Paying full price? In this economy? No thanks! Many everyday essentials and guilty pleasures come with built-in discounts—if you know where to look. Yet, tons of people still fork over way too much cash. This list will make you rethink your shopping habits as we break down the everyday things you should never pay full price for.
Books and Magazines
Credit: pexels
Libraries let you read for free, and digital versions are almost always cheaper. Magazine subscriptions come with constant discounts, and let’s not forget about free online articles. If you’re grabbing a glossy magazine at the checkout line, odds are there’s a promo code for an entire year’s subscription at the same price.
Luggage
Credit: flickr
Travel gear is one of those things that always gets marked up and slashed during sales. Holiday weekends like Black Friday and Labor Day bring hefty price cuts. Outlet stores and online deal sites offer significant markdowns, too. And don’t overlook secondhand options—barely-used luxury luggage often sells for half price online.
Winter Coats and Boots
Credit: pexels
Retailers know people rush to buy winter gear when the cold hits, so prices stay high. But as soon as February rolls around, those same coats and boots are shoved onto clearance racks to make space for spring fashion. Waiting a few months can cut prices in half—or more.
Baby Gear
Credit: flickr
Babies outgrow everything in the blink of an eye, yet stores charge premium prices for gear parents barely use. Secondhand baby gear is often just as good, especially from reputable resale shops or local marketplaces. Many items, like bouncers and swings, are used for only a few months before getting resold in near-perfect condition.
Subscription Services
Credit: iStockphoto
Subscription services thrive on people forgetting to cancel. Many companies offer free trials or heavy discounts for new users, and existing subscribers can often snag a deal by threatening to withdraw. Don’t forget to check student, military, or loyalty discounts. Sharing a family plan can also cut the price in half or more if all else fails.
Gym Memberships
Credit: iStockphoto
Gyms count on people signing up in January, pumped full of New Year’s motivation. But wait a few months, and suddenly, those fees drop. The best deals come in late spring or summer when gyms struggle to attract members. Some workplaces also reimburse gym fees, and many parks and community centers offer free fitness programs.
Show Tickets
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Concerts, Broadway shows, sporting events—tickets are rarely worth full price. The real trick is timing. Buying early or waiting until the last minute scores significant discounts. Some theaters sell rush tickets or standing-room spots for a fraction of face value. If you’re flexible, there’s no reason to pay full price for a night out.
Vacations
Credit: pexels
Travel deals exist—you just have to know where to look. Flights are cheaper on certain days of the week, and hotels drop prices during off-peak seasons. Renting a home instead of staying in a hotel can save hundreds.
Swimsuits
Credit: pexels
Retailers know everyone shops for swimsuits when the weather gets warm, so they keep prices high in spring and summer. The smart move is to buy in late August or September when stores clear out inventory for fall fashion. Discounts can hit 70% or more. Even high-end brands slash prices once pool season winds down.
Mattresses
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Mattress shopping is one of the biggest pricing games in retail. Markups are insane, but sales happen constantly. The best time to buy is during holiday weekends—especially Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day—when stores slash prices by 50% or more. Online mattress brands also run frequent promotions.
Office Supplies
Credit: pexels
Back-to-school season is prime time for discounts, even if you’re not a student. Big-box stores drop prices on everything from folders to printers in late summer, and companies like Staples and Office Depot run constant promotions. Bulk buying from warehouse clubs can also save a fortune.
Gift Cards
Credit: flickr
Costco, Raise, and CardCash all sell gift cards for less than face value. Stores also run promotions by offering bonus cards with purchases. Even grocery stores and gas stations get in on the game by giving fuel points or cashback for gift card purchases. Stock up when deals pop up, then use them like cash later.
Lawnmowers
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Lawn equipment is always expensive in spring when everyone starts thinking about yard work. But wait until late summer or early fall, and prices drop fast. Shopping used is another great option—many people upgrade their mowers and sell the old ones in excellent condition.
Formal Wear
Credit: pexels
Buying a dress or tux for a single event is a huge waste of money. Renting is almost always cheaper, and resale shops offer designer styles at bargain prices. Bridal boutiques and department stores also run clearance sales. Save the splurge for something you’ll wear more than once.
Seasonal Decorations
Credit: pexels
Retailers count on shoppers paying full price for decorations before each holiday, but the best deals come after. Stocking up on Christmas lights in January or Halloween decor in November means massive markdowns. Savvy shoppers plan—grab those festive finds when stores practically give them away.
