Sometimes it pays to go against the grain. Like buying products now for next summer.
Take the swimming pools. Now is the time to buy them. You benefit from several advantages, especially in phases of inflation.
If you buy today, freeze your price instead of exposing yourself to the inevitable price increases in the first days of spring. Because most buyers of pools, especially above-ground models, come to the store as soon as the summer heat begins.
I’ve seen discounts in the $1,500 range, with above-ground models going for around $4,000. In particular, I discovered an 18 foot swimming pool for $2800 instead of $3900 (with skimmer and threaded valve, but without pump and installation)…
By avoiding this impulse purchase, some consumers also receive financing deferred for a few months. Normally this should be avoided. But this time, you have all winter to save and pay for your big blue when it’s installed.
On the other hand, being among the first on the list of installers is an undeniable advantage. Consumers who buy their pool in June often get it in mid-summer. Anyone who buys it today will see the installers come by as soon as the snow has melted. This easily extends the enjoyment of a heated pool by two months.
Cycles
During the pandemic, many bike shops were literally robbed of their goods. After Canadian Tire and other Costcos went bankrupt, consumers turned to bicycle retailers that were short on inventory.
Because of the supply chain crisis, manufacturers were missing parts: often chains or brake pads. These post-COVID bikes were shipped in large quantities last winter. Nowadays, stores have to clear out large amounts of inventory.
Even though prices have been falling for months, they are quite attractive compared to those shown in spring, when people will have put away their skis and the snow will have disappeared from the cities. I’ve seen sales vary from 15% to 50% depending on the model or accessories.
It’s also time to do your repairs, because the workshops aren’t nearly as busy as in the spring.
Last May or June I saw workshops where I had to wait two weeks, while last week I had to wait two hours for my tune-up. And it was a busy day. This gave me time to try out a new model of electric bike!
Advice
- When purchasing a swimming pool, check with your municipality or county, as well as suppliers such as Hydro-Québec, about site restrictions and zoning.
- The advantage of shopping today is that you can think without being rushed by customers in a crowded store. The staff is also less stressed and has enough time to answer your questions.
- Your pool budget must also include (expensive) accessories: pump, water heater, lighting, cleaning equipment (sweeper or robot), patio, ladder, fence, tarp, filter, chemicals, towels, games, etc. Don’t forget the annual maintenance and energy costs, which can easily reach $2,000 when taking insurance into account.