A snow blower is a must-have if you live in a region with major snowfalls. It can make the tedious task of clearing snow on your driveway much less daunting.
The question is, when is the best time to buy a snow blower?
Timing is everything if you want to save the most bucks on machines like snow removal tools.
That is because they are seasonal products and their demand changes from month to month.
Likewise, their availability varies, depending on the time of the year. So if you want to get the best deals on snow blowers, just follow our simple tips.
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When Is the Best Time to Buy a Snow Blower?
Finding the right model to buy can be both exciting and tiring.
Once you see one that you like, you would want nothing more than to pay for it, take it home, and get it over with.
However, resist the urge to pull the trigger for a bit and consider making a purchase at the following times:
End of Winter Season
The end of winter is the “sweet spot,” so to speak, and arguably the best time to buy a snow blower.
It is true that, at this point, the snowy season is almost over.
That means you would have little use for a snow removal tool, at least for the current year.
However, when shopping around for a snow blower, you need to remember one thing: the best time to buy it is not when you need it.
That is because you tend to rush into decisions when your need is immediate.
In these situations, you are more likely to make bad purchases that you will later regret.
The end of winter is a great time for snow blower shopping because the demand for them is tapering.
Some manufacturers or retailers still have inventory they would be eager to dispose of.
More often than not, they do this by offering the current models at a lower price. That is where you come in.
If you time it right, you can find the balance between saving money and getting the types of snow blowers that meet your needs.
You won't be able to use it until ten months later, but you will be ready come next year's winter.
Summer Months
The summer months are also often kind to those who want to buy a cordless snow blower, single-stage model, or other snow blower types.
That is because, during this time, most other people will be more focused on lawn mowers and other landscaping tools.
At the same time, some snow blower manufacturers who want to get a headstart against the competition already start introducing new models.
Thus, the supply is starting to trickle in, but the demand is not yet picking up, which would be great for you.
You will be able to choose between the latest single-stage models or two-stage models and older ones that are available at a discount.
Whichever you choose, there is a good chance that you will get a favorable deal.
You will have to do some digging to find the right product for you, but you'll find that it's worth the effort.
The best months to hunt for a snow blower during summer are May and June.
Early Fall
If you missed your window of opportunity during the summer months, don't worry.
You still have a chance to get your hands on the best snow thrower at a reasonable price come fall.
At this time of the year, preparations for upcoming winter storms or heavy snow are in full swing.
In-store and online retailers are busy releasing the newest models of single-stage snow blowers, gas snow blowers, and more.
It means that the majority of snow blowers are still available for purchase. You won't be getting the best deals on snow blowers price-wise.
That said, you will get to choose from a wide selection of models from different brands.
It means you can find something that would meet your unique snow removal needs.
August and September are particularly great months if you want to shop around for a snow blower during fall.
December is right around the corner, so it would be best if you manage to buy one at this point.
The closer winter gets, the harder it is to find the right models at a reasonable price.
Black Friday
Black Friday is a hit-and-miss when it comes to snow blower purchases. This shopping event marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.
You’ll find discounts on thousands of products, from clothes and shoes to tools and equipment.
However, it is usually held at the start of the average winter months, so the demand for power snow shovels and snow blowers is high.
What is more, people will be on the lookout for these types of tools because of the promo discounts.
So the availability of, say, the full-size snow blower or cordless models you like would be up in the air.
That is especially true if you are looking for the latest models in the market.
However, if you are willing to settle for a brand new but older version, there is a good chance that you will find a great deal.
Promos From Major Retailers
As the winter season progresses, you will find that some in-store and online retailers will offer discounts on their winter gear and equipment.
Some would sell these products at a lower price than wholesale, allowing you to save a decent amount of money.
They do this to attract customers to their shops or websites and get them to buy other stuff.
Note that, more often than not, they offer brands that are not very popular.
Also, the product would be available in limited quantities, so you have to move fast.
Nevertheless, it offers an excellent opportunity to get a great deal on a good snow blower.
When Not To Buy a Snow Blower
If you do not want to use the local plow service, you should invest in a reliable snow removal tool.
Whether you get an electric snow blower, a single-stage blower, or a multistage snow blower would depend on your property.
The most significant benefit of buying one of these machines is that it lets you tackle tough jobs like removing wet snow or heavy snow.
This is something that you could not do with a shovel, which is only good for light, fluffy snow.
We have discussed the answers to the question, “When is the best time to buy a snow blower?“
So, it is time to talk about the instances when you should avoid doing it.
Middle of Winter
It is not a good time to look for a snow blower mid-winter when you are already knee-deep in several inches of snow.
That is especially true if you live in an area known to have heavier snow because the demand for these items at this point is very high.
Manufacturers and bog-box retailers will have total control over the price of their products.
On this note, make sure that you keep tabs on the amounts of snow that fall in your area.
If you get lighter snowfalls than expected, there is a good chance that the tables will turn.
Retailers will have too much inventory of cordless electric two-stage snow blowers, single-stage electric snow blowers, or any breed of a snow blower.
It means that the product manager of snow blowers will be forced to reduce their prices.
When this happens, grab the opportunity and go snow blower-hunting in retail shops near you.
Start of Snowfall
Generally, it is a very bad idea not to buy a snow blower until winter rolls in.
You shouldn't wait until the weather stations predict an upcoming snowstorm before buying a unit, either.
This is true whether you are looking for the best-rated machines, conventional two-stage machines, or even single-stage machines.
In this period of time, everyone would be scrambling to get their hands on a snow blower to clear their paved or gravel driveways.
In addition, retailers would have difficulty stocking their aisles with machines or boxes of snow blowers.
Naturally, the law of supply and demand would kick in. So what used to be a cheaper snow blower, like single-stage models or even a floor model, would cost more than usual.
If there is one time that you should avoid buying one of these products, it is this.
The only exception is Black Friday, but even then, it is not guaranteed that you will find a unit you like.
What To Consider When Purchasing a Snow Blower
Now that you have a good idea of when to buy a snow blower, the next thing you need to figure out is what model to get.
That is especially true if it is your first time shopping around for this product.
You'll find that there are too many brands and models to choose from, and picking just one can be a bit overwhelming.
So just follow these simple tips to make your decision-making process easier:
Power Source
One of the first things you need to consider before buying a snow blower is its power source.
You have three options here: battery-powered electric models, gas-powered machines, and ones with a power cord.
If you opt for the last one, make sure that you also get an extension cord, especially if you have a 150-foot driveway or longer.
Gas-powered models typically have a pull cord that you can use to start the machine.
However, newer models also come with an electric start button.
Finally, a battery-powered snow blower packs less power but offers more mobility.
Average Snowfall Depth in Your Area
Before looking at the latest snow blower models, you must first find out what winter is like in your region.
Do you get wet snow or heavier snows that are very hard to clear?
If so, you should invest in two-stage blowers that pack a lot more punch than one-stage units.
However, if you get fluffy snow most of the time, you might get away with buying a smaller unit.
Size of Your Driveway or Outdoor Area
Another thing that you need to look at when shopping for a snow blower is your outdoor space.
Steep driveways often require models with engine-driven wheels.
Also, if you have a gravel driveway, you should steer clear of one-stage snow blowers.
That is because their spinning auger is in direct contact with the ground.
Aside from these unique situations, you should also look at how long your driveway is.
The longer it is, the more robust your snow blower should be.
Timing Is Key
When it comes to buying seasonal products like a snowblower, timing is everything.
That is if you want to get the best possible models at a great price.
Also, do not get pressured into buying something you do not like.
As long as you start looking early, you will have plenty of time to buy the perfect snow blower for you.
