When it comes to shopping for electronics, appliances, and gadgets, Best Buy is often the go-to store for many of us. With its wide range of products, from the latest smartphones to home appliances, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement and make impulse purchases. However, if you are like me and prefer to get the best deals, you might be looking for ways to save money while shopping at Best Buy. Over the years, I’ve found several strategies that can significantly reduce the amount you spend, and today, I want to share them with you.
Here are 23 ways you can save money at Best Buy, from finding discounts to timing your purchases just right.
Table of Contents
1. Take Advantage of Best Buy’s Price Match Policy
Best Buy offers a price match guarantee, which means if you find a lower price for the same product at another retailer, Best Buy will match the price. You can either bring proof in-store or contact customer service online. This is one of the easiest ways to save money, especially if you find a better deal on a product from a competitor.
For example, if Best Buy is selling a TV for $1,200, and you find the same model for $1,100 at a competitor, Best Buy will match that price, saving you $100.
2. Sign Up for Best Buy’s Reward Program
Best Buy has a reward program called My Best Buy, where you can earn points on every purchase. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. By signing up for free, you’ll also get access to exclusive offers and promotions.
For example, if you spend $500 and earn 500 points, you can redeem those points for a $5 discount on your next purchase. Over time, these points add up, and the discounts start to make a real difference.
3. Watch for Best Buy’s Weekly and Daily Deals
Best Buy runs daily and weekly deals, especially on popular items like laptops, smartphones, and home appliances. By keeping an eye on these, I’ve been able to snag great deals on items I’ve been wanting. These deals are often limited-time offers, so it’s a good idea to check the website or store frequently.
For example, you might find a 50% discount on a smart home device one day or a limited-time bundle offer that adds extra accessories to a tech item for free. Keep checking the “Deals of the Day” section online to catch these offers.
4. Shop During Best Buy’s Major Sales Events
Like many other retailers, Best Buy has major sales during the year, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school sales. Shopping during these times can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
In my experience, some of the best deals come during the holiday season, but you can also find great savings during other events. For instance, during Black Friday, I’ve seen TVs and laptops discounted by as much as 40%.
5. Use Best Buy’s Open-Box Items
Best Buy sells open-box items, which are products that have been returned but are still in good condition. These products are often significantly discounted, sometimes by 20-30%. They may not come with the original packaging or have minor cosmetic imperfections, but they still work just as well as brand-new items.
For instance, I once bought a soundbar that was open-box for $100 less than the original price, and it was in perfect working condition.
6. Check Out the Best Buy Outlet
The Best Buy Outlet is an online section where you can find refurbished and clearance items at deep discounts. The products in this section are typically older models or items that were returned but have been inspected and tested to ensure they’re still in good condition.
I’ve had good luck finding affordable items like tablets, laptops, and smart TVs in the outlet. Plus, since these items are refurbished, they often come with warranties, giving you extra peace of mind.
7. Use a Credit Card with Cash Back or Rewards
Many credit cards offer cash back or rewards points on purchases. If you use one of these cards to buy items at Best Buy, you can earn rewards that can be redeemed for future purchases or other benefits.
For example, I use a credit card that offers 3% cash back on electronics purchases. If I buy a $1,000 laptop, I’ll earn $30 in cash back. Over time, this can add up to a substantial amount, especially for large purchases.
8. Consider Best Buy’s Financing Options
Best Buy offers financing plans through the Best Buy Credit Card or through other third-party financing options. If you’re planning a large purchase and can’t pay in full upfront, financing can help spread the cost over time.
One benefit I’ve found is that Best Buy offers 0% financing for certain items, which means I can make the purchase and pay it off over several months without paying any interest. This can be a great way to save money if you’re careful about paying off the balance on time.
9. Compare Prices Using Best Buy’s Mobile App
Best Buy’s mobile app allows you to easily compare prices between different products, stores, and online retailers. I use the app to check prices whenever I’m considering making a purchase. It’s a quick and convenient way to ensure I’m getting the best price possible.
You can even use the app to see if a product is available at your local store, so you don’t waste time or money on shipping.
10. Look for Bundle Deals
Sometimes, Best Buy offers bundle deals where you can get multiple items at a discounted price. For example, you might find a laptop bundled with accessories like a mouse, keyboard, and carrying case at a lower price than buying the items separately.
