When you are couponing it is best to know your sales cycle. I personally found this to be a handy tool for me for the following reasons I had an idea when it was probably the best time to buy things not just for foods but everything else. With this little piece of knowledge alone you will rack in the savings.
here is a little tid bit
Best time to buy Airline Tickets-Tuesday
Below you will find the sales cycle list that I have put together, granted not everything maybe in it though it will give you the idea and help you plan out.
January:
National Oatmeal Month: quick, old-fashioned, rolled, and steel-cut oats, ready to cook oatmeal packets,
- Seasonal Produce: oranges, pears, grapefruit, tangerines, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, kale, kiwi, avocado, cabbage, spinach
- Diet Foods including: cereal, frozen entrees, meal and granola bars, diet shakes/ drinks
- Healthy Choice, South Beach, Lean Cuisine, Special K, Kashi, Smart Start, 100 Calorie Packs,
- diet aids: shakes, weight scales, diet cookbooks, exercise equipment & weights
- Super Bowl Sunday: Soda, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers, snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
- Organization aids– shelving, plastic tubs & containers, labels, etc.
- Clearance: Christmas– decorations toys, lights, stocking stuffers, artificial trees, ornaments, wrapping paper, gift bows, New Year’s party supplies– noise makers, hats, party favors, wines & sparkling juices, etc.
- Winter Health: cold medicines and vitamins, cough syrup
- Clothing-Athletic Shoes, Winter Clothing and Accessories: Hats, Gloves, Boots, etc.
- Bath and Beauty Products, Hair Products, Makeup
- Best time to buy
- Any Appliances large or small (new models roll out in September and October) Some stores keep older inventory in stock through the Holiday months and lower prices the first of the year. October is another month to watch for the best prices for large appliances
- Transportation-bicycles, Boats (January through March),
- Carpet and Flooring, Furniture, Houses, Computers, video games and Gift cards
- White Sales: Blankets, Sheets, Bedspreads, Washcloths, Towels, Kitchen Towels, Placemats, Napkins, Ring Holders, etc
February:
- National Canned Food Month
- canned fruit, vegetables, pie fillings, soups, meats: tuna, chicken, salmon
- Super Bowl Sunday
- Soda pop, chips, dips, cheese, sandwich items, crackers, snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
- National Hot Breakfast Month
- oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, frozen waffles, syrup, waffle & pancake mix, hash browns, bacon, sausage
- Seasonal Produce
- artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, grapefruit, kale, oranges, parsnips, pears, potatoes, turnips
- Valentine’s
- boxed and bar chocolate, lubricants & KY jelly, perfume, cards, stuffed animals, gift sets, wine/ sparkling cider, flower arrangements, candles
- Best time to Air Conditioner Serviced is usually at its lowest rate in February
- Best time to buy
- Aspirin & Supplements
- Bicycles
- Dog Food (Westminster Dog Show): Eukanuba, Pedigree, Iams, Purina
- Electronics, Home Theaters
- Floor Coverings
- Furniture
- Housewares
- Video Games
March:
- Frozen Food Month
- frozen meals and entrees, veggies, side dishes, desserts, juice concentrate
- Seasonal Produce
- artichoke, asparagus, avocado, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, grapefruit, grapes, lemon, lime, mushrooms, onions, peas, radish, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries
- March Madness
- soda pop, chips, dips, cheese, crackers, sandwich items, snacks, wings, cut fruit & veggie trays
- St. Patrick’s Day
- decorations, corned beef, cabbage, Irish soda bread
- Clearance
- winter clothing, snow shovels, ski and sledding equipment
- Spring/ Easter: Decorations, baskets, candy, ham, eggs and egg dyeing kits, gift sets, dresses and accessories.
