Two things are involved or even more than two. First most times coins never go below ICO price. A good recent example is Credits. Since being listed irrespective of the bear market, it has stayed above ICO price. But for some projects the good time is to buy the dips or from exchange. If you're investing, split your funds into 3 buy a option during ICO if you must then the second part during exchange listing and then during dips.

In order to maximize profit I think the best time to invest in alternative coin is during pre sale. There is always a lot of bonus and with a lesser price.

If you see potential in a certain ico and you think that its upcoming project will truly benefit you, then invest in it during its ico time. However, if by chance you get to encounter altcoins that are actually doing good in the market and provides good profit then you can also invest in it. For me, one thing that would truly convince me to invest in an altcoin is when i see potential in it and if its project is realistic and beneficial regardless if its in the ico stage or after ico.

I think that its right now . All altcoins are bottom of price . You can buy them and get some profits when the price goes higher  . You should buy altcoins from the potential projects .

Best time to buy altcoin may be during there market exchange at that time you may know the characteristics of some project if it's going to success and their ability to progressive platform. That is the time you can invest or bought.

Best time to buy is during ICO during the presale you tend to enjoy high bonus from the .

The best time to buy altcoins in modern period of time had passed. Prices are growing, they reached some level already and there is no sense in putting money into crypto that had grown yet. Let's wait.
Anyway if you want to put money in 1 year or more you can do it even now!

The best time to get into ICO is during pre-sale or private sale as the case maybe because of the bonuses... My opinion

I advise you to buy altcoins when the market is at the bottom, it was a few weeks ago. You can also buy coins when the market begins to grow, then you will be able to profit after a while. You can also invest in new ICOs and get coins at low prices.

Today is a very good opportunity for buying altcoins. If you are considering a long-term perspective, then I think that in this case you will be able to earn money, because everyone understands that bitcoin will still rise in price, so buying today is right, and then it will be too late.