When is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?
Buying a new mattress is an important investment that can pay dividends in better sleep and health. However, mattresses can be quite expensive. Finding opportunities to save money on a quality mattress should be a priority for budget-conscious consumers. The best times to buy are during major holiday weekends when discounts are abundant.
Major Holiday Weekends Offer Deep Discounts
The three holiday weekends that typically have the best mattress sales are Presidents’ Day weekend in February, Memorial Day weekend in May, and Labor Day weekend in September.
Retailers are eager to attract customers during these popular shopping periods, so they launch some of their biggest sales of the year. It’s not uncommon to find mattresses discounted by 40-60% off or more during these three-day weekends.
In addition to the major summer and winter holidays, mattress retailers have sales for Independence Day in July.
While this holiday may not have discounts quite as deep as other holiday weekends, there are still impressive deals on top brands. Independence Day sales may feature better deals on cooling gel memory foam and other mattresses tailored for hot summer weather.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Bring More Mattress Deals
Almost everyone has heard of the holiday sales weekend Black Friday and Cyber Monday. These days kick off the holiday shopping season in late November. Now that online shopping has exploded in popularity, Cyber Monday is often the biggest sale event of the entire year for all products – including mattresses. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, consumers can expect to save anywhere from 20-50% off many top mattress models. The deals are competitive as retailers fight for business leading into the peak winter holiday season.
Amazon Prime Day Means Mattress Savings Too
Amazon Prime Day in July offers another opportunity for deep discounts. The deals during Prime Day are exclusively for Amazon Prime members. The product selection includes popular mattress brands like Casper, Tuft & Needle, and Lucid. Prime Day mattress sales may feature better deals on budget-friendly mattresses and mattresses that qualify for free shipping. While the discounts may not be quite as steep as the major holiday weekends, Prime Day is still a prime time to buy a mattress.
Early Spring and Late Winter Bring Sales Too
In addition to key holiday weekends and shopping events, mattress retailers offer sales during more unexpected times of year. In early spring (March and April), many retailers put current-year models on sale to make room for new incoming inventory. For consumers, this presents an opportunity to save money on recently released models.There is also a second wave of mattress sales in late winter during January and February. Retailers are clearing out older inventory to make room for newer models set to release for Presidents’ Day weekend. Late winter sales may have steeper discounts on the previous year’s mattresses.
Leverage Retailer Email Lists
Signing up for retailer email lists can provide advance notice of upcoming sales. Major mattress brands like Tempur-Pedic, Serta, and Purple often send out emails highlighting deals for holidays or when they introduce new models. Even general retail stores like Macy’s and Amazon notify subscribers about mattress discounts in periodic emails. Taking a minute to provide your email address when prompted can ensure you never miss a sale. You can always unsubscribe later.
Check Sunday Newspaper Inserts
While increasingly rare, Sunday newspaper inserts sometimes still feature mattress offers from local or national chains. It doesn’t hurt to give the circulars a quick browse to see if any noteworthy sales stand out. Pay attention to the fine print listing sale dates, exclusions, and store locations.
Negotiate with Salespeople
Don’t be afraid to negotiate pricing with mattress salespeople, especially for floor models. Mattress stores need to refresh display inventory constantly. Ask if they can offer an additional percentage discount or free accessories like pillows for purchasing a display mattress. Many salespeople have some wiggle room to make deals.
Time it Right
Wait for predictable seasonal sales around holidays and changeover production cycles in early spring and late winter rather than buying full price. Be patient and don’t let pressure tactics trick you into overspending by making impulse purchases. The best deals come to those who wait.
Stack Savings from Different Sources
Check whether additional promo codes can be applied on top of sale prices for extra savings. Retailers may offer first-time subscriber discounts along with seasonal sales. There may even be active cash back offers. Stacking multiple savings sources results in the deepest discounts.
Compare Online Prices
Online comparison shopping sites display real-time prices across multiple retailers. Use these sites to find the best deal from different merchants. Review shipping costs, return policies, warranties, and additional fees that can make one deal cheaper over another. Cross-check prices directly on brand websites as well.
Don’t Forget Local Classifieds
Local classifieds websites and apps can turn up lightly used mattresses from individuals and retailers. There are often decent deals on quality mattresses from people who are moving or upgrading to a different size. Inspect secondhand mattresses carefully before purchasing.Staying vigilant for sales, negotiating prices, timing purchases right, and comparing deals across retailers are all useful tips for saving money on mattress purchases. Just a little effort goes a long way.
Important Factors Influencing Mattress Cost
Several key factors impact the price of a mattress beyond sale discounts:
- Materials: All-latex or hybrid mattresses cost more than basic spring mattresses
- Size: Twin and full mattresses are cheaper; king and California king cost more
- Brand: Leading brands like Tempur-Pedic and Serta can be much pricier
- Special features: Cooling gels, pillow tops, and ergonomic zones add cost
Understanding these factors can help determine the reasonable price range to expect for the size, materials, and features desired. High-end mattresses may never drop down to bargain basement prices even during sales.
Replace Mattresses Every 7-10 Years
While finding a deal on a mattress purchase is advised, consumers should also think about replacement timing. Industry experts recommend replacing mattresses at least every 8-10 years. Signs that a mattress needs replacement include:
- Sagging and visible wear even without sheets
- Lumps, bumps, and loss of uniform surface
- Discomfort including back pain and sleep issues
Replacing an old, worn out mattress can resolve pain issues and restore quality sleep. Prioritizing mattress replacement is also important for good health.
Save Money Now on a Better Night’s Sleep
Finding the right time to buy a mattress can lead to significant savings with some smart shopping. Holiday weekends, seasonal sales, and special retail events offer deep discounts on top mattress brands. Compare deals both online and in local stores. Look for extra value during sales by negotiating prices and combining promotions. Investing in a quality mattress is good for long-term health and paying attention to sale cycles can make that investment more affordable.