How to Buy a Really Cheap Thanksgiving Day Turkey

Would you believe me if I told you that you can buy a really cheap Thanksgiving Day turkey if you read this article, but if you don’t you may be spending too much? Yes, turkeys for Thanksgiving are always on sale at this time of year, but did you know that you could be spending less for your bird, much less than you may be?

The reality is that every grocery chain in the country will sell you an inexpensive turkey at this time of the year, or several for that matter. That same grocery will also tell you that the same bird is on sale right now and it is. The truth is though, that you will spend too much if you buy too early. There are grocery sales, and then there are grocery sales. Why spend more than you need to?

Over the years, I have noticed a startling thing about the pricing of turkeys during the Thanksgiving holiday period. If you buy too soon, you will spend too much. Plain and simple, the early bird does not get the best deal this time. They end up paying more than you need to.

Why?

Turkeys are common loss- leader items during the holidays. Grocers purposely price them low to lure you into the store and hope that they will make up the margin on the rest of your holiday shopping list. It takes a lot of ingredients to make a Thanksgiving Day feast full of classic Thanksgiving heirloom recipes. Once they have you through the door then you will more than likely buy everything else you need right?

So, when should you buy your Thanksgiving Day turkey to get the best pricing? Over the last 10 years since I began tracking the prices at this time of year, I can tell you that the same pattern has always held true. Prices on turkey remain high until just before the holiday. The best grocery ad of the year for low pricing on all items needed for a full feast meal start the week just prior to the holiday. It never fails that the turkey and everything else you will need is the cheapest at this time.

You don’t need to worry about the price going up before the holiday. Usually that happens just after the holiday has passed. Most often price increases happen the day after.

Find out how to maximize your savings on your Thanksgiving Day turkey and meal and find free grocery coupons to help you save.