The ultimate guide to end of financial year sales
The end of financial year sales are here, and with discounts of up to 70%, we show you where to find red hot deals plus tips to maximise savings.
Who doesn't love a bargain?
With savings of around $800 on computers, 70% off fashion, and homewares selling for half price, the June 30 sales are your chance to pocket massive savings on a whole raft of buys.
Top 10 sales this EOFY
Here are 10 sales with discounts hot enough to ward off the winter chills:
1. JB Hi-Fi - JB is offering serious savings, such as $801 off a Microsoft Laptop - now priced at $2098, down from $2899. Plenty of bargains on whitegoods too.
2. The Iconic - the online fashion retailer is slashing prices by up to 70%. Grab a pair of Lorna Jane leggings for $75, down from $130, or save around $70 on select Nike joggers.
3. Spotlight - serious savings are up for grabs including 30-50% off all manchester, up to 60% off curtains and blinds and 40-50% off fabrics.
4. Big W - save with discounts of up to 40%. Among the big money-savers is the Black+Decker Cordless Stick Vacuum, down from $249 to $149 (online only price).
5. Myer - the mid-year sale sees discounts of up to 60% on cookware and 50% off select dinnerware.
6. David Jones - save up to 50% on select homewares, and cut an extra 30% on already discounted lines of clothing. Be quick, sale ends Sunday 25.
7. Rebel Sport - fitness fans can pocket discounts of up to 60% on fan gear, 40% on Pilates reformers plus buy-one-get-one-half-price deals on select hoodies.
8. The Good Guys - pick up bargains right across the store, with deals like $304 off the price of a Samsung Soundbar, down from $599 to $295.
9. Booktopia - save up to 75%, with some books normally priced at $20 now available for less than four bucks.
10. Ikea - the Swedish retailer's Mid-Year Madness sale is dishing up storewide bargains such as select armchairs down from $159 to $79, and daybeds reduced from $737 to $677.
Make the most of sale time
Taking a few minutes to sort a shopping strategy can help you maximise the savings.
Check out our tips to hit the sales without busting your bank balance.
How to save extra this EOFY
It's easy to get caught up in sales-time hype.
Arriving home laden with bags of nice-but-not-necessary purchases can drain your bank account and leave you nursing a serious case of buyer's remorse.
Remember, a bargain is only a good buy if you really need an item. Make a list of planned purchases, and aim to stick to it.
Best online tools to compare prices
Maximise the savings for minimal effort.
Shop around and compare prices using digital tools like Google Shopping and price comparison apps such as ShopSavvy or BuyVia.
Check reviews, consider alternative brands
Expensive doesn't always mean better.
Matthew Steen, Director of Reviews and Testing at consumer group CHOICE, says, "Our tests often find that cheaper products can perform just as well as, or better than, the pricier big brands.
"Checking reviews before you buy may also reveal a cheaper brand that performs well that you may not have considered before."
Consider how you'll pay
Reaching for your debit card at the check-out can be a simple way to avoid credit card interest charges or late fees on buy now pay later.
Better still, dust off any unused gift cards or put reward points to work to grab a bargain at zero cost.
Don't pay for extended warranties that offer little value
"Extended warranties are often no more than a sneaky sales tactic," says Steen.
If you're offered an extended warranty, Steen recommends asking the salesperson, or reading the fine print, to know what it offers above the entitlements under Australian Consumer Law.
You could end up paying for rights you already have.
Hang onto receipts
Signs saying "No refunds on sale items" are illegal according to CHOICE.
However, you will need proof of purchase to get your money back if a discounted purchase turns out to be faulty.
Remember the sales events just around the corner
As we head into the second half of 2023, the calendar is packed with sale dates including Amazon Prime Day from July 11-12, the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales starting November 24, and the inevitable pre-Christmas sales.
Keeping cash in reserve lets you take advantage of all the upcoming bargains.
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