The Update

Best Time to Buy Electronics

You need new tech, but you don’t need to go broke! Here’s when to buy electronics throughout the year, along with tips for choosing your tech.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

The end of November, and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, are famous for fabulous markdowns on all things tech. This is especially true of Cyber Monday.

To find the best deals during what’s become known as “Black Friday Week”, check out the websites of your favorite tech producers. You can also follow big-name sellers like Amazon, Walmart, BestBuy and Target to see when their electronics are being marked down so you can snag the best price.

Amazon Prime Day

The second-best time of year to pick up electronics at a discounted rate is on Amazon Prime Day. This two-day sale is typically in mid-July and is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, who like to cash in on incredible deals, including tech.

August

Back-to-school season is another great time of year to pick up discounted electronics. You’ll find fantastic deals on items like laptops, tablets, computer monitors and accessories, tablets, printers, gaming consoles and Bluetooth speakers. Shop on your state’s tax-free holiday weekend in August for even steeper savings.

New Product Launches

Another time of year to find bargain-priced tech is when the big names roll out their new products. Apple usually introduces their new iPhone in September and Samsung releases their new Galaxy in February, so both of these months can be perfect for picking up older versions of these smartphones. Similarly, new laptop models tend to hit the stores in January or October, depending on the manufacturer. Be on the lookout for slightly older models during these times of year for an awesome deal.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying New Tech

• Do I really need this, or am I buying because of the hype?
• How big of a discount am I actually getting?
• Is there a warranty on this item?
• What kind of reviews does this product have?
• Is it compatible with the tech I already own?
• Is this a durable product?

Of course, as with any large (and small) purchase, make sure you are shopping on a safe and secure site and that you’re not falling prey to any scams. Check the URL of every landing page you visit for a lock icon and an “s” after the “http”. Look for spelling and grammar errors on iffy-looking sites, and stay away from sites with names that are similar to well-known sites of reputable companies. Finally, never agree to wire money to a new and unverified seller or alleged retailer.

Earn Reward Points When Purchasing Electronics

As with any purchases, when you use your RGCU Debit or Credit Card you will earn Reward Points! These points can be redeemed for cash back, merchandise, travel, and gift cards!