To buy or not to buy during the end of the financial year sales is not the question. What to buy and how to find it is.

Finding the best sales during the EOFY can be a daunting task, as we are bombarded by ads spruiking the major sales going on all around us.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here’s our recipe for saving money and time during this year’s EOFY sales.

Click the owl for your sales checklist:  

Add seasoning

As we move into the winter, retailers aren’t going looking to sell thongs, board shorts.

Furniture companies and technology retailers are also looking to clear out some seasonal items to make room for future stock, which is all a plus for the consumer.

By targeting these seasonal products, you can find considerable savings.

Cook slowly

During sales periods, as consumers, we often feel compelled to go out and buy the product immediately, but some of the best discounts could come to those who are a little patient and wait.

Australian Retailers Association executive director Russel Zimmerman says good retailers often get rid of 75 per cent of their stock before the first EOFY sales cycle. They then hold a first cycle of sales, then a second and sometimes a third, where the discount and value increases.

“You’ve got a pair of shoes that is $100, you make the first cut to $80,” and “then you go to your second cut from $80 down to $60,” Zimmerman added.

Having patience can particularly pay off for products like furniture and technology, but may be a little risky for items like clothes and shoes.

Study the menu

Understand what you want, how much you need, what the savings are, and where the best sales are.

To find the greatest sales, we must be proactive and inform ourselves, according to Katharina Kuehn, a director with RDG Insights.

She recommends utilising the internet to compare local and international prices, and research the products on your shopping list.