6 Tips for Finding the Cheapest Deals on Laptops at Your Local Retailer

If you know anything about laptops, or computers in general, you probably know that as soon as a new product hits the market, the manufacturer is already working on an upgraded model to be released soon after. This is primarily due to two main reasons, number one being the constant advancement in technology and number two is due to the strong competition and rivalry among computer manufacturers who are in an ongoing battle to release the latest technology.

What is so wonderful about all of this, is that the quick turnover means big savings for consumers. The best part is that often times, these newly released models are not significantly different, or better, than the laptop you have already had your heart set on purchasing. So, one strategy to find the cheapest deal on a new laptop, is to wait until after the release of a newer model and then visit your local retailer to purchase the laptop you want for a much lower price.

Stores go out of business and close their doors for a variety of reasons, it could have been a bad location or maybe their lease expired who knows, the important thing to remember here is that when a store is closing, expect to see sales! Most stores, especially large chain stores will usually allow at least one month, usually longer, to run their closing sales, where they typically sell everything from merchandise to shelving and store fixtures.

The most important advice I can give you here, is don't get to eager. More often than not, closing sales are designed with tiered sales structures, in other words the sale may start out at 20% off, but then it goes to 50% off, 60% off, 75%, 80% and so on, until everything is gone. By the time one of these sales is at lets say 80% off all merchandise, there is usually little if anything left, so if you are in the market for a new laptop, the best time to buy is usually when the sales are between 30% - 50% off. At that mark people will begin to buy the large ticket items like laptops and the store will quickly sell out of that merchandise.

If you can wait until the holiday season to purchase that shiny new laptop, you will reap the rewards of finding great deals. The holiday season is the busiest time for most large retailers and they show it by running huge "madness" sales for eager shoppers looking to save some money. To find the best sales begin checking your local newspapers and talking to store employees, to find out when they will begin running. Many of the stores and shopping malls hold sales at strange hours like midnight or 2:00 am.

By visiting these large sales you can often find brand new laptops at as much as 30% off or more, if you go to the right place.

Some large retailers openly advertise open box specials on laptops and other computer products while others do not. Many shoppers think that "open box" means there is something wrong with the product, but the truth is that it means exactly what it says, its in an open box. This may be due to it being returned or maybe the box was damaged in shipping, but whatever the reason may be, you can bet that the product has been checked by the store and it usually carries the same warranty as any other.

In my experience, buying an "open box" is the cheapest way to purchase a new laptop. The laptops are usually not damaged, and they also carry full warranties should you have a problem with your purchase. You can find these deals at anytime throughout the year, however you may find more specials after Christmas, when people have been making returns. Oh and by the way, many of the great deals you find on laptops at online auction sites like eBay.com, are actually open box items, the seller just does not disclose it.

Most retailers that offer refurbished laptop's, or any refurbished merchandise for that matter, don't carry the refurbished stock in their stores. Instead you can often find the refurbished merchandise on their website, primarily because the merchandise, after being returned, is shipped to the main facility to be refurbished and then distributed from there.

The best advice for this method of finding a deal is to first, visit the retailers website to see if they do in fact carry the refurbished laptop you are interested in, and second go to the retailer explain the product you want and ask them to have it shipped to the store for you to pick it up. Not only will you be getting a great deal on a laptop, you will also cut out the shipping fees by having it sent to your local store.

The Sunday newspaper is home to tons of coupons, store brochures and sale announcements, which makes this a great place to find stores near you with current specials on laptops, electronics and just about any other merchandise you can think of. Anytime you plan on making a large purchase, take the time to check your local newspaper for any sales in your area, you may be happy with what you find.

Alright, so when you are in the market to find the cheapest deals on laptops at your local retailer, you should:

1. Watch for new models being released to pick up the older laptop's for a big savings.
2. Keep your eyes open for electronics and computer stores that are closing in your area. Try to buy your laptop when it is 30% - 50% below normal retail prices.
3. Visit the big "madness" sales around the holidays for great bargains.
4. Check your local retailers for "open box" specials on laptops, to save a bundle.
5. Pick up a copy of the Sunday newspaper to find current sales on laptops and other merchandise.
6. Check with local retailers to see if they carry any refurbished laptops that you might pick up for cheap.

If you take my advice above and get yourself a good cheap laptop, you are going to need something to carry it in right! Well great news, you can read our other Lens on the best cheap laptop bags or just visit us online at pcrivals.com. We look forward to seeing you there!