Are you feeling exhausted after another night spent tossing and turning while searching for that perfect spot on your mattress? Back aching from sleeping on a mattress that has long since passed its prime? If this sounds familiar, you may be in the market for a new mattress. But who wants to blow big bucks on a purchase when they don’t have to?
We’ve got the goods for you on mattress-shopping. Here are the best times of year to buy a mattress, as well as general mattress-buying tips to ensure you truly get the biggest bang for your buck.
Late winter to early spring
New mattress models will hit the warehouses in March or April, so shopping for your new mattress just ahead of these rollouts will help you score a great deal on the older models or floor samples, straight from the showroom. A floor model can save you as much as 50% off the price. To find that elusive, hot deal on an older model mattress, you can ask a store manager when they plan to turn over their showroom to newer models.
Three-day holiday weekends
If you missed the late-winter-to-early-spring mattress season, don’t lose any sleep over it! There are three more times a year when you can snag an awesome deal on a mattress: the weekends of Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day. These three holiday weekends tend to feature major price drops on all kinds of big purchases, and mattresses are no exception. Check retail sites at the beginning of the month for the start of these sale events, as most will run for several weeks. Don’t forget to layer manufacturer coupons with in-store sales for maximum savings.
Major holidays
Finally, if you’re in desperate need of a new mattress, and the calendar is too far away from any of these sale dates, you can also pick up a great deal on nearly any other major holiday, including Independence Day, New Year’s Day and Black Friday. Discounts generally won’t be as steep as they are during the aforementioned three-day holiday weekends, but you can still find the mattress of (and for) your dreams at a discounted price.
Mattress-buying tips
Whenever you decide to pick up your new mattress, you’ll want to ensure you’re buying the one that best suits your preferences and needs. Follow these tips to get yourself a mattress you won’t regret buying.
First, decide if you’d like to buy your mattress in-store or online. There are pros and cons to each choice. Buying a mattress in-store will give you the opportunity to try it out before making your purchase. Most retailers will allow you to do this so you can test the firmness level of the mattress. Buying in-store may also enable you to get your mattress delivered faster, often on the same day you buy it, or on the next day. However, you may have a shorter return policy and/or warranty.
On the flip side, online purchases offer convenience, lengthy sleep trials of up to 90 days and warranties of 10 years or longer. Be sure to check independent reviews, though, to be sure the mattress you’re buying fits your needs.
Next, look for a retailer that will guarantee its price. Some sellers will refund you the difference if the mattress you bought goes on sale within a specified period of time after your purchase.
Once you’ve found your mattress, it’s time to negotiate. Yes, you can haggle on the price of your mattress. If the price is still too high, try to get the manager or clerk to bring it down. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much they’re willing to budge.
Finally, pay attention to the price, not just the percentage off. Make sure you check out the manufacturer’s price to be sure you’re getting a good deal. For example, 40% off an exorbitantly expensive mattress might not be that big of a bargain after all.
It’s time for a new mattress, and we’ve got the goods to help you rest easy without draining your wallet! Follow these tips for the best times to buy a mattress and tips on getting the perfect deal.
Your Turn: Have you scored a great deal on a mattress? Tell us about it in the comments!