discount of 50%.
But I asked the salesperson if that was the best she could do. She went and asked the store manager and came back with a price of $38.
I was able to receive a discount of about 75%, just for asking a simple question. And the bistro set looks great on my deck!
With a little research and careful negotiating, you can make an outdoor furniture sale work well for you.
