Wednesday, August 6, 2008

The Best of Times: Best Times to Do Things

We're all trying to get things done faster and cheaper these days. I was thinking about this, and wondering if there are standard better times than other to do regular tasks. I did a little research, and here are some ideas to make your life more efficient.

Best Time to Buy Gas
Studies show that the best time to fill up is mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) mornings before 10 a.m. Why? Most people buy gas from Friday through Monday, so station managers follow the supply and demand principle, and raise their rates then. They also change their prices around 10 a.m. each morning.

Best Time to Buy Airline Tickets
Travel writer Peter Greenberg says that the best time to purchase airline tickets online is Tuesday night/Wednesday morning between 12:01 a.m. and dawn. Airlines often raise rates on Friday nights, and ticket price wars occur over the weekend through Monday. By the time Tuesday night comes around, the bidding wars and competition have lowered ticket prices, just in time to sell them and start the Friday cycle all over again. If you can stay up late or get up early, here's your chance!

Best Time to Go to the Post Office
Experts agree that the best time to go to your post office in about a half hour after they open. You will miss the early-morning people, and avoid the lunchtime rush. If your post office opens too late to get there on your way to work, consider using another post office near your home or near your office.

Best Time to Call Customer Service
Research shows that the best time to call company call centers is during workday hours, around 9:30 or 10 a.m. Even 24-hour services have more staff during regular working hours, so chances are better of getting a good agent or talking to a manager. Don't call them right at 8:30 or 9 a.m., though, they need a chance to get set up, answer messages from the day before, and get their coffee, too! And avoid Monday mornings, if possible.

Best Time to Wash Your Car
Auto detailing experts say the best time to wash your car is at sunset. The key is not to let the sun dry your car before you do. Wiping it dry with a cloth reduces the water droplet marks. Parking in the shade also helps.

Best Time to Buy Shoes
Have you ever bought a pair of shoes, just to find they didn't fit the next time you tried to wear them? This is why the best time to buy shoes is late afternoon/early evening, after you've been on your feet most of the day. You should try on shoes while your feet are a little swollen, so the shoes will fit you when you wear them next.