Nothing is more relaxing than snuggling into bed after a long day. But buying a mattress? That event is almost ZERO parts zen. There's much to consider when hunting for the centerpiece of your bedroom -- but the mattress-buying process doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here's a quick briefing that will ensure your shopping trip is as smooth as a midday nap. There is indeed a "cheapest" time to buy. Most experts recommend purchasing a mattress near a holiday -- like Presidents Day, Labor Day, the Fourth of July, and Memorial Day -- or in the month of May, when mattresses are usually marked down in showrooms. In January, you can start prepping for your mattress purchase at "white sales," which are deeply discounted sales for bedding. Higher prices does not mean better sleep. One of the biggest complaints when buying a mattress is price, and figuring out why they cost so damn much. This is usually attributed to large markups, which depends on the brand. We recommend staying in the $500 to $1200 range, as anything over that price doesn't necessarily indicate better quality or better sleep, and probably has the same amount of cushioning and support as more expensive mattresses.
You can negotiate your price. Though it may surprise most people, it is possible to negotiate the price at most of the bigger mattress chains. Robin Wilson, an eco-friendly interior design expert, says that if you bargain "at a department store, you might be able to get tax taken off the mattress price, or delivery for free." You'll also have a better chance of getting a discount or redeeming a coupon if you go to the store to purchase a mattress, rather than buying online. "Firm" mattresses are not the same "firmness" everywhere. Yes, labels may tout a mattress's level of firmness, but one brand's "firm" may be another brand's "soft," according to Consumer Reports Expert Shopper Tod Marks. "The only way to determine if the cushiness and the firmness is right for you is to lie down on the bed and try it for yourself," he says. It's harder to return a mattress than you think. Most mattress retailers (from IKEA to Tempur-Pedic) will allow you to try out your mattress for up to 90 days, but they differ on the amount of money you'll get back if you return it.
Other stores require an exchange fee or disposal fee, which can cost hundreds of dollars. There are organic options. The squishy foam on mattresses is often made from petroleum oil, which (not surprisingly) can cause health problems for some. Organic mattress brands like Keesa use their own foams that put plant oils into the mix. While they may be more costly, all-natural mattresses are worth it, says Wilson. "We spend one third of our lives sleeping," she explains. "Consider your mattress a health investment." You can order a mattress online as easily as you can order a pair of shoes. Yup, you'll find mattresses right in the Amazon store, many listed with free shipping. And a whole new suite of boutique mattress retailers (like the newly-popular Casper) operate solely online, sending mattresses to your door in a nice, neat box. These new online retailers often allow returns for a full refund, without any fees or charges whatsoever. But the old standby brands -- which you might find on discount sites like Overstock -- likely won't do the same, so it's smart to go test them out in a store first.
You don't need to buy your mattress from a brand you've heard of. The aforementioned Casper is an online retailer that aims to ease everyone's mattress-buying headache with a 100-day trial period and sleek design. Other sites like Saatva (which has an eco-friendly focus) and Novosbed (which also boasts free delivery, free trial periods and free returns) also deliver to your door in a snap. Hop on the bandwagon, because this is the future of mattresses., and even eBay after Christmas to sell them at discounted prices. • Wrapping paper: Stores slash prices on gift wrap, holiday cards, and Christmas decorations in the weeks following the busy shopping season. they'll keep till next year. • Bed linens: Retailers offer deep discounts on sheets, towels, and blankets in January. "White sales" actually date back to 1878, when a Philadelphia department store held a “White Sale” on linens to help keep linen makers in business during a slow period. • Computer: Starting in January, keep an eye on PC prices;
companies offer discounts on older models to prepare for the upcoming release of the newest systems. February: Best time to buy furniture, washer and dryer, wedding items• Wedding: Tying the knot in this off-season month means taking full advantage of discounted prices on reception venues, catering, and photography. Plan around the Presidential holidays, though, and beware of nasty weather. • Air conditioner: During cold weather months, many appliance stores offer units at cheap prices—if you can find them. • Furniture: New inventory hits showrooms in February, so retailers often offer deals around now. Politely negotiate on good-condition floor models, and you can often pay much less than cost. • Washer and dryer: New models arrive in winter, meaning you'll spot deals on last year's appliances. Don't be afraid to haggle. March: Best time to buy luggage, a camera, golf clubs• Frozen foods: March is National Frozen Foods Month, a large-scale marketing campaign that encourages grocers to offer price-cuts and coupons all month long.
