Just because the holidays have passed doesn’t mean the gifting needs to slow down. In fact, some of the best deals surrounding tech gadgets can be found right after the holidays after the hype has died. You may have to do some internet exploring to find the best price, but whether you need worldwide express shipping or messenger pigeons, finding a great deal is worth the extra steps.
Cell Phones
The original iPhone, originally sold at $600 dollars, dropped to $200 just a few weeks after its launch. Find a few phones that you would like and wait a few weeks to see if the price dips. Most likely at least one of them will budge. However, don’t wait too long to buy a phone. It may seem like a new one comes out as soon as you bought your old one, but this will continue to happen indefinitely. If you see an affordable phone that satisfies your needs, go ahead and snap it up.
GPS
Luckily, the worst time to buy has already passed. Three years ago GPS systems could get up to $1,000. Now you are hard pressed to find one for more than $300. However, many people no longer need a GPS for their car. With smart phones, people can search for online map directions, and the most recent models come with global positioning systems built in. If you have a smart phone coming around the corner, a GPS may not be the best way to spend your money.
Video Game Systems
Luckily, the video game market is a little easier to predict. Video game manufacturers make big fusses about when their games are to come out and almost always deliver on time. Naturally, gamers want the hottest items so as soon as a new console is announced, the market for the previous system goes cold. Stores immediately drop the prices in an effort to move units. Individual games normally drop in price 20-30%, a month after their release. A few weeks after the initial drop, customers can also begin to find used copies of new games; these are always at a deep discount.
HDTVs
Every winter and spring new TV’s are announced, showing up in storefronts about six months later. The perfect time to jump on a TV is just when the new models are coming in. Because the TV industry has such quick turn around, the discounted set you pick-up will only be a few months old. Considering that you’ll keep a TV for several years before upgrading, six months is nothing. If you want the newest stuff, then just wait for some end-of-the-year or Black Friday sales.
Maire is a deep discount shopper. Although she hasn’t descended into extreme couponing, she can’t pass-up a deal when she sees one (even if she should). Maire may or may not have a lifetime supply of laundry detergent in her garage.