12 Things Smart Shoppers Never Pay Full Price For
Savvy shoppers know that paying full price for certain items is a rookie mistake. When it comes to things like electronics, textbooks, and everyday essentials, there’s almost always a way to score a deal. Whether it’s timing your purchase right, hunting for discounts, or buying secondhand, smart buyers know how to stretch their dollars to keep more cash in their pocket. Here are 12 things you should never pay full price for, plus a few tips on how to outsmart the system.
1. Gym Memberships
Though gyms bank on an influx of sign ups right after New Year’s, savvy users know to wait a bit for demand to wane, especially since most resolutions fizzle by mid-February. Many gyms offer promotions and summer deals, while some chains may even waive enrollment fees, so don’t be afraid to ask. If it applies to you, look into student, corporate, or even employer discounts to further slash costs. And don’t overlook budget-friendly options like ClassPass or your local community center.
2. Textbooks
Paying full price for textbooks is basically throwing money away. Savvy students know to use sites like Chegg and eCampus to rent textbooks for a fraction of the cost. Platforms like Amazon and BooksRun also have options that allow you to buy used books and resell them later. Digital versions or older editions typically cost pennies on the dollar and cover the same material.
Pro tip: Always check your school library first, as many will keep textbooks on reserve for free or short-term use.
3. Cellphones
When it comes to cellphones, you can bank on a new model dropping every year like clockwork. But oftentimes, the “new” upgrades are so minor that last year’s model becomes a bargain overnight. Carrier deals (especially around Black Friday) typically include free phone upgrades with trade-ins, sometimes with no contract required.
Refurbished models from trusted sellers are also worth looking into if you’re loathe to paying full price on electronics. But if your current phone still works fine, a battery replacement (shouldn’t cost more than $100) might be all you need.
4. Furniture
Furniture markups are steep (often to the tune of 2o% to 50% above wholesale!). To avoid paying an arm and a leg for that sectional you’ve been eyeing, smart shoppers know to wait for holiday sales like Memorial or Labor Day when discounts often hit 50% or more. Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or even estate sales can also be goldmines for barely-used, quality pieces. If you happen to see a lower price by a competitor, don’t be afraid to let the store know; sometimes the store will honor and match it.
5. Mattresses
Here’s a secret the mattress industry doesn’t want you to know: There’s always a sale around the corner. Major holidays like President’s Day and Fourth of July bring the biggest discounts (often 40% to 60% off), but even random weekends can offer surprise deals. Once you’ve found your dream mattress, it’s time to put your negotiator hat on. This is especially true with local mattress stores or independent retailers that are willing to knock an extra 10% to 20% off the sticker price if you just ask.
Online brands like Casper and Nectar also offer flash sales or bundle deals (though you typically can’t haggle here). Lastly, don’t overlook warehouse stores like Costco for steep discounts.
6. Plane Tickets
Timing is everything when booking flights. While conventional wisdom says to book early, the sweet spot is actually 2-3 months prior for domestic flights and over 90 days for international travel. Always search in incognito mode to avoid price hikes from repeated searches, and aim for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday departures, as studies show these are typically the cheapest days to fly. Consider also signing up for Google alerts or airline newsletters to get the best deals sent to your inbox.
7. Designer Clothing
The fashion industry counts on impulse buys, but smart shoppers know that paying retail means getting ripped off. After all, why pay full price when you can snag the best deals at sample sales, outlets, and even consignment stores? Consider also checking sites like The RealReal or Poshmark that sell gently-used luxury items for a fraction of the price. Even department stores discount high-end brands seasonally — you may just have to wait a bit for prices to come down.
Pro tip: Time your shopping for end-of-season clearance (January and July), and always pay with a cash-back card to stack savings.
8. Prescription Glasses
Though optical stores will mark up frames and services, online retailers like Warby Parker and Zenni offer the same lenses for a fraction of the cost — and sometimes they’ll even throw in perks like anti-reflective coating for free. If you have insurance, check with your provider to see if they’ll cover the full or partial cost of the exam, plus new lenses. Many brick-and-mortar stores also offer price-matching or other deals, so if you find a pair of glasses that’s listed for less online, be sure to let them know.
9. Car Rentals
When renting a car, savvy travelers know that having a few tricks up their sleeve can make all the difference. While airport counters are convenient, off-site locations typically offer the same vehicles for much less (about $86 cheaper, according to Nerd Wallet). Always check weekly rates, even for shorter trips, as they tend to be cheaper than daily pricing. Apps like Turo also offer convenient and affordable rentals (including luxury vehicles), even for last-minute bookings.
Lastly, always decline to buy insurance if your credit card already covers it. And don’t forget to check for additional discounts you may qualify for if you have a membership through AAA or Costco.
10. Groceries
To save on groceries and everyday essentials, a clever tactic is to stock up during holiday sales (think turkey after Thanksgiving or chocolate and candy after Valentine’s Day). Buy generic brands — they’re often identical to name brands — and remember to use store apps for any hidden coupons. Buying in bulk (when it makes sense) and shopping seasonal produce can also further slash costs; just be sure to focus bulk purchases on pantry staples and not perishables.
11. Hotel Stays
Want to upgrade your stay without increasing the budget? Booking directly through the hotel can score you perks like free upgrades or even late checkouts. For last-minute deals, check on apps like HotelTonight to find discounts on unsold rooms. If your dates are flexible, consider traveling during off-peak seasons (spring and fall) when rates are typically lower. If you qualify for AAA, military, AARP, or corporate discounts, these memberships can further slash prices.
If all else fails, a friendly smile at check-in, coupled with, “Any complimentary upgrades available?,” can work wonders.
12. Subscription Services
Subscription fees can quickly add up, but there are ways to avoid paying full price. To snag the best deals, hunt for promo codes (type in “[Service] + promo code 2025” in your search bar), take advantage of student or first-time discounts, and share family plans for streaming services like Netflix and Spotify. Meal kit services like HelloFresh also constantly rotate new-customer deals.
Pro tip: Pause subscriptions instead of canceling; many services will offer discounts to win you back.