22 Things You Should Never Pay Full Price For (And How to Get Them Cheaper!)

Saving money is always a good idea, and it starts with knowing when not to pay the full amount. Many products often go on sale or come with special offers, letting you pay less without losing out on quality.

Stores sometimes raise prices because they know some people will buy right away, while others wait for a sale. Knowing the best times and places to find lower prices can really help you spend less.

A 2024 report by McKinsey & Company shows that 76% of shoppers are choosing cheaper items, waiting to buy, or looking for better deals. With costs for things like food and electronics going up, smart shopping is more important than ever.

In this article, we’ll highlight 22 items that you should never pay full price for. You’ll learn when to buy these products, what sales to look out for, and insider tips to save money on everyday purchases. 

Are there any products you never pay full price for? Which of these tips do you already follow? Let us know in the comments!

Electronics (Laptops, TVs, and Smartphones)

Electronics are notorious for fluctuating prices throughout the year. Retailers slash prices during big sales events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school promotions. 

Waiting just six months after the release of a new smartphone or laptop model can also save you hundreds of dollars. Tech enthusiasts may want the latest gadget, but for most consumers, the previous version works perfectly well. 

Comparison sites like CamelCamelCamel help track price drops and alert you to the best deals.

Designer Clothing and Handbags

High-end fashion brands are known for hefty price tags, but savvy shoppers know when to look for discounts. Seasonal sales, including post-holiday events, can offer significant markdowns. 

Outlet stores and online consignment shops are also great places to find designer items for less. Brands frequently reward loyal customers with exclusive sales, so signing up for email alerts is worth it. Fashion doesn’t have to break the bank when you time your purchases right.

Furniture

Furniture retailers often hold sales during January and July to clear out old stock and make room for new collections. Holiday weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day are also great times to find deep discounts. 

Buying floor models can be another cost-effective option, as these pieces are often heavily marked down even if they have minor imperfections. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, especially at independent furniture stores. A little effort can lead to significant savings.

Mattresses

Mattresses are often sold with big price increases, but you don’t have to pay the full cost. Big sales take place on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. Stores often give free items like pillows or mattress covers with your purchase.

Many online stores give better prices than regular shops and let you try the mattress without risk. Knowing the best times and places to buy can help you save a lot on this important home item.

Cars (New and Used)

Timing matters a lot when you want to buy a car. Dealers are more willing to lower prices at the end of the month, quarter, or year because they want to reach their sales goals. The end of a model year is also a good time to get discounts since dealers want to clear out old cars for new ones.

Before you visit a dealer, check prices on sites like Kelley Blue Book and TrueCar. Knowing the facts and waiting for the right moment can help you get a better price.

Holiday Decorations and Supplies

Holiday decorations cost a lot more during the season, but if you wait until January, you can find huge deals. Stores cut prices by up to 75% as they try to sell what’s left before the next holiday.

Buying wrapping paper, lights, and ornaments ahead of time can help you save both time and money when the holidays come back. Check the clearance shelves, where you can often find great items for very little money.

The Surprising Benefits of Second-Hand Shopping

Hotel Stays

Room prices change depending on how many people want to book. Weekends and holidays usually cost the most. Staying during quieter times, like weekdays or off-season, can help you save money.

Websites like Booking.com and Hotels.com often have cheaper options and special deals. Hotels may also give discounts for groups like AAA members or military personnel.

Joining loyalty programs is a good idea because they often reward regular guests with free stays or special benefits

Books and Textbooks

New books and textbooks can be very expensive, but there are cheaper options available. Digital copies often cost less than printed ones. Stores that sell second-hand books and websites like ThriftBooks or eBay offer books at much lower prices.

Renting textbooks through services like Chegg can help students save a lot of money each semester. Libraries are also a great resource, giving free access to many books, audiobooks, and eBooks.

Event Tickets (Concerts, Sports, and Theater)

Event tickets can be very expensive, especially when bought straight from the main sellers. Waiting until just before the event can sometimes get you cheaper last-minute deals. Resale sites like StubHub and SeatGeek often have good prices.

For big events, buying tickets early during the pre-sale can also get you lower prices. Looking for group discounts or special package offers is another way to save money.

Jewelry (Especially Engagement Rings)

Jewelry, particularly engagement rings, sees significant markups during peak seasons like Valentine’s Day and Christmas. Shopping during non-peak periods is a smart way to save. 

Wholesale jewelers often provide better prices than traditional retailers, and they may even offer custom design options at lower costs. Understanding the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) will help you make informed choices. Timing and research are key to getting the best value.

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Gym Memberships

Joining a gym in January may seem tempting with all the promotions targeting New Year’s resolutions, but you’ll often get better deals during the summer months when memberships dip. 

