Save on the latest tech, gadgets
Shopping around, being patient can be worth it.
Just because you’re tight on cash doesn’t mean you should be without some cool tech.
Sure, the latest gadgets and games may cost a pretty penny, but there are easy ways to save serious money when shopping for them. Sometimes the answer is timing. Or where you’re buying these products. Or if you can leverage apps and sites that can sniff out deals.
In other words, there isn’t just one way to save, so here are several smart suggestions.
1. Wait. Just wait
Consumer electronics and videogames see a big drop in price over time, so unless you need to be the first on your block with the latest and greatest, pick up a 1- or 2-year-old alternative to save a ton.
You may remember how many thousands a big-screen 4K Smart TV cost just a few years ago. Now you can pick up a 65-inch Samsung model for $829 at Costco – and with a secondyear extended warranty added in for good measure.
Similarly, last year’s “Call of Duty: WWII” video game cost $59 when it debuted in November but can now be picked up for $29 at GameStop, preowned, but still guaranteed to be in working condition by the retailer.
2. Trade in your stuff
If you have a pile of video games you haven’t played in a while, why not turn that stash into cash?
You can do so by trading it into retailers who will accept it, either for a straight cash exchange, or as a store credit, or both. You’ll typically get more in store credit, which can be used to purchase something else, of course. It may only be a couple of dollars if it’s an older game or not kept in good condition, but it may be a lot more if it’s a 2018 popular title you finished this summer.
You can also wait for special events throughout the year to take advantage of more aggressive trade-in deals. This Wednesday is National Video Games Day, and GameStop says it will give gamers a lot more back for games, consoles, accessories, smartphones and other gear.
3. Consider online marketplaces
Don’t forget about buying directly from other consumers. Online marketplaces like eBay offer a combination of “previously enjoyed” items and brandnew products, too, from other individuals or storefronts looking to liquidate.
And you don’t have to bid on items if you’re not into auctions, as many items can be purchased outright. But if you’re buying from another country, be sure to factor in shipping costs, customs/duties and currency exchange. Also read the reputation rating of the seller before you buy and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you got ’em.
Gazelle is another good site to buy and sell phones, tablets, MacBooks and other gear. For those shopping for tech, the site provides a wide selection of certified preowned devices compatible with major carriers (an unlocked iPhone 7 32GB is going for $379). For those looking to sell, Gazelle pays you cash for gadgets you no longer use, even if damaged.
If you prefer to buy local and with cash (and avoid shipping charges altogether), try visiting classifieds sites via an app or browser, such as Craigslist, Kijiji and Letgo. Keep in mind you’ll need to meet the seller in person, so be sure to do it in a safe, public place.
4. Use apps, look for discounts
Both the App Store (for iPhone and iPad) and Google Play (for Android devices) are packed with apps tied to shopping deals.
For example, there are a few “cash back” apps available, including one I’ve used for years: Ebates. More than 2,500 online stores and marketplaces are supported – including Amazon, Walmart, eBay, Macy’s, Target, Kohl’s, Best Buy, American Eagle and Groupon, to name a few – with each one offering a percentage back on your purchases (typically 2 to 6 percent). You’ll get a check or PayPal deposit every three months.
For retail shopping, the Flipp app delivers local store ads to your phone, tablet or computer – rather than you having to make a mess of your kitchen (and hands) by going through the paper circulars and coupons you get each week. Better yet, you can use the search window to find something specific you want. Just type in your ZIP code the first time you use Flipp and then it lets you browse or search for deals at stores near you, whether you’re shopping for consumer electronics, groceries, household goods or clothing.
Another tip: When you’re shopping online, before you click to purchase the item, do a quick Google search for coupon codes and you’ll likely see links to many sites. Be aware many may be expired (or even bogus), but you’ll often find one that works. I recently bought a backpack for one of my kids, with the list price of $69, but within five minutes I found a 15 percent off code that brought the price down by more than $10. Sweet.
5. Go digital
While many still prefer media that’s tangible – such as a DVD, Blu-ray disc, book or music CD – remember prices are generally better if you buy that media digitally.
Therefore, a book lover who owns a Kindle or Kobo should download electronic books (ebooks) as you can save some money. For example, “Fear: Trump in the White House” by Bob Woodward is $12.02 as a Kindle ebook at Amazon, compared to $18.00 for a hardcover.
Similarly, Stephen King’s “The Outsider” is $7.78 as a Kindle ebook, while $17.75 as a hardcover or (oddly enough) even more for a paperback at $21.56 at Amazon.
Even better, you can borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free via your local library’s website – though you need to digitally reserve them first (check out the Libby by Overdrive app).
Same goes for video games, which can be bought (or rented) digitally, for less, compared to buying it on disc.
Streaming video services such as Netflix cost as little as $7.99 a month yet offer you many thousands of movies and TV shows to choose from – and there’s no limit to how many you can watch (er, “binge”). As a value proposition, many prefer this all-you-can-eat “buffet”-style model, opposed to an “a la carte” pay-for-what-you-download option.