How to Make the Most of July 4th Sales

Know What Will Be on Sale

Certain product categories consistently see big markdowns during July 4th promotions. Knowing what’s likely to be discounted helps you focus your efforts and avoid wasting time – or money – on things you don’t need. While there are plenty of tempting deals, some are better than others, and setting your sights on the right items can help you score the best value.

– Look for major savings on mattresses and bedroom furniture.

– Shop home appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, and washers/dryers.

– Outdoor furniture and grills often see price cuts ahead of mid-summer.

– Tech items like headphones or smart home gadgets may also be on sale.

Compare Before You Buy

It’s easy to get caught up in “limited-time offer” hype, but not every sale is as great as it seems. Price comparisons are crucial for ensuring you’re getting a true discount. A few quick minutes of online research can lead you to better discounts on the same items elsewhere.

– Use price comparison tools or browser extensions like Paypal Honey and Camelcamelcamel (for Amazon exclusively) to check competitive pricing.

– When shopping online, check if the same product is eligible for free shipping through a different retailer.

– Search for coupon codes and cashback offers before finalizing your cart.

– Look for bundled deals that add value.

Stick to Your Budget

It’s easy to get swept up in red, white, and blue markdowns, but overspending can quickly undo the benefits of a good sale. Creating and sticking to a budget ensures your spending stays intentional and aligned with your financial goals. Planning ahead will also help reduce impulse buys.

– Make a shopping list of what you need before browsing.

– Decide on your spending limit and track your budget as you go.

– Prioritize higher-ticket items where savings will make the biggest impact.

– Avoid “doorbuster” temptations unless it’s on your list.

Sign Up for Emails and Rewards Programs

Retailers often give early access, exclusive promo codes, or special perks to email subscribers and loyalty members. Signing up in advance can help you get a jump on July 4th sales and maximize your savings. These small steps can lead to big payoffs during busy sale periods throughout the year.

– Join store rewards programs for additional coupons and cash back.

– Subscribe to email lists to get notified of early sales or member-only discounts.

– Create an account and build your cart early to check out faster when deals go live.

– Look for sign-up bonuses like percent-off codes or free shipping.

Shop Early (or Late!) for the Best Selection

Timing is everything when it comes to shopping big sales. Shopping early ensures you have access to the best inventory before popular items sell out. On the flip side, shopping after the holiday rush can lead to deeper discounts as retailers try to clear out leftover stock.

– Start browsing days before July 4th to spot pre-sale deals and price trends.

– Shop early in the day or at the start of the weekend for more inventory choices.

– Keep an eye out for post-holiday clearance deals, especially on seasonal items.

– Set price-drop alerts price-drop alerts for products you are interested in.

Stack Deals for Maximum Savings

Pros know that it’s not just about the sticker price. Stacking discounts – using promo codes, loyalty rewards, and cash-back offers together – can lead to even deeper savings. A few extra steps at checkout can stretch your dollar significantly further.

– Use store coupons on top of sale prices whenever allowed.

– Combine retail discounts with cash-back apps or credit card rewards.

– Shop through cash-back portals like Rakuten or Shopback for bonus earnings.

– Apply any store credit or unused gift cards to offset your total cost.