Did you know that almost every product you buy has at least one "peak" sale during the year?

These peaks in sale prices are referred to seasonal sale cycles.

I'm sure you could guess a few of these sale cycles (gym equipment during January, baking supplies during November), but some are slightly less obvious. Below is a general guideline for shoppers looking to take advantage of seasonal sale cycles by buying products at the lowest price. There are of course exceptions to these guidelines, but in general you can feel confident buying or stocking up on product during the following peak sale month(s).

Seasonal clothing will always clearance at the end of the season, but you can usually find good sale during the pre-season preview.

Food items generally follow a 6 week to 3 month sale cycle. Though they may reach their lowest price during a "peak" month, you can rest assured to see a similar sale at the same store within 3 month time period. If you're not ready to buy a year supply of a product (or if it is perishable), a 6 week to 3 month supply should be sufficient.

Stores generally have a schedule of when they mark down products (food and retail alike). You can always check with the store manager for your store days. For example, Target's schedule is the following:

1. Monday - Electronics, Kids Clothing, Office & Stationary
2. Tuesday - Women's Clothing, Pets, Domestics, Food (Market)
3. Wednesday - Men's Clothing, Toys, Healthcare, Beauty, Garden, Grocery Foods
4. Thursday - Housewares, Lingerie, Shoes, Sporting Goods, Movies, Music, Books, Decor, Luggage
5. Friday - Cosmetics, Hardware, Auto, Jewelry

January

• Diet Food, Health Products, Weight Loss Supplements
• Protein Bars, Oatmeal, Yogurt
• Soups, Chili, Hot Chocolate, Coffee
• Gym/Weight Loss Equipment
• White Sales (Linens)
• Winter Clothing
• Organization Products Such as Tupperware, Planners, Cabinets
• Diapers and Baby Products – (Look for the Annual P&G Diaper & Wipe Catalina Sale)
• Cold/Flu Medicine and Treatments
• Super Bowl Foods, Party Supplies

February

• American Heart Month (Aspirin, Low Cholesterol Products, Vitamins)
• National Canned Food Month, Hot Breakfast Month
• Continuation of most January items
• Candy and Chocolates
• Floor Coverings
• Furniture
• Dog Food

March

• Official Frozen Food Month
• Items from January in clearance
• Gardening
• Spring Clothing Pre-Sales
• Cleaning Products (more so in April)
• Easter – Ham, Eggs & Candy
• Jewish Foods

April

• Cleaners Galore – think spring cleaning!
• Paint
• Winter Clothing Clearance
• Easter Products (if applicable)
• Earth Day Stuff – Eco-Friendly Items (light bulbs, reusable shopping bags)

May

• Summer Time! All Things BBQ: Sauce, Hot Dogs, Beef, Buns, Condiments, Charcoal, Etc.
• Paper Products
• Soda, Juice, & Bottled Water
• Popsicles, Chips, Fruits & Salads
• Insect/Bug Repellent
• Camping Gear
• Sunscreen
• Summer Clothing (Swim Suits) Pre-Sales
• Allergy Products
• Pet Foods (National Pet Week)
• Pools, Outdoor Toys

June

• Continuation of May
• National Dairy Month – All Things Dairy (Ice cream, butter, cream, creamer, yogurt)
• Building Materials
• Pain Relievers (National Headache Month)

July

• Continuation of June
• Sports Equipment and Clothing
• Semi-Annual Target Toy Clearance
• Back to School Sales Start

August

• White Sale (linens)
• Back to School Supplies & Office Supplies
• Backpacks
• Fall Clothing Pre-Sales
• Breakfast Foods
• Snack Foods
• Juice
• Lunch Meat (anything that goes in a lunch box)
• Patio & BBQ Clearance
• Potato Products (through the fall)
• Baby Products

September

• Lots of Back to School (Continued from August)
• Gardening Supplies
• Bicycles
• Back to School & Sports Clothing
• Canned Goods
• Housewares, Appliances
• Frozen Pizza
• Clearance Summer Clothing, Swim Suits

October

• Baking Goods and Supplies
• Ice Cream
• Holiday Foods (Pies, Marshmallows, Pudding Mixes, Stuffing, Turkey, Ham, Mashed Potatoes)
• Potatoes, etc.)
• All Things Kraft!
• Candy (Halloween)
• Serving Items
• Cars & Automotive Products
• Frozen Pizza & Other Pre-Packaged Meals
• National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – All Things “Pink”

November

• Continuation of October
• Clearance Halloween Candy
• Post-Halloween Clearance – candy and decorations
• Canned Goods
• Thanksgiving Foods
• Crock-pots and other Cooking & Baking Items
• Winter Clothing, Snow Suites Pre-Sales
• Black Friday – electronics, furniture, toys, clothing, housewares – everything!

December

• Toys
• Electronics
• Clothing
• Anything that could be a Christmas present or be used to wrap one
• Canned Goods & Soups
• Baking Supplies
• Holiday Foods (continued from November)
• Party Foods (trays, finger foods, meats, cheeses)
• After Holiday Sales and Clearance

This is a guest post from DiscountQueens.com.

Image thanks to karmadude.