Stacy wrote in, asking about when it would be the best time of year to buy a new lawn mower. She’s looking for mega discounts, and I had given this a bit of thought before realizing I need help with this one.
Looking at the upcoming gardening season, there are several notable sale periods to be aware of. There may be a few “spring sales events” between now and May, but they might be unpredictable, and retailers are under no pressure to move new stock at the beginning of the season. Then we have Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and July 4th. That’s not say that prices will actually be lowered during such holiday sales.
The deepest discounts will come towards the end of the season in late summer/early fall, but by that time mower selection and availability may be an issue. Besides, at that point will the extra savings justify the purchase of a new mower that can hardly be used until 6 months later?
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With all this in mind, I would recommend watching the prices of a few models at different retailers with the intent to purchase a mower by mid-May. Many retailers have 30-day low-price guarantees, so if the price dropped during a Memorial Day or Father’s Day sale, it would be possible to go back for a price adjustment.
When do you guys think it would be best to buy a mower?
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Consumer Reports actually put together a calendar showing (on average) when you should make major purchases. It shows lawn mowers during the spring and the fall. I think Memorial Day usually has some of the best sales. Here’s that calendar- http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/money/shopping/shopping-tips/sales-calendar-7-07/overview/0707_sales_ov_1.htm
Dillon Crow
Don’t believe everything Consumer Reports says: I sell mowers out of a little repair shop and I assure you, spring is NOT a good time to buy. The prices are higher becasue the demand is up. The fall, by far is your best bet as we’re trying to get rid of mowing stock and prepare for the winter snowblower season.
Don’t tell anybody I said this….I will deny having done so.
Daytona Outdoor Power
While I agree with Dillon for the reason he stated, I partly agree with Ethan because a) in the spring, one would be presented with current models; and b) he did say fall too.
If you’re a price shopper, follow Dillon’s advice. Buy lawn equipment when you don’t really need it, which is also when stores are selling it off.
If you’re a new feature shopper, shop in the Spring closer to the time you’ll need the equipment. You may have uses for your money during Fall and other times anyway.
Stuart
Thanks for that link, Ethan!
Stan
Updated link to Consumer Reports as of 7/31/2015:
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/08/best-time-to-buy-things/index.htm
Devin
Black Friday. Yup, day after Thanksgiving. In my part of ConUs, mowing season has been basically over for 3-4 weeks at that point. Picked up a $400 (reg price) Craftsman mower, 22″, B&S, FWD, key start, etc etc for like $130 + tax. It was NIB, NOT a floor model.
Stuart
Wow, that is a great price! My only concern about looking for a mower that time of year is that selection will be severely limited. This comes from seeing what happened when a friend waited until late August to shop for a new propane barbecue grill.
Paul
Now is a great time to buy 2010 mowers. Everyone has a riding mower EPA engine change for 2011 and they had to come out with completely new model (numbers) to compensate for this.
The big retailers like Sears planed for this change and used up most of their 2010 stock last year but there may be some really great deals at the local dealers including Sears Hometown Stores. If you want a new mower, but don’t really care about a specific brand, deck size or features you can get the best deal now.
At the big retailers go to the store and ask to see the clearance mowers. Don’t be afraid to open a box or two to see what’s inside. Remember, decide before-hand the type of mower you want, i.e, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or push. Don’t get bogged down on the features like bagging, electric start or high wheel … just look for the best deal for the type you want.
Stuart
Paul, thank you so much for the insightful suggestions!
DaveZ
The best time to buy a new mower? Right after the old one dies!
In all seriousness, I got a good deal on a Lawn Boy at Home Depot around Memorial Day. BTW, I love this mower. It’s small (only 20″ wide), but that also makes it cheaper and, more importantly, lighter. It goes so fast uphill that I can hardly keep up with it.
MIKE
THE BEST TIME TO BUY A MOWER IS NEVER HIRE A GARDNER AND BUY A LAWN CHAIR SO YOU CAN WATCH HIM MOW THE LAWN MUCH MORE REWARDING
Leslie wells
We have been trying to purchase a mower for two years. Our experience has been what the original answer said – if you wait until Fall (sept and beyond) the prices are softly less but the selection is so limited that the mower you’ve researched and are set on is likely gone. It’s happened to us two years in a row. We’re going for the approach of just watching the retailers closely in April and May.