7 On Your Side: October's biggest bargains
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Halloween is right around the corner, but so is Thanksgiving and all the savings that come with Black Friday. So what should you buy in October? 7 On Your Side has your best bets.
Are you scared by the cost of costumes? Do some preparing by comparing. DealNews.com says precisely two weeks before Halloween at BuyCostumes.com, prices dropped to less than half the price of other stores' best offers.
Spirit Halloween gave $10 discounts in late October, while Prime members shopped Amazon and found costumes for under $6 and still had them shipped in time for trick or treat.
"Awesome time to get gardening tools need to clear the shelves," DealNews.com consumer expert Janice Lieberman said.
She also advises stocking up on perennial plants. Buy bulbs and other supplies this month.
"Now's the time to think ahead," she said. "Don't just get the mums at the grocery store. You really need to think what's going to pop up next year and give you that color."
DealNews also found riding mowers for thousands less on Woot. But before buying new, check out sites offering "re-tooled tools."
"We found them on VM Innovations," she said. "Check it out. Great online site for used, refurbished tools."
October is also a great month for new set of wheels. The 2018 models are rolling in, so shop the 2017 version. You'll see the best deals around Columbus Day and toward the end of the month, as salespeople strive to make those quotas.
And speaking of Columbus Day, that's the time to shop for a discount on a large appliance.
"It's a short shopping holiday," Lieberman said. "It's only 30 to 40 percent off, but really, if you can hold out until Black Friday, 80 to 90 percent off. A true bonanza."
Tech is cheapest during Black Friday too, so Lieberman says to wait if you're eyeing the new iPhone.
"I don't think there's that many features," she said. "Then when it really drops and you must have it, wait."
When you do buy, she suggests shopping refurbished and at re-sellers for deeper discounts not offered at the Apple Store.
"You may want to look at Best Buy, where you'll get a gift card," she said. "And look for bundles."
From Apple to apples, it's been a great growing season for fall produce.
"Now is the time to get stocked up on fall items," Lieberman said. "Pumpkins, squash, they're plentiful and inexpensive."
And when you have your fill of healthy produce, move onto something cheesy.
"How delicious, October is National Pizza Month," she said. "Buy one. Get one at local chains."
SHARE YOUR STORY
Do you have an issue with a company that you haven't been able to resolve? If so, 7 On Your Side wants to help you!
Send us your questions, issues, and story ideas to by filling out the form above, by emailing 7OnYourSideNina@abc.com, or contact Nina on her Facebook page or tweet her at Twitter @7OnYourSideNY! You can also call the 7 On Your Side Hotline at 917-260-7697.
