Exploring Tax Free Weekend Online Shopping
As each spring and summer passes, the excitement builds for parents and students across the United States in anticipation of the much-awaited tax-free weekend event. Tax-free weekends, also known as sales tax holidays, are opportunities for shoppers to buy designated consumer products and good without the imposed sales tax. The weekends typically occur during the back-to-school shopping period or the hurricane season in August.
If you thought it couldn’t get any better, you were wrong. Online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy offer the same tax-exempt advantage online as the brick-and-mortar stores. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of shopping online during tax-free weekends and show how you can save more money while capitalizing on these cost savings.
Pros and Cons of Tax Free Weekend Online Shopping
The primary disadvantage of going to the store during tax-free weekends is that people must wait in long lines. Thank goodness for the invention of online shopping, where shoppers can buy anything they want instantly. Shopping during tax-free weekend online comes with benefits such as convenience, wider selection, and fewer crowds, but there are downsides as well, including delayed delivery and shipping fees.
Although shopping online is less time-consuming than going to the store, some retailers have strict shipping policies that may lead to late deliveries. Additionally, shipping fees could prevent shoppers from making the best savings. Therefore, buyers should factor in the shipping cost of products they intend to purchase before making a final decision. However, some retailers provide free shipping on products that qualify for the tax-free discount, so buyers should keep an eye out for such deals.
Aside from those drawbacks, online shopping during tax-free weekends is an efficient way of shopping. With just a few clicks, shoppers can find what they want and have it delivered to their doorstep within a few days. In contrast, traveling to a store takes extra time and effort. In essence, shopping online means that one can spend more time with the family and avoid the long lines.
How to Save Money During Tax-Free Weekends
Every shopper would love to save money when shopping, but it takes planning and a whole lot of research to make the most of tax-free weekend deals. Introduction of tax-free weekends in 1997 aimed to provide relief to consumers by reducing their tax obligation, among other benefits. While buyers stand to save a considerable sum, not all products are eligible for the tax exemption. Therefore, shoppers must be informed about which products qualify for the discount and which ones don’t.
Before tax-free weekend begins, researchers and planners should check the product lists for their states on the Department of Revenue website. Having a shopping list of items they intend to buy during the tax-free weekend will help them identify the stores and websites that have the best deals. It’s easier to consolidate purchases from retailers that have multiple locations or websites to avoid the extra cost of shipping. By grouping items, buyers can take advantage of discounts offered on various online platforms.
Moreover, shoppers need to be aware of limited-time promotions and specific product discounts. During the tax-free weekend, retailers frequently offer discounts, even in addition to the waived sales tax. Searching for promotional codes and signing up to the rewards programs offered by online stores can provide access to exclusive coupons and discounts.
A Guide to Tax-Free Weekend Online Shopping
Most states offer a tax-free weekend on different products and at different times. A quick search on the Department of Revenue’s website for yourstate will provide all of the details, such as dates, items that qualify, and the price limit, if any. On the other hand, retailers are the ones who decide whether or not to participate. Therefore, planning ahead and knowing which stores and websites participate is essential for saving money.
After identifying the type of product, shoppers can use numerous money-saving strategies. One’s savings can increase if shoppers choose to buy items in the form of bundles, utilizing free shipping and discounted items, among other deals. By paying with a cashback credit card or searching for additional promo codes, it’s possible to save even more money. It’s not uncommon for shoppers to save an additional 10-15% through these methods during the tax-free weekend.
Another strategy is to make use of social media, as many retailers provide exclusive offers and promo codes to their followers. Checking the email to take advantage of the “limited time only” offers advertised by online stores is another effective way of capitalizing on savings.
Five Best Websites for Tax-Free Weekend Shopping
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the numerous online offerings during tax-free weekends. Here are five of the best websites that offer the most significant deals:
1. Amazon – Amazon provides tax-free holiday deals on many eligible items, making it a perfect place to save on essentials during the tax-free weekend.
2. Walmart – Walmart features unique deals on back-to-school products, in addition to free two-day shipping on orders more than $35.
3. Target – For those preparing for back-to-school supplies, Target offers free shipping on most eligible items, including school uniforms, supplies, and backpacks over $35.
4. Macy’s – Macy’s provides a 20% discount on select items during the tax-free weekend.
5. Best Buy – Best Buy offers free shipping on qualifying orders, providing buyers with an excellent opportunity to make their purchases early and with ease.
Top Ten Deals to Look for During Tax-Free Weekend Sales
With a seemingly endless variety of discounted products during tax-free weekend sales, it’s hard to know where to start. Here are ten commonly discounted items to keep in mind:
1. Clothing – Clothing is usually one of the biggest sellers during the tax-free weekend. Shoppers can take advantage of discounted prices for back to school clothes.
2. School supplies – Including notebooks, pens, backpacks, construction paper among others.
3. Electronic devices – Laptops, tablets, and other technological devices are generally marked down by over 10%.
4. Shoes – During the tax-free weekend, shoppers can save up on their shoe purchases from their favorite brand.
5. Bedding and linens – These items are regularly discounted during the tax-free weekend.
6. Sports equipment –Volleyball, basketball, and football equipment are but a few of the discounted items in sports gear.
7. Desktops, laptops, and tablets – Electronics such as desktop computers, tablets, and laptops are among the top items sold during the tax-free weekend.
8. Outdoor gear – As the summer comes to an end, camping equipment tends to have massive discounts.
9. Accessories – Shopping for accessories like jewelry, hats, and sunglasses has its advantages as they are included in the tax-free discount.
10. Home improvements items – Including paint, insecticides, air condition units among others
Conclusion
In summary, tax-free weekends offer considerable tax savings for buyers, and shopping online doubles their benefit. In addition to being convenient, tax-free weekend online shopping provides a wider selection of discounted merchandise. Online shopping offers buyers the freedom to avoid long store queues, find the best deals, and have their purchases delivered to their doorstep. With research and planning, buyers can save more money during tax-free weekends. The aforementioned strategies will increase your chances of securing the best deals and taking advantage of free shipping opportunities.
