Refurbished vacuums typically see price drops during major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-holiday clearance sales.
Refurbished vacuums offer significant savings, but timing your purchase right can mean even bigger discounts. Unlike new models, refurbished units follow different pricing patterns based on inventory cycles, seasonal demand, and retailer strategies.
Best Times to Buy Refurbished Vacuums
1. Post-Holiday Clearance (January-February)
After Black Friday and Christmas sales, retailers discount remaining refurbished stock. Check stores like Best Buy and Amazon in early January when they clear holiday inventory. For example, Shark refurbished models often drop 15-20% after New Year’s.
2. Model Refresh Periods (Spring/Fall)
When manufacturers release new vacuum lines, previous-gen refurbished models get price cuts. Dyson typically updates models in March and September – watch for discounts on refurbished cordless vacuums during these months.
3. Prime Day & Holiday Weekends
While refurbished items aren’t always included in promotions, major sales events can trigger price drops. During Amazon Prime Day (July) and Labor Day weekend, we’ve seen Roborock refurbished robot vacuums discounted up to 30%.
Where to Find the Best Deals
Manufacturer Refurbished Stores
Brands like Shark and Bissell offer certified refurbished vacuums with warranties. Their direct sites often have steeper discounts than retailers – sometimes 40% off MSRP.
Open-Box Sections
Check Best Buy and Home Depot’s open-box inventory. These are essentially refurbished units that may have been returned unused. Prices fluctuate daily based on how long items sit in inventory.
Warehouse Clubs
Costco and Sam’s Club occasionally offer refurbished vacuum/mop combos at liquidation prices. These typically appear mid-quarter when clubs rotate inventory.
Price Tracking Strategies
| Tool | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| CamelCamelCamel | Tracks Amazon price history for refurbished models |
| Keepa | Shows refurbished price trends and inventory levels |
| Retailer Price Alerts | Best Buy and Walmart offer alerts for specific products |
According to Consumer Reports, the sweet spot for appliance purchases (including vacuums) is late fall when new models arrive and old stock gets cleared.
What “Refurbished” Really Means
Certified refurbished vacuums undergo:
- Full diagnostic testing
- Replacement of worn parts
- Deep cleaning and sanitization
- New accessories (bags, filters)
- Warranty coverage (typically 1 year)
As noted by FDA guidelines, proper refurbishment should restore devices to like-new condition.
Red Flags to Avoid
Watch for these warning signs when buying refurbished:
- No warranty information
- Missing model numbers
- “As-is” sales terms
- Seller won’t provide refurbishment details
For those considering alternatives, our guide to the best robot vacuums for pet hair compares both new and refurbished options.