- Spring cleaning Month
- cleaners
- Best time to buy
- China and Flatware
- Luggage
- Snow Shovels
- Spring Clothing and Accessories
- Winter Sports Equipment
April:
- Easter
- ham, eggs, dyeing kits, stuffed animals, candy, chocolate, baskets, decorations
- Seasonal Produce
- artichokes, asparagus, avocados, beets, broccoli, cabbages, carrots, grapefruit, mushrooms, onions, peas, rhubarb, strawberries
- Baking Supplies
- sugar, spices, baking mixes, flour, chocolate chips, refrigerated cookie dough
- Earth Day
- natural and organic foods
- personal care products
- reusable bags, water bottles
- Energy Star appliances, CFL and LED lighting
- Environmentally Conscious Products
- Spring
- gardening equipment, seeds, bird feeders
- Allergy medicine
- Clearance
- After Easter sales are the time to stock up on decorations, baskets & grass, egg dyeing kits & stickers etc for the next year
- Best time to buy
- Batteries
- Carbon Monoxide Monitors & Smoke Detectors
- Pet Food & Treats-cat & dog
- Coats and Hats
- Cookware
- Electronics
- Office Furniture (end of April)
- Paint
- Snow Blower
- Vacuum Cleaners
- Wallpaper
May:
- Cinco De Mayo
- salsa, shredded cheese, tortillas, tortilla chips, canned & refried beans, shredded lettuce, pinatas & pinata fillers, frozen Mexican entrees & snacks (taquitos, mini tacos, chimichangas)
- Mother’s Day
- bouquets, gift sets, perfume, chocolate, photo frames and crafts, jewelry, candles
- Memorial Day
- BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips, paper plates, plastic utensils, sandwich fixings
- Summer needs
- insect repellant, sunscreen, outdoor furniture, shorts, sun hats, beach toys, bird feeders, lawn mowers, barbecues and grilling utensils
- Gardening
- plants, flowers, seeds, watering cans, plant food, soil, weed killers, mulch, compost buckets, water hoses
- Seasonal Produce
- artichokes, asparagus, avocado, beets, blackberries, carrots, corn, green beans, onions, peas in the pod, potatoes, raspberries, strawberries
- Best Time To do
- Automobile Maintenance
- Home Maintenance
- Best Time to Buy
- Pet food and treats-cat and dog
- Kitchen Accessories
- Cookware
- Electronics
- Mattress & box springs
- White Sales: Blankets, Sheets, Bedspreads, Washcloths, Towels, Kitchen Towels, Placemats, Napkins, Ring Holders, etc
June:
- National Dairy Month
- eggs, milk (free milk Catalina, wyb cereal), ice cream, cheese, butter, yogurt, Cool Whip, in-store dairy coupons or booklets
- End of June is Fourth of July Sales
- hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips
- Seasonal Produce
- apricots, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cherries, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, honeydews, nectarines, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, red onions, summer squash, strawberries, sweet Vidalia onions, tomatoes, watermelons
- Best Time to
- Gym Membership
- Best Time to Buy
- Building Material
- Champagne
- Television Sets
- Self-Tanning Products
- Allergy Medicine & Pain Relievers
- Hats
- Home Improvement Tools
- Insect Repellent, Sunscreen
- Paper Products-Napkins, plates, utensils
- Summer Clothing and Accessories
July:
- National Ice Cream Month
- More 4th of July BBQ Sales
- hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ sauce, ketchup, condiments, charcoal, salad dressing, potato chips, dips
- End of July, Back to School Sales begin
- crayons, pencils, folders, binders
- Seasonal Produce
- Asian pears, Bartlett pears, green beans, blueberries, corn, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, garlic, grapes, nectarines, red onions, Valencia oranges, peaches, sweet bell peppers, plums, potatoes, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon
- Best Time to Buy
- Air Conditioners
- Broadway Tickets
- Grilling Products-Charcoal, lighter fluid, etc.
- Paper products-plates, napkins, utensils, etc.
- Craft Supplies
- Insect Repellent & Sunscreen
- School Supplies (through August)
- Suits
- Summer Sports Equipment
August:
- Back to school supplies
- erasers, pens, crayons, paper, binders, backpacks, notebooks, markers, note cards
- School Lunch Items
- pudding cups, lunch meat, single serve juices, lunchables
- Disinfectants
- Clorox and Lysol wipes & sprays
- Seasonal Produce
- Avocados, beans, berries, cherries, corn on the cob, cucumbers, eggplants, figs, seedless grapes, melons, onions, peaches, pears (Bartlett), peppers (sweet bell), plums, summer squash, tomatillos, and tomatoes
- Clearance
- insect repellent, sunscreen, charcoal, swim suits, gardening supplies and seeds, fans, camping gear, flip flops
- Best Time to Buy
- BBQ Equipment
- Computers
- Dehumidifiers
- Flowers and Garden Plants
- Outdoor Toys
- Pool Supplies
- Swing Sets
- Patio Furniture
- Lawn Mowers
- White Sales: Blankets, Sheets, Bedspreads, Washcloths, Towels, Kitchen Towels, Placemats, Napkins, Ring Holders, etc
- Things to know
- Free Entrance in Your National Parks (August 14-15, 2010, September 25, 2010 and November 11, 2010) To find a park visit http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
