Buy Now or Wait for a Sale: Shopping Advice for Big Purchases

 Big-ticket purchases like home appliances, furniture, or gadgets shouldn’t be thought of as just splurges, but rather, upgrades that make daily life or work more comfortable, efficient, or enjoyable. However, while shopping for big-ticket items can be exciting because of the imminent improvements to the buyer’s quality of life, the average shopper may worry about several things along the way.

For instance, many Filipinos need to carefully plan their budget or rely on installment plans to be able to afford these purchases, which can be tricky to manage alongside other expenses. One smart way to make big purchases more manageable is to use a card that offers rewards or cashback. Taking advantage of promotions such as a Maya card promo for the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card by Maya, for example, can also be a great way to start using a payment method that offers both convenience and perks.

 Oftentimes, there’s also pressure to get the best value for money when it comes to big purchases. After all, no one wants to spend a large amount only to end up with a product that doesn’t live up to expectations. If you’re planning a big purchase anytime soon, read on to learn how to make the most of your budget and capitalize on the best possible timing:

1) Time Your Purchase Around Sales and Promos 

First, don’t rush to buy something that you don’t need right away. Chances are, a big sale is just around the corner. Major retailers and e-commerce sites often run monthly promos like double-digit sales, payday sales, or year-end clearance events with steep discounts and vouchers. If you’re planning to buy a new refrigerator, for instance, waiting until a mid-year sale might save you a few thousand pesos or even score you a freebie on top of your purchase. 

That said, in cases where the item you need is in limited stock or you’re facing a time-sensitive need, you may still consider buying right away. Make sure to weigh the cost of waiting against the potential inconvenience of not having the item when you need it in order to make the right decision. 

2) Compare Prices Across Multiple Stores

Before checking out the item, take a few minutes to check other websites or visit nearby stores. Prices can vary a lot for the exact same product, and some sellers might throw in free delivery or additional items like extended warranties. 

Say you find a microwave priced at PHP 6,000 in one store, but another retailer offers it for around the same price with a free set of containers and a longer warranty. This could make the second option a much better deal, especially if the added perks save you from purchasing those items separately later on.

3) Look for Flexible Payment Options

Big purchases can be tough on the wallet. Instead of hurting your budget, opt to look for payment options that allow you to spread out the cost over a manageable period of time. Fortunately, many stores nowadays offer 0% installment plans if you use certain credit cards, debit cards, or even e-wallets. 

Let’s say you're eyeing a PHP 30,000 air conditioning unit. Spreading payments over 6 months with no interest may be much more doable than paying that amount upfront or waiting for a sale in order to enjoy the purchase for less. This approach also ensures that you can manage your cash flow better, allowing you to use your funds for other expenses or emergencies without putting too much strain on your budget all at once.  

4) Read Reviews and Watch Unboxings

Customer reviews often reveal what product descriptions leave out. Before making big purchases, watch YouTube unboxings or read customer reviews on the store’s website first to get a better sense of how the item performs in real life. After all, what may look amazing in photos may not be as impressive once you start using it—which is information you’ll want to sit on with regard to the timing of your purchase. 

Additionally, buyer reviews may reveal issues you wouldn’t find in official product details, such as durability concerns, ease of assembly, or customer service experiences. This can help you make a smarter decision before spending a large amount of money on the purchase or impulse buying an item just because it’s on sale.

5) Use a Rewards or Cashback Card

When you’re spending a large amount, you might as well get something back from it. As mentioned earlier, cards that offer rewards or cashback let you earn points or rebates that can be used to effectively lower the overall cost of your purchases. 

Take advantage of cashback and rewards to maximize your spending and get more value, especially during sale season. Keep track of sales promos you’re interested in and do your research on whether you can use a card like the Landers Cashback Everywhere Credit Card for added discounts or perks.  

6) Don’t Overlook Warranty and Service Inclusions

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget to check the item’s warranty and service terms. A longer warranty or better service coverage can save you from unexpected repair costs or other hassles in the future.

For example, an appliance with an extended warranty might cost a little more upfront, but it could end up saving you money if anything goes wrong down the line. Don’t forget to factor this in when you’re making a big-ticket purchase right now or timing it for a big sale.  

Your decision to confirm a big-ticket purchase may start with the issue of buying now versus waiting for a sale, but it can also involve other factors, like payment options and the overall value of a product. Let the tips above guide you to make smarter shopping choices all the same, ensuring not only that you buy at the right time, but that your investment is truly worth it in the long run.

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