Lawn mowers are essential for maintaining a well-groomed yard, but the cost of purchasing one can be significant. For budget-conscious homeowners, knowing when lawn mowers go on sale can make a substantial difference in how much they spend. Whether you’re in the market for a basic push mower or a high-end riding model, timing your purchase strategically can save you hundreds of dollars. In this article, we’ll explore the best times to buy lawn mowers, factors influencing sales, and strategies for finding the best deals.
Seasonal Trends: The Best Time of Year for Lawn Mower Sales
One of the key factors determining when lawn mowers go on sale is seasonality. The demand for lawn care equipment like mowers tends to peak during the spring and summer months when homeowners focus on yard maintenance. However, if you want to find the best deals, it’s important to understand the natural sales cycle throughout the year.
a) Late Summer to Early Fall (August to October)
Perhaps the most well-known window for lawn mower sales is during late summer and early fall. As the peak mowing season winds down and the weather starts to cool, retailers typically clear out their summer inventory to make room for fall and winter items. This period, which typically stretches from August to October, offers some of the steepest discounts on a wide range of lawn mowers.
Retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, and online platforms like Amazon, often mark down prices during this time, sometimes offering discounts of 20% to 40%. This is especially true for last year’s models, which retailers are eager to sell before newer versions arrive in the following spring. Shopping during this period allows you to snag a great deal on a brand-new mower, though the selection may be more limited as inventories begin to dwindle.
b) Spring Sales (March to May)
While spring is the start of the lawn care season, some retailers still offer enticing sales to attract early shoppers. This is especially common around key holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day and Easter. While the discounts in the spring are generally not as steep as those in the fall, spring sales can still save buyers a significant amount of money, often ranging from 10% to 25%.
These spring sales are also a good opportunity to buy the latest models at a discounted price, allowing you to take advantage of new technology and features while still benefiting from a deal. Many manufacturers release their new models during late winter or early spring, so if you’re looking for the newest technology in lawn mowers, this can be the best time to purchase.
c) Holiday Sales (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July)
Holiday weekends are major opportunities for sales across a wide variety of products, and lawn mowers are no exception. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day are all major shopping holidays when retailers tend to offer discounts on big-ticket items like lawn mowers.
Memorial Day, in particular, is seen as the unofficial start of summer, and many retailers kick off the lawn care season with significant sales. Labor Day is another excellent time to find deals as stores begin to prepare for the shift from summer to fall. If you’re looking for a mid-season bargain, watching for sales around these holiday weekends can yield great results.
Factors That Influence Lawn Mower Sales
While the time of year is an essential consideration, several other factors play a role in when lawn mowers go on sale. Understanding these can help you make more informed purchasing decisions and spot sales when they occur.
a) End-of-Model-Year Clearance
Much like cars, lawn mowers often go on sale when new models are released, which happens primarily in the spring. As a result, older models (often from the previous year) will go on sale to make room for the new inventory. These clearances typically happen in late summer or early fall, with discounts becoming more aggressive as the year progresses.
If you’re not concerned with having the latest model, buying last year’s version can offer tremendous value. While you may miss out on some minor upgrades, most features and performance aspects remain consistent year-over-year.
b) Technological Advances
Lawn mower technology has seen significant advancements in recent years, from battery-powered models to smart mowers equipped with AI and GPS technology. When a significant technological leap occurs in the market, older models tend to drop in price as retailers and manufacturers promote newer, more advanced models.
For example, as battery-powered mowers have grown in popularity, gas-powered models have become more affordable as retailers look to reduce their stock of what is perceived as older technology. This kind of transition can lead to sales and discounts on models that are still highly functional but may not include the latest features.
c) Retailer-Specific Promotions
Different retailers run their own unique promotions throughout the year. Major home improvement stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot often have exclusive sales on lawn mowers, sometimes tied to in-store events or special financing deals. In addition, big-box retailers like Walmart and Costco may offer limited-time discounts that coincide with seasonal changes or inventory shifts.
It’s also important to pay attention to online-only sales. Retailers like Amazon frequently offer flash sales or limited-time discounts on lawn mowers, especially during key shopping periods like Prime Day or Black Friday. Signing up for retailer newsletters or following their social media channels can give you an edge in catching these deals as they happen.
Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Lawn Mowers
Knowing when lawn mowers go on sale is one thing, but taking advantage of those sales requires a strategic approach. Here are some additional tips to help you score the best deals on a lawn mower.
a) Do Your Research
Before diving into any sale, it’s essential to research the specific lawn mower models you’re interested in. Understand the typical price range for the mower, its features, and reviews from other users. This allows you to identify a truly good deal when you see it. Use comparison websites or tools like Google Shopping to compare prices across multiple retailers.
b) Sign Up for Price Alerts
Many online shopping platforms, including Amazon and Google, offer price alert services that notify you when a product drops below a certain price threshold. This is especially useful if you’re eyeing a specific model and waiting for it to go on sale.
There are also third-party apps and browser extensions like Honey or CamelCamelCamel that track price history and alert you to discounts. By setting up alerts, you can act quickly when the price of your desired lawn mower drops.
c) Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Models
In addition to seasonal sales, another way to save money on lawn mowers is by purchasing refurbished or open-box models. Many manufacturers and retailers offer certified refurbished products that have been restored to like-new condition at a fraction of the original price. Similarly, open-box models—items that have been returned but are still in perfect working condition—can offer significant savings without sacrificing quality.
d) Leverage Credit Card Rewards or Store Financing
Many retailers offer special financing or credit card rewards during sales periods, which can amplify your savings. For instance, stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot often provide 0% interest financing for six to 12 months during major sales events, allowing you to spread out the cost of your lawn mower over time. Similarly, certain credit cards offer cash back or reward points for purchases at specific retailers, giving you an additional way to save.
e) Buy Off-Season
If you’re in no rush to purchase a lawn mower, waiting until the offseason can result in significant savings. As mentioned earlier, the late summer to early fall period offers the best discounts, but even waiting until winter can yield good deals. Retailers are often looking to offload the last of their inventory during these slower months, and while selection may be more limited, prices are often at their lowest.
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Conclusion
Timing your purchase of a lawn mower can save you a substantial amount of money, especially if you know when to shop and how to navigate sales effectively. The late summer and early fall period offers the best discounts, particularly on last year’s models, but spring sales and holiday weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day also present opportunities for savings. By doing your research, signing up for price alerts, and exploring alternative options like refurbished models, you can find the perfect lawn mower at a price that fits your budget.