Clearance Shutters: Stylish Options on the Cheap

If you want to add stylish shutters to your home without overspending, clearance deals are the way to go. We’ll explore affordable high-quality shutters you can score at a fraction of the usual cost. From markdowns at big box stores to overstock online specials, read on for insider tips to find clearance shutter steals.

Check Big Box Store Clearance Sections

Large home improvement retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer an ever-changing selection of discounted shutters. Peruse the clearance aisles and you’ll likely find:

• Discontinued styles being phased out
• Returned special-order shutters
• Odd sizes and leftovers from custom cut projects
• Scratched or dented models
• Older shutter inventory

With a little hunting, you can get top brands like Allen + Roth and Zabitat for 50-75% off retail pricing. The damage is often minor and won’t be visible once installed.

Take Advantage of Overstock Online

Many online retailers run regular limited-time sales to clear out overstock inventory. Watch for:

• One-day flash sales with hourly markdowns
• Weekend or weekly promos with special discount codes
• Clearance sections with slashed prices

At Shutterfly, Shutterstock and DiscountShutter.com, overstock sales can reduce prices on custom-sized basswood, red oak and other real wood shutters by 40% or more.

Don’t Overlook Thrift Stores

Habitat for Humanity ReStores and thrift shops like Goodwill or Salvation Army are treasure troves for bargain hunters. You’ll be surprised what donations they receive, like:

• New in-box shutters from canceled projects or customer returns
• Once-installed shutters in great shape when homeowners renovate
• Vintage shutters with charm and character

With a bit of DIY love, a secondhand find can be reinvented into a unique focal point for just $20-$50.

Scope Out Garage and Yard Sales

Neighbors often sell off household items for a song when they move or redecorate. Keep an eye out for local garage, yard, estate and moving sales listing shutters. Even fairly worn ones can be repainted, or salvaged for DIY projects. Offer to haul away free or nearly free shutters to save the seller hassle.

Ask for Discount on Floor Models

When you shop at a local shutter supplier, inquire if they have any floor model or display shutters for sale. Stores will often deeply discount floor models to make room for new product inventory. Look past minor chips or faded finishes to score quality plantation shutters for up to 70% off retail.

Negotiate with Contractors

Did a remodeling project in your neighborhood leave a shutter contractor with leftover materials? Or extra stock not needed after a homeowner changed plans? Don’t be shy to inquire about buying their surplus shutters at a reduced price. Most contractors would rather make a little side money than pay to dispose of extra product.

Keep an Eye Out for Installation Damage

During new construction or renovations, window shutters can get easily scratched or dinged. Builders and contractors often replace slightly damaged pieces with pristine new ones. Ask if they’ll sell you the damaged shutters in “as is” condition for a super bargain. Then trim off or touch up flaws.

Buy During Closeout and Liquidation Sales

When a shutter retailer or wholesaler goes out of business, they’ll hold inventory closeout sales to empty their warehouse. Shop liquidation and closeout sales for incredible deals, sometimes saving a staggering 90% off retail cost. Be ready to move fast for the best selection.

Don’t Dismiss Pricing Mistakes

Occasionally an online vendor will accidentally list their shutters at the wrong price, far below actual value. If you happen to catch the pricing mistake in time before it’s corrected, jump on the savings. Worst case, the company will cancel the order. But there’s a good chance your mega-discounted order will be honored.

Ask About Misshipped Online Orders

When shutter packages get shipped to the wrong customer, retailers will sometimes let the recipient keep the item rather than pay for return shipping costs. It never hurts to call the company and ask if they’d like to sell you the misdelivered shutters at a discount. More often than not, they’ll make you a deal.

Scoring high-end window shutters at clearance prices takes a bit of effort and persistence. But the savings pays off nicely in added style and privacy for your home. Happy treasure hunting for once-in-a-lifetime deals!