Many gyms are willing to negotiate membership fees, especially if you commit to a longer-term plan. Don’t forget to ask about waiving initiation fees. Check if your employer offers any wellness benefits, which can reduce your overall gym expenses.

Plane Tickets

Plane ticket prices can change often, but they tend to follow patterns. For domestic trips, buying tickets 1 to 3 months early, and for international trips, 2 to 8 months ahead, can help you get better deals.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to buy tickets and travel. Tools like Google Flights and Hopper can notify you when prices go down. Being flexible with your travel dates and destinations can also save you a lot of money.

Home Improvement Supplies

Big-box home improvement stores often have sales, especially in spring and fall. Buying paint, power tools, and building materials at these times can help you save money and not pay full price.

Clearance areas usually have good items that are no longer made but still work well. Many stores also match prices from other shops to keep your business. Joining loyalty programs can save you more with special discounts and reward points.

Seasonal Clothing

Stores sell off seasonal clothes at the end of each season, so it’s the best time to buy coats, swimsuits, and sandals. Sales often happen in January for winter clothes and July for summer items.

Outlet shops and warehouse sales are also good places to find big discounts on clothes. Waiting a few weeks after new clothes arrive can also mean lower prices. Buy when prices are lowest to get the best deal.

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Pet Supplies

Pet care basics like food, toys, and bedding can cost a lot, but they often have discounts. Pet stores usually have sales during holidays or special events for customers. Buying large amounts is a good way to save money on food and treats.

Loyalty programs can give extra discounts, and makers often share coupons on their websites or by email. Using price comparison tools helps you find the best price.

Baby Gear

Babies outgrow gear quickly, making it impractical to pay full price for items like strollers, cribs, and clothing. Gently used products from consignment shops and online marketplaces often look and function as if they were new. 

Major retailers frequently offer baby registry completion discounts, providing a percentage off remaining items. Seasonal sales are also common in the baby products category, allowing parents to stretch their budget further.

Toys and Games

Toy prices usually rise during the holiday season, but big discounts are common in January after the holidays. Stores also lower toy prices in summer and during back-to-school shopping.

Buying early for birthdays or holidays helps you avoid paying higher prices closer to the event. Clearance sections in stores often have great deals on toys.

You can also find gently used games online at lower prices.

Beauty Products and Skincare

Beauty products frequently come with high markups, but sales events like Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty and Sephora’s Holiday Sale offer significant discounts. 

Drugstores often have buy-one-get-one promotions, and subscription boxes provide an affordable way to try new products. Retailers sometimes offer gift-with-purchase deals, adding extra value to your purchase. 

Loyalty programs also grant access to exclusive sales and rewards that reduce future expenses.

The Art of Frugal Food Shopping: How To Save On Groceries

Bedding and Towels

Bedding and towels get their biggest price cuts during “white sales” in January. Stores and online shops often advertise these sales a lot, giving big discounts on sheets, comforters, and bath towels.

Buying items out of season is another way to save money, since prices usually go up during back-to-school and holiday times. Clearance sales can offer good products for much less than usual. Getting good quality on sale means you get strong items without paying too much.

Kitchen Appliances

Small and large kitchen appliances often see their best discounts during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday weekends. New models are released in the fall, making September and October the ideal time to find markdowns on older versions. 

Warehouse clubs and clearance sections are great for spotting deals. Buying appliances as part of a package can also lead to additional savings. Be sure to check for rebate offers as well.

Subscription Services (Streaming and Magazines)

Subscription fees can quickly add up, but they don’t always have to hit your wallet at full price. Streaming services frequently offer promotions, especially during holidays or when launching new content. 

Magazine publishers often provide discounted yearly subscriptions when you renew directly through them. Bundling services can also lower costs, as some companies reward customers for using multiple platforms. Keep an eye out for student or family plan discounts.

Cleaning Products

Cleaning supplies are a necessity, but paying full price isn’t the only option. Many household cleaning tasks can be handled with DIY solutions made from natural and cost-effective ingredients. 

Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are powerful and affordable alternatives to commercial products. Mixing vinegar with water creates an excellent glass cleaner, while baking soda can tackle stubborn stains and odors. 

Retailers often have sales during back-to-school and spring cleaning seasons. Warehouse stores sell bulk packs that reduce the price per unit, and coupons or cashback apps like Ibotta can help stretch your budget even further.

Smart Shopping Starts Here

Smart shopping means knowing when to wait before buying things at full price. Learning about sales, using loyalty cards, and checking prices can help you save money without losing quality.

Many items on this list often go on sale, so you can save money all year. Being patient and planning well can help you control your spending.

Try to shop smart and keep more money with you.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.