Buy Crikey: Go back a year ... and save

Buying last season's models of just about anything saves you money. Photo / Thinkstock

Last season, big discount. Anyone willing to buy last season's models of just about anything can save a lot of money. My Bosch washing machine was "last year's model" from 100% Extreme Albany, saving me several hundred dollars. And I never buy anything but last year's model of running shoe from Smiths Sports Shoes.

Price comparison site PriceMe.co.nz analysed prices on the same models of certain electronics and whiteware and found that the same model of mobile phone was on average 17.2 per cent cheaper this month than it was a year ago.

Not all categories showed such spectacular drops. Last year's dishwashers were 5 per cent cheaper, and digital cameras 4 per cent.

Some products have longer life cycles than others, says Noel Leeming's executive general manager of merchandise, Jason Bell. Computers, notebooks and tablets have a very short life - sometimes only three months - before they're discounted. A TV's life cycle is around 12 months.

Outlet malls such as Dress Smart are great for fashion discounts. Lastseason.co.nz has last year's designs from Sable & Minx and other designers at up to 90 per cent off. It also has trainers from Converse, DC and other international brands.

At Smiths Sports Shoes, last year's Mizuno Inspire 9 running shoe is $100 off at $140. This year's model is 15 per cent lighter, but otherwise there is little difference.

More deals

• Noel Leeming: Panasonic TH-L32B6Z $399. (New model $599).

• The Warehouse: Up to 50 per cent off last season's camping equipment.

• PriceMe.co.nz: Samsung Galaxy S3 phone from $439.