I’ve saved money on several purchases by opting for bundle deals. For instance, when I bought a new gaming console, I got a free game and additional accessories by choosing the bundle option.
11. Keep an Eye on Refurbished Electronics
Refurbished products can offer significant savings, and Best Buy has a good selection of refurbished electronics. These products are restored to like-new condition by the manufacturer or Best Buy, and they come with warranties.
I purchased a refurbished smartphone a few years ago for 40% less than the price of a new one, and it still works perfectly today.
12. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Best Buy offers discounts to students, typically ranging from 10% to 15% off select items. If you’re a student, this is an easy way to save on everything from laptops to headphones.
For example, if you buy a laptop for $800, a 10% student discount will save you $80.
13. Use Coupons and Promo Codes
Best Buy occasionally releases coupons and promo codes that offer additional savings on your purchases. You can find these codes on coupon websites or by signing up for Best Buy’s email newsletter. It’s worth checking for these codes before you make a purchase, as they can add up to big savings.
For instance, I once saved $50 on a laptop by using a promo code that was only available to email subscribers.
14. Shop Refurbished Appliances
Best Buy offers a range of refurbished appliances, from refrigerators to washing machines. These appliances have been tested, repaired if necessary, and come with a warranty. I’ve saved a lot of money by choosing refurbished appliances over new ones.
For example, I bought a refurbished refrigerator for $800, while a new model would have cost $1,200. The refurbished model worked just as well, and I saved $400.
15. Join Best Buy’s Email List
By signing up for Best Buy’s email list, you’ll receive alerts about sales, promotions, and exclusive offers. Best Buy often sends out special discounts to subscribers, which can be a great way to save money.
I’ve received several $10 off coupons just for being on their email list. These can add up, especially if you shop regularly.
16. Wait for End-of-Year Clearance Sales
End-of-year clearance sales are some of the best times to score deals on electronics. Best Buy discounts old models to make room for newer inventory, and I’ve snagged fantastic deals during this time.
For instance, during the end-of-year clearance, I bought a 65-inch TV at 40% off, simply because it was last year’s model.
17. Avoid Extended Warranties
Best Buy often tries to sell you an extended warranty when you buy an item. While extended warranties can be useful for some products, in many cases, they are unnecessary. I’ve found that for most electronics, the manufacturer’s warranty is sufficient, and I’ve saved money by opting out of the extended warranty.
18. Use Best Buy’s Free Pickup Option
If you order online, you can choose free in-store pickup rather than paying for shipping. I always use this option when buying from Best Buy, as it saves on shipping fees and I can pick up my item the same day.
For example, if you were to buy a $500 laptop, you’d save around $30 in shipping fees by choosing the free pickup option.
19. Check for Price Drops After Purchase
If you buy something from Best Buy and the price drops within 15 days, you can contact them and receive a refund for the difference. This policy is an excellent way to ensure that you don’t miss out on a better deal after you’ve made a purchase.
20. Buy Seasonal Items Off-Season
Many products, such as air conditioners and heaters, are cheaper when purchased off-season. I’ve found that if I buy an air conditioner during the winter months, I can save as much as 30% compared to buying it during the summer.
21. Take Advantage of Best Buy’s Referral Program
Best Buy offers a referral program where you can earn rewards by referring friends to shop at Best Buy. When a friend makes their first purchase using your referral, you’ll receive a reward, such as a $25 gift card.
22. Consider Subscription Services
Best Buy offers subscription services, such as Geek Squad protection plans and tech support. If you frequently need tech help or want peace of mind for your devices, these services can offer good value, especially when bundled with other purchases.
23. Buy Open-Box Computers and Laptops
For those on a tight budget, buying open-box laptops and computers can be a great way to save. These items are typically tested and come with warranties, and the price is often reduced by 20-30% compared to buying a brand-new model.
In conclusion, Best Buy offers plenty of opportunities to save money if you know where to look. Whether it’s taking advantage of price matching, shopping during major sales events, or using a rewards program, there are numerous ways to get the products you need without paying full price. By following these tips, I’ve been able to enjoy the best electronics at a fraction of the cost. Happy shopping!