Spring has officially sprung, and as we prepare for the warmer weather, many people across the country are eager to return their outdoor spaces to former glory after a wet winter.
As the weather begins to warm up the demand for garden furniture is on the rise, with searches up by 150% in the last week alone, as many look for new items to liven up their gardens.
But with demand high, how can savvy shoppers save on new items?
To help you save this spring, Nick Drewe, Discount Expert at Online Coupon Platform, Wethrift, has provided some tips and tricks on how to save money on patio and garden furniture, as well as plants and decorative finishes.
1. Pick ex-display garden furniture
If you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor space, without breaking the bank, then head down to your local garden centre, or home and garden furniture store and ask to see if they have any ex-display items available. You can often make big savings on furniture when it has been used in the showroom. There is also often a similar option for online shopping.
However, it’s always important to check for damage and wear and tear when the item is ex-showroom. Little scuffs and scratches can be buffed out or easily hidden, but larger damage on furniture can be difficult to disguise – when this is the case, see if you can haggle for further discount.
2. Buy second-hand furniture
While it can be tempting to purchase new furniture when preparing your garden for spring, you can save money by shopping second-hand. In many cases, furniture is purchased, used once and stored away in a garage or conservatory, collecting dust.
Head down to your local charity and second-hand furniture shops, or check out Facebook Marketplace and eBay to find all your gardening essentials.
3. Take advantage of seasonal offers
Now, the best time to buy any gardening essentials is in winter, as most retailers drop their prices significantly during the colder months of the year. However, as we approach spring and the demand for outdoor furniture rises, many brands will introduce seasonal offers.
Sign up for a selective number of retailers and monitor your inbox for deals and discounts. Additionally, using a quick Google search you can find out exactly what stores will be slashing their prices on spring home and garden essentials this month.
4. Use discount codes
Take the time to manually search for retailers’ discount codes online before making a purchase, but ensure you are being strategic with which codes will give you the highest savings. For example, when making a large purchase, a 10% off discount code will likely save more than £10 off discount code.
5. Price compare before purchasing
Always scope out offers in advance, to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Many retailers will be offering spring deals, so check the store website in advance to see which is providing the biggest discount on your selected items.
To save yourself the largest sum, download a product price tracker that monitors the price of different items in your wishlist. This notifies you which brands, including Amazon, Groupon, Very and more have the most significant discounts and when the prices drop.
6. Shop long-life plants
As we all know, the demand for plants and flowers climbs during springtime, as many prepare their gardens for the warmer months of the year. To save money, you might be tempted to shop the sale for discounted items. However, if you don’t do your research, you could be wasting money, as some plants will have already passed their season.
7. Shop for quality products
While it can be tempting to find a more affordable version of your garden furniture, it could end up costing you more money in the long run. With the unpredictability of British weather, your garden items need to be hard-wearing and able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
When shopping, look for product reviews to see what other shoppers have said about the quality of the item and always buy from reputable suppliers.
