A laptop is an extremely important purchase. It can impact your work performance, personal productivity, and everything in between. But it can also be extremely expensive if you aren’t careful. That’s why you should be a smart shopper and look around for laptop deals whenever you can find them.

1. Time Your Purchase

Timing can be everything when it comes to purchasing a new laptop. Prices can fluctuate significantly throughout the year based on sales cycles and seasons. If you’re in a position to be patient – i.e. your current laptop still works and you don’t have to buy one right this second – you may be better off waiting for the right time to buy.

For example, the back-to-school season, typically from late July through early September, is a great time to find deals on laptops as stores aim to attract students who are preparing for the new school year.

Additionally, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are known for offering some of the deepest discounts on electronics. If you’re not in a rush, waiting for these periods can save you a chunk of change.

2. Consider Refurbished or Open-Box Models

Refurbished laptops provide excellent value if you’re willing to buy something that isn’t technically “brand new.” These are units that have been returned, sometimes without being used, due to reasons like buyer’s remorse or defective parts. If the laptop has defective parts, they are completely repaired before being sold at a lower refurbished price.

Refurbished laptops often come with a warranty, making them a reliable option. Open-box items – products returned and sold without the original packaging – also tend to offer a good compromise between price and newness. Both options are typically available through reputable vendors who ensure the products meet high standards. You may be able to save anywhere from 10 to 30 percent off the normal sticker price.

3. Compare Prices and Shop Around

Want some advice? Don’t buy the first laptop you like. Spend some time comparing prices across different retailers. You’ll often find there’s a great deal of flexibility in price ranges across different companies, websites, and stores.

Online platforms often have better deals or exclusive online discounts that aren’t available in stores. Websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg are good places to start. If you’re specifically looking for laptop deals in Canada, the HP website is always a good option.

Tools and browser extensions that track price histories and alert you to discounts can also be incredibly helpful when shopping online. You can use them to get the best deal available at the time of your purchase. (These tools typically aggregate data from hundreds of different sites and then alert you when there’s a cheaper price elsewhere.)

4. Look for Last Year’s Models

Technology evolves quickly, and new models are released every year. However, sometimes the differences between the latest model and its predecessor are minor, especially in terms of performance. It might be that they just changed the color of the laptop and added a couple of extra shortcut buttons. (This isn’t always true – there are years where significant changes are made – but you should always compare and contrast the features/specs from one year to the next.)

All of that to say this: Purchasing a slightly older model can save you a lot of money while still providing the functionality you need. As new models come out, older versions typically drop in price but are still more than capable of handling average computing needs. Keep this in mind if you’re someone who is fine with not having the brand new, latest and greatest model.

5. Take Advantage of Discounts

If you’re a student, teacher, or military personnel, you might be eligible for additional discounts. Many major retailers and brands offer educational discounts that can be applied to laptops and other tech gear. It’s worth checking if you qualify for any of these discounts before making a purchase. Plus, if this is for your job, some workplaces have partnerships with tech companies that allow employees to purchase computers at a lower cost.

6. Stick to Core Features Only

Before you shop, decide what features you actually need in a laptop. Higher specifications like a larger screen, more RAM, or a bigger hard drive increase the price. If you don’t need your laptop for intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, you can opt for lower specifications and still get a machine that meets your needs.

Find the Right Laptop at the Right Price

Buying a laptop doesn’t have to put you in debt. With the right approach and a healthy amount of patience and research, you can save money and get a computer that’s perfect for your needs.

When it comes time to purchase your next laptop, keep these tips in the back of your mind!