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SMALL BUSINESS
Best Time to Buy
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AP
Another Day, Another Deal
Thanks to online coupons, price-comparison search engines and reward memberships, savvy shoppers can pay less than full price on any day that ends in "y." But depending on what you're planning to buy, some days of the week may yield better bargains than others.
See which days industry experts target as the best days of the week to buy ...
Next: Airplane TicketsMore From SmartMoney
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Airplane Tickets
When to Buy: Wednesday morning
Why: "Most airfare sales are thrown out there on the weekend," says travel expert Peter Greenberg, aka The Travel Detective. Other airlines then jump into the game, discounting their own fares and prompting further changes by the first airline. The fares reach their lowest prices late Tuesday or early Wednesday.
Next: BooksMore From SmartMoney
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Books
When to Buy: Thursday
Why: Price compare between major chains Borders and Barnes & Noble. The former releases its weekly sales and coupons on every Thursday; the latter, every Tuesday.
Next: CarsMore From SmartMoney
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Getty Images
Cars
When to Buy: Monday
Why: "Car dealers live for the weekend, which is when they make most of their sales," says Phil Reed, consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com. "On Mondays, the low foot traffic makes it seem like the weekend will never come." That dealer desperation, paired with fewer consumers on the lot, give you more negotiating power.
Next: ClothingMore From SmartMoney
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Tim Boyle, Getty Images
Clothing
When to Buy: Thursday evening
Why: That's the day when stores stock their shelves for the weekend, and when many retailers start their weekend promotions, says Kathryn Finney, author of 'How to Be a Budget Fashionista.' You'll find great prices and the best selection. "It's an effort to get people to shop in the middle of the week," she says.
Next: Department Store WaresMore From SmartMoney
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Chris Hondros / Getty Images
Department Store Wares
When to Buy: Saturday evening
Why: Department stores have a lot to mark down for their Sunday circulars, so they frequently start the process on Saturday evenings before store closing, says Finney.
Next: Dinner OutMore From SmartMoney
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Getty Images
Dinner Out
When to Buy: Tuesday
Why: Most restaurants do not receive food deliveries over the weekend. "Sunday is the garbage-can day of the week," says Kate Krader, senior editor at Food & Wine magazine. "No doubt, they're cleaning out their fridges. Tuesdays, they're starting fresh." Dining out on that day offers the best odds you'll get a meal worth paying for, no matter your price point, she says.
Next: EntertainmentMore From SmartMoney
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Stratosphere Las Vegas
Entertainment
When to Buy: Wednesday
Why: Many movie theaters, amusement parks and museums offer discounts to consumers who visit midweek. Six Flags theme parks offer a $12 discount to AAA members -- three times its usual discount of $4. AMC Theatres offers members in its free AMC Movie Watcher reward program a free small popcorn on Wednesdays.
Next: GasMore From SmartMoney
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Gas
When to Buy: Thursday morning
Why: The price of oil isn't the only factor influencing gas-station prices. Consumer usage plays a role, too -- and weekend demand is high, says Jason Toews, co-founder of GasBuddy.com, a price-monitoring site. Prices usually swing upward on Thursdays as travelers fuel up to head out the following day. By filling up before 10AM you'll beat the price jump.
Next: GroceriesMore From SmartMoney
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Groceries
When to Buy: Sunday -- or Tuesday
Why: Maximize savings by combining store sales, which run from Wednesday to Tuesday, with the latest round of coupons from your Sunday paper, says Mary Hunt, publisher of Debt-Proof Living, a money-saving newsletter. "It's a smart idea to wait until you have those in hand to match up with the week's sale items," she says.
Next: Hotel RoomsMore From SmartMoney
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Hotel Rooms
When to Buy: Sunday
Why: There are two kinds of hotel managers, and the kind who won't give you a discount on your room rate has Sundays off, says Greenberg. Call the hotel directly, and ask to speak with the manager on duty or the director of sales. These employees are open to negotiation, he says. They'd rather have a booked room at a discounted rate than an empty room.
Next: MoreMore From SmartMoney
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