• Luggage: Retailers such as Walmart, Macy's, and Sears discount luggage before travel-heavy spring and summer. • Boats: It's the tail end of boat-show season. • Golf clubs: The season tees off in early spring, meaning last year's irons are on sale. • Digital camera: Consumer Reports advises snapping up a digital camera in March and April—sales are best.• Vacuum cleaners: Most new models come out in June, so retailers discount old vacuums now—just in time for spring cleaning. • Thrift stores: People clearing out closets means a larger, fresher selection. • Winter clothing: Spring collections hit stores, and cold-weather clothes are often dramatically marked down for clearance. May: Best time to buy appliances, a gym membership• Spring clothing: Memorial Day sales include discounted clothing and home goods at department stores, apparel retailers, and big-box stores. • Gym memberships: Whether New Year’s resolutions are history, or outside exercise is possible, gyms offer discounts to bring in more bodies.
• Cookware and dishes: Kitchen items make popular gift choices during graduation and wedding season, and stores often run sales. • Refrigerators: Spring is refrigerator season! Last year's appliances will be discounted to clear the showroom. turn over inventory this month, and hold storewide sales. • Laptops: Back-to-school laptop sales actually start as early as June, often bundling the computers with a printer or a gift card. • Caribbean vacation: With the beginning of the Caribbean hurricane season, you'll see steep discounts on vacation packages and cruises. • Tools: You can score plenty of good deals—right before Father's Day. July: Best time to buy jewelry, ice cream• Summer apparel: In the middle of the season you'll start to see prices start to drop. • Picnic supplies: Once the 4th of July has passed, pick up discounted picnic and party supplies. • Ice cream: July is National Ice Cream Month; scoop up coupons from both local stores and online deal sites.
• Jewelry: With no major holidays in July and August, jewelers offer lower prices to lure in customers. August: Best time to buy office supplies, grills• Grills: You'll see huge deals, especially on big outdoor grills. It’s not too late for cookouts! • Office supplies: Retailers roll out the discounts on backpacks, notebooks, and dorm supplies for back to school. • Bathing suits: Stores might have had sales around the 4th of July, and most of the selection is picked over. But if you see your size, the price will be right. September: Best time to buy a car, airline tickets, a mattress, a bike• Patio furniture: Major sales on outdoor furniture, which needs to be cleared out—often for Christmas items, as that season gets pushed up earlier each year. • Cars: Car dealers promote deals on current vehicles to make room for the newest ones. • Bikes: New bicycle models come out at the end of the summer riding season, so check out discounts on last year’s bikes.
• Airline tickets: Book your holiday flights now for the best chance on finding low prices. • A mattress: Many mattress companies boast big Labor Day sales, though if you miss out, similar sales run around President's Day and Memorial Day. October: Best time to buy toys, jeans• Jeans: Denim left over from back-to-school sales get discounted for a short time before holiday shopping begins. • Outdoor goods: Score deals on lawnmowers, gardening tools, and even camping supplies. • Toys: Toy stores sometimes offer sales ahead of the holiday season. November: Best time to buy a TV, small appliances, candy• Candy: Grocery stores discount Halloween-themed candy in November, and it still tastes just as sweet. • Gadgets: Black Friday and Cyber Monday (which might extend the entire week) are prime opportunities to score very inexpensive TVs, Mp3 players, small appliances, and more. • Free turkey: Some grocery stores give away Thanksgiving-ready turkeys when customers spend a certain amount.