By Bobbi Burger Brunoehler of Bobbisbargains.

The last few days of the year are a buyer’s market. Stores are trying to make every sale that they can via year end clearance sales. Hopefully at this point every sale they make is profit. This means that you, the consumer, can get some great deals.

The other not-as-well-known reason that there are great sales is because stores have to do a year-end inventory. They REALLY want to get rid of items that aren’t selling because not only are they taking up shelf space, employees would rather not count them. Stores that are seasonal will be clearing their shelves bare before the end of the month because their leases are ending.

Be open to just about anything. Remember, everyone you know will be having a birthday in the next 12 months. The winter holidays will come around – surprise – in a year. There will be Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, 4^th of July, etc. Approach the year end clearance with your entire upcoming year in mind. I just picked up deeply discounted items for two of my friends for their birthdays at 50% off. My son will be enjoying his graduation present at 75% off and I got my niece her birthday present at 90% off.

First of all, check every clearance shelf and rack. You might need to go to the very back of the store, but sometimes this short walk can prove very beneficial. Mark-downs as much as 90% can be found.

You can always ask the manager for a larger discount. Don’t be afraid to ask for another 5 or 10 percent off. The worst that can happen is that they say no.

There isn’t a store that isn’t having some sort of sale right now. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a sweater or a car, a deal can be found. And don’t forget about Amazon’s year end sales. As always, make sure you know the return policy of the store and keep your receipt.

Scoop up those deeply discounted items and store them away in a special box designated just for that purpose. You’ll be glad you went to the trouble when that special occasion rolls around and you have already gotten the gift. Don’t worry if you can’t make it by the end of the year. Many of the sales last into the new year.

Well, that’s how I do it. What about you?