Ride-on cars are one of the most exciting toys for kids, offering a fun, realistic driving experience. However, they can be a significant investment, especially for high-quality models. Timing your purchase can make a big difference, helping you find the best deals, ensure a wide selection, and even secure upgraded features. So, when is the best time to buy a ride-on car for your little one? Here are the key times of year when you can find the best bargains and a few insider tips on what to look for.
1. Holiday Sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas)
One of the best times to buy a ride-on car is during the holiday season, particularly around major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Retailers tend to offer deep discounts on toys during these times, and ride-on cars are no exception. During the holiday rush, stores compete to provide the best deals, and shoppers can take advantage of markdowns that aren’t available any other time of year.
Why It’s a Good Time:
- Significant discounts of 20-50% off or more.
- Bundle deals or upgrades may be included.
- A wider selection is available as stores stock up for holiday shoppers.
Tip: Start monitoring deals in early November to catch pre-Black Friday promotions. Some retailers begin their sales early or offer exclusive online-only discounts.
2. End of Summer (August to September)
As summer comes to an end, outdoor toys like ride-on cars often go on sale as retailers clear out stock to make room for fall and winter items. This is a great time to purchase a ride-on car if your child enjoys outdoor activities and you want to take advantage of the remaining warm weather before the colder months set in.
Why It’s a Good Time:
- Stores offer clearance deals on summer toys to make space for fall/winter merchandise.
- Fewer buyers during this period means less competition for deals.
- Ideal if you want to buy a ride-on car before the holiday rush.
Tip: Keep an eye on clearance sections in stores and online in late August and early September. You may find some last-chance deals on popular models.
3. Post-Holiday Sales (January)
If you missed the holiday season deals, the post-holiday period in January is another excellent time to buy a ride-on car. Retailers often have excess inventory left over from the holiday season, and they are eager to clear it out, leading to steep discounts on toys.
Why It’s a Good Time:
- Holiday returns and excess stock can lead to significant price reductions.
- Great deals on models that didn’t sell during the holiday season.
- Fewer people shopping for toys after the holidays, leading to less competition.
Tip: Look for “open-box” or returned items, which may be discounted even further. Just be sure to check that the item is still in good condition and comes with all necessary parts.
4. Spring Sales (March to April)
With spring comes an increase in outdoor activities, and many retailers introduce new models of ride-on cars during this time. While the newest models may be at full price, last year’s models will often see markdowns as retailers make room for the latest products. Spring is also a great time to purchase if you want your child to enjoy their new ride-on car during the warm months ahead.
Why It’s a Good Time:
- New models are released, leading to discounts on older models.
- Spring promotions encourage outdoor play, leading to special sales events.
- A wider selection of new and clearance models is available.
Tip: Compare the features of last year’s models to new releases. In many cases, the differences are minimal, allowing you to save money on an older model without sacrificing quality or features.
5. Off-Season Purchases (Winter Months)
While ride-on cars are typically associated with outdoor fun during the spring and summer, purchasing during the off-season can lead to unexpected savings. Retailers may offer promotions or lower prices on outdoor toys during the winter months when demand is lower.
Why It’s a Good Time:
- Lower demand for outdoor toys means retailers may offer unadvertised sales.
- Buying off-season allows you to spread out the cost of holiday shopping.
- Great deals can be found in-store and online, especially for out-of-season inventory.
Tip: Check online retailers during the colder months. While brick-and-mortar stores may reduce stock, online stores often continue to offer a wide selection of ride-on cars at lower prices
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6. Special Retailer Events
Certain retailers hold annual sales events that offer significant savings on toys, including ride-on cars. Some of these events include Amazon Prime Day, Walmart Rollback Sales, and Target’s Toy Sale. These events typically feature discounts on a wide range of products, and ride-on cars are often included in the sales.
Why It’s a Good Time:
- Special promotions can lead to major savings.
- Online-only sales often include exclusive deals or early access for members.
- Retailers may bundle ride-on cars with accessories for added value.
Tip: Sign up for email alerts or loyalty programs from your favorite retailers to receive notifications about upcoming sales events. This way, you won’t miss out on limited-time deals.
What to Look For During Sales
When shopping for a ride-on car, it’s important to pay attention to certain key factors to ensure you’re getting the best value:
- Battery Life: Check the voltage of the car (6V, 12V, 24V) to determine how long it will last and how fast it can go. Higher voltage cars are generally more powerful and longer-lasting.
- Safety Features: Look for parental remote controls, seatbelts, and adjustable speed settings, especially for younger children.
- Durability: Consider the type of terrain your child will be driving on and choose a car with appropriate tires and suspension for smooth or rough surfaces.
- Age Appropriateness: Make sure the car is suitable for your child’s age, size, and driving ability.
Conclusion
The best time to buy a ride-on car largely depends on your budget, desired model, and how soon you want your child to start enjoying it. Holiday seasons, spring sales, and post-holiday clearance periods are all excellent times to score big savings on ride-on cars. By planning ahead and timing your purchase around major sales events, you can ensure you get the best deal on a ride-on car that will provide endless fun, learning, and adventure for your child. Visit Kids on Wheelz to explore more ride on cars
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