To the dismay of technicians worldwide, who have been waiting with bated breath for one of the most eagerly awaited releases of 2013, graphics guru Nvidia announced that the discovery of a “mechanical problem” in the Shield multimedia gaming suite will delay the drop until July.
What’s more, the news is hot following the recent price drop of the device from $349 to $299.
This dance of “hook them” (at a discount) and “hold them” (with delayed delivery) is not a new installation for the gaming market, nor is it exclusive to the world of e-commerce.
Indeed, this rollercoaster aptly is one of the driving forces behind “consumer scheduling,” or seasonal sales. In other words, partly due to the fact that flaws (or flaws, or “bugs”) became apparent as the item left the factory, prices invariably dropped after the initial release to encourage people to buy these models before the “new and improved” versions were released. shelf…at that point, the cycle starts again.
Even if there are no defects in a product Alonethere is always something bigger and better waiting just around the corner to take its place.
The bottom line is: it’s wise for people to pay attention to the time at which they make their purchases. With that in mind, here are some guidelines to follow to help you find the best deals on electronics and when to be prepared to get your hands on those gadgets.
Moment…
While exact details can fluctuate, the best time to buy new electronic devices and gaming gadgets is usually about a month after they hit the shelves. Research any ‘bugs’ found in the first version of the product, and give the manufacturer time to release software updates. However, there are at least two exceptions to the “one month” rule: laptops and smartphones.
For the newest laptops and Ultrabooks, you can wait four to nine months before prices drop in any meaningful way.
For smartphones, one of the best times to upgrade your phone (or your plan) is when your current contract is about to expire. At this point, the retailer knows you have the option to go and start fresh with one of their competitors and consumers know they have a lot of bargaining power.
Guide to Getting Better Deals
Sometimes manufacturers make it easier for you to find deals because they heavily advertise discount and promotional sales. However, for those times you need to do your own bargain hunting:
- Join the store-only rewards program for your favorite gadget store.
- Sign up for coupons and email alerts. Yes, it’s annoying to have your Inbox bombarded, but every once in a while someone actually sends you something that makes it all worth it!
- Look for credit cards that offer large percentage returns or offer significant savings on electronics purchases.
- Browse forums on websites sharing sales alerts and discussing discount details.
- If a store carries a newer model, ask if there is a previous year’s model on the back or if they have a floor model they will discount further for you.
Negotiation tips: It’s just business so keep your emotions in check. Do not demand a discount or threaten to leave the store if you find a sales associate who: a) is not working on commission and therefore has no interest in whether you stay or leave; and b) has no authority whatsoever.
Instead, calmly ask to see the manager and explain the situation to them.
Using the example of a cell service contract: outline how your obligations to them are ending, you want to upgrade your phone and if they give you one for free you will extend your term. If not, you can get that deal from another provider and that’s your next stop if they decline.
At this point, if you don’t embarrass yourself, the manager can work with you and if the company is any kind of service provider (i.e. customer service), they want you to stay. So if you’ve made it this far, be willing to meet them halfway – if they don’t give you a free phone, ask for a discount and extra minutes (or other plan upgrades) to your current rate.
Or maybe you want to upgrade your HDTV – if the manager refuses a big discount, ask them to provide the necessary cables, or free shipping, or a store warranty.
Bottom line: find an angle where you can so you don’t end up leaving money on the table!
What other tips do you have for finding electronics and gadget deals? Do you have a favorite negotiation tactic that has worked for you in the past?
