RSSBy Jonathan Gromer
Most of us bring our shopping A-game only to the hallowed lot of a car dealer, a place where hundreds or thousands of dollars can be saved with the help of a little research and bargaining effort. Then there's the rare breed of shopper who knows that every store is an arena, a place where they could save large amounts of hard-earned money...particularly when it comes to the fiercely competitive world of consumer electronics. The electronics shopping tips in this guide can save you hundreds of dollars in many instances, and hopefully bring you to the conclusion that many have already come to-retail prices are for suckers.
The first step for any shopping ninja is to figure out exactly what their needs are, and adjust their choice of model accordingly. Do you really need to pay extra for the ultra-fast shutter speed of the digital camera you're looking at, or how about the extra image-configuring options of the LCD TV you want? It's interesting to read customer reviews of gadgets that professional reviewers snub as a solid value that lacks in quality, only to see that the type of customer who buys it is thrilled because it exceeds their expectations. Know what you need first, then research product lines to make sure you won't pay extra for what you don't. Just remember to make sure the products you look at (try to make a list of at least three competitors) do what you want--and do it well. Shop for HDTVs:
Once you know what you need, choosing the right way to get it can save you a lot of money. Computers are a classic example where buying the unit that delivers the right amount of performance you're looking for can be much more expensive than buying a more underpowered unit and upgrading the components yourself. Netbooks are a great example of this, with shoppers frequently posting easy guides on how to customize them for much more reasonable prices-particularly when it comes to models that don't solder (bond) the RAM to the unit. Inkjet printers also continue to sell at prices considerably lower than what their hardware is worth, mainly because manufacturers know that loss will turn into gain once you start buying replacement ink cartridges. Do-it-yourself ink refill kits are widely available online and in physical stores, and quite a few national retailers now offer to refill your cartridges and/or offer generic cartridges for you if the thought of all the drilling and pouring sounds too time consuming. As you narrow down your list of printers, make sure you find out if your choices are supported by your local retailers if you're looking to save on ink. Shop for Laptops:
Generally non-customizable electronics such as televisions, cameras and cell phones can sometimes be more affordable when you go for the more expensive model. Find out if your cellphone company has separate divisions for selling to consumer and corporate customers. If your cellphone company has a business arm that is not well known or underperforming, chances are there are some great, under-publicized promotions floating around that will net you the provider's higher-end smartphones for a much more reasonable price...with a reduced contract length. The same works for companies that have a strong business arm that are trying to strengthen their consumer end, particularly in the pay-as-you-go market.
Creative solutions for the current economy are also blooming in the form of bundle packages. As the margins shrink on lower-end televisions priced to draw in customers, higher-end units are being bundled with everything from gaming systems to home theater components. When these deals include components or gaming systems, they tend to be pretty respectable (simple price lookups will let you know how much you're saving). When the deals combine higher-end televisions with accessories or service, beware. "High-end cables" are often an exercise in price-gouging and most services (such as setup) can be done yourself or with a more affordable expert that's a mom-and-pop shop veteran (such as HDTV calibration). Play it safe by always buying your cables online, not from a physical store. You'll save money by dropping the right here-right now factor. The same goes for cellphone and camera accessories such as memory cards. Lastly, you're not the only one who sees a more expensive unit as a big-ticket purchase. The sales team at your store (particularly if on commission) sees your purchase as a pat on the back from management and probably has more space to work with you on price because of its higher margin. Treat the deal as you would a car purchase-be educated on price and features, be polite and be discreet (don't try to play one salesman against another...bad move).
As with comedy, dating and most of life's candy, timing can be everything. Businesses don't drop prices to impress the Easter Bunny or Santa, but they do need to bolster the bottom line. Watch the times that matter most to the businesses driving the market you're looking at. Major tradeshow events like CES (the Consumer Electronics Show), PMA (the Photo Marketing Association and E3 (the Electronics Entertainment Expo) are the happening places where the news gets officially dropped of products for the coming year. The sooner the new product comes to market, the sooner prices may drop on the current gear you're waiting for-particularly if everyone decides to save their money for the latest and greatest to hit shelves.
Also watch for typical sales calendars in related industries like fashion, particularly when watching the consumer camera market. It's no secret that the march of technology and fierce competition has made point-and-click cameras into capable fashion accessories. Pick a favorite and wait for spring.
The end of business quarters are very important for manufacturers and retailers alike. Certain manufacturers that do their own retailing are famous for ridiculously good online promotions when they're nearing the end of a lackluster sales quarter. An electronics executive once told me, "We try not to give away the farm. Dell decides to give away the farm, the milk, the tractor, the shed...". That's why this article was typed on a Dell. Shop for Dell Laptops:
End-of-month sales figures are more important for retail outlets. It's commonly accepted that a sales manager at a store will be much warmer to the idea of working out a bargain for you on the 30th or 31st of the month than any other time, particularly because of a sales-based bonus hanging just over their head from headquarters. Again, make sure you're educated, polite and discreet when working towards the value goal you've set.
Don't be afraid of refurbished items or online shopping, either. According to Consumer Reports, around 75% of all returned equipment never had a problem with it at all, and refurbished equipment should come with a warranty that assures you won't have a problem, either. The FTC enforces the Cooling Off Rule that allows most consumers three business days to change their mind on an online purchase, and the reputation of almost all online merchants can be tracked with little effort.
Lastly, check for available rebates and coupons that can be put toward your purchase. Stackable coupons (you can use more than one) are a rare find, and companies that will match a competitor's price with an added discount are equally rare, but both are great ingredients for cooking up your own super sale.