September:
- Back to School Sales through Labor Day
- pens, pencils, paper (filler & printing), backpacks, erasers, folders, binders, dividers
- Labor Day Sales
- restaurants deals, movie theater perks (free popcorn, soda, concession candy), shoe & apparel store weekend passes
- Diabetes awareness
- glucose meters, Glucerna cereal, diabetic care– socks, test strips, sugar free products, vitamins, weight scales
- Seasonal Produce
- apples, artichokes, beans, cucumbers, eggplant, grapes, onions, pears (Asian & Bartlett), peppers (bell and chili), squash, tomatillo, tomatoes
- Clearance
- camping gear, gardening supplies, bug spray, fans & air conditioners, BBQ supplies– grills, charcoal, lighters
- Things To buy
- Baby Equipment
- Baby Safety
- Bicycles
- Cars (You can also find good sales on cars at the end of the month when dealers reach their quota for the month)
- China and Flatware
- Housewares
- Lawnmowers
- Gardening Supplies
- Things to know
- Free Entrance in Your National Parks (August 14-15, 2010, September 25, 2010 and November 11, 2010) To find a park visit http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
October:
- Halloween
- candy, costumes & accessories
- Baking Sales
- (mid-October to late December): canned pumpkin, evaporated milk, baking chips, pie crust (mix and ready-made frozen)
- National Seafood Month
- fish, shrimp, lobster, crab
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- promotions & deals featuring participating “pink” products
- Adopt a Shelter-Dog Month
- wet & dry dog food, dog toys & chews
- Seasonal Produce
- apples, artichokes, arugula, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, chard, cranberries, parsnip, pears, pomegranates, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, winter squash, turnips, yams
- Things to Buy
- Air Conditioners
- Alarm Clocks
- Appliances, Large (new models roll out in September and October) Some stores keep older inventory in stock through the Holiday months and lower prices the first of the year. October is another month to watch for the best prices for large appliances.
- Batteries
- Car Care Products
- Cars (You can also find good sales on cars at the end of the month when dealers reach their quota for the month)
- Crystal, Silver and Glass
- Fishing Equipment
- Grills
- Houses
- Jeans
- Safety Equipment
- Smoke Alarms
- Tires (auto)
November:
- Baking goods
- nuts, chocolate chips, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, cake & brownie mixes, Chex cereal (for homemade Chex mix)
- Canned foods: soup, broth, vegetables & fruits, spaghetti sauce
- Holiday staples
- turkey, canned pureed pumpkin, stuffing mix, boxed potatoes, gravy mixes, ready-to-bake rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, gelatin, marshmallows
- Seasonal Produce
- apples, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, cranberries, kiwis, lemons, oranges, pears (Anjou & Comice), potatoes, pumpkin, squash, yams
- Halloween Clearance
- The best time to stock up on things for the next year: door decorations, spider webs, candy bowls, yard & outdoor props, plates, cups, napkins & tablecloths, window clings, pumpkin carving kits, streamers, confetti, string lights, Halloween candy-alternatives to stretch next year’s candy bowl supply. Also party favors like: spider rings, erasers, plastic fangs, pencils, bookmarks, stickers, and bouncy balls.
- Costumes: Generic items like witch hats, gloves, tiaras/ crowns, play swords, pet costumes, capes & cloaks, fangs, and fairy wings are best, especially when you have children whose preferences change year to year. Makes great play dressup
- Black Friday/ Cyber Monday
- Deep savings on doorbusters and advertised items ranging from clothing and toys to electronics and appliances. Research sales, make a list, and stick to it for the best results.
- Seasonal clearance: rakes, outdoor furniture, bikes
- Things to buy
- Blankets
- Carpeting and Flooring
- Cookware
- Electronics
- Kitchen Accessories
- Recreational Vechiles
- Tools
- Winter Clothing & Accessories
- Quilts
- Heating Devices
- Things to know
- Free Entrance in Your National Parks (August 14-15, 2010, September 25, 2010 and November 11, 2010) To find a park visit http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm
December:
- Holiday Dinner
- egg nog, deli platters, instant potatoes, gravy mixes, Rhodes rolls, frozen pies, cranberry sauce, Jello, marshmallows
- Baking
- flour, sugar, butter, cream, cake mixes, brownie mixes, muffin mixes, breads, pie crusts, marshmallows, whipped cream
- Canned Foods
- soup, broth, condensed milk, vegetables, fruits, spaghetti sauce
- Clearance
- Buy all your Thanksgiving decorations, extra table settings, and turkey carving products now once they’re at least 50% off.
- Things to buy
- Appliances (small)
- Baking Supplies, foil, foil pans, etc.
- Cards, Holiday
- Cars
- Champagne
- Computers
- Cookware
- Crafts
- Electronics
- Hardware and Home Improvement Tools
- Toys