When buying appliances, most people are reactive rather than strategic. Consequently, they often pay more than they should. But if you know when to purchase appliance models, you can score deals unavailable at other times of the year.
Don’t Be Afraid to Shop During Holidays
A new refrigerator, washer, dryer, or dishwasher can be a major investment. However, if you wait for the best deals like Wayfair coupons, you can save hundreds of dollars on your purchase. Major appliances like these become more affordable at certain times of the year when retailers and manufacturers are trying to clear out old inventory. For example, look for floor models or open-box units that have been returned. These appliances are generally heavily discounted and usually have a standard full-length warranty. Another good time to buy is around holidays or sales weekends. These days offer retailers a reason to discount their products, especially for Black Friday and Cyber Monday (for online purchases).
Another way to get the most bang for your buck when shopping for appliances online is to compare prices using price comparison tools. This can help you spot the lowest prices and avoid getting ripped off. Also, visit an appliance showroom in person before making a large purchase. It cannot be easy to gauge an appliance’s size from a photo or description, so seeing it in person can help you make the right decision.
Look for Manufacturer Rebates
Online shopping has much to offer consumers, including many appliances. You can find the best deals online depending on your preferences. These sites allow shoppers to take advantage of manufacturer rebates, which can help save them money on major purchases. Another way to score a great deal on an appliance is by buying it during a sales season. Most stores focus on promoting their appliance lines at certain times of the year, typically around holidays. These discounts will likely differ from the deals available during point-of-sale sales, but they can significantly affect your overall cost. Look for retailers that offer buy-one, get-one deals and free delivery as part of their promotions.
Additionally, some manufacturers, such as GE, have exclusive mail-in rebates that can be used to lower the price of an appliance. Lastly, remember to check out local stores. Some smaller shops may have better appliance prices than their larger competitors, especially if they are trying to clear out old inventory.
Shop Around
One of the best tips for negotiating appliance deals is to shop around before purchasing. You can often find the best deal by comparing prices across multiple websites and stores. In addition, many national retailers offer price-match guarantees on large swaths of products, including appliances, so it’s worth checking with your local stores to see their policies. When shopping for appliances, it’s also a good idea to look at the models in person before committing to buy. This will help you narrow your options and avoid getting talked into upgrades or features you may not need. Also, remember to check out the open-box or floor-model appliances that are sometimes discounted. These appliances often have small dents, scratches, or stains that don’t affect performance and can save you 10% to 20%. Another way to save on appliances is to shop during the last days of the month or at major holidays. Retailers are looking to meet their sales quotas and are often more willing to negotiate prices.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for a Discount
Appliances are not as much a commodity as electronics and automobiles, so shoppers should be prepared to negotiate when shopping for appliances. Especially for major appliances, you can save hundreds by simply asking for a discount.
Many retailers have “minimum advertised prices” (MAP) policies to boost their profits by squelching competition, but these policies do not apply to prices quoted over the phone or in person. To buy an appliance, comparing prices online before purchasing is important. Even the same apparatus can sell at a different price from one website to another. You can also use a browser extension to compare prices between other websites and ensure you get the best deal. You can even buy the same appliance from multiple websites and see if they offer discounts you wouldn’t have otherwise known.
Don’t Be Afraid to Shop at the End of the Month
With online shopping, you can compare pricing on multiple sites in minutes. But seeing it in person is necessary to make a large purchase like an appliance. That’s why many people shop at brick-and-mortar stores during certain times of the year when the devices they need are most likely on sale. Stores are most desperate to meet quotas in the last days of the month and often offer steep discounts, even on current model year appliances. They also usually have clearance racks with older models on sale at discounted rates. If you’re willing to take a chance on a floor or open-box appliance, you can save as much as 15%. While these appliances may have minor scratches, dents and fingerprints, they will function just fine in your home. Back-to-school is a good time to shop for small devices like microwaves and coffeemakers. Students will be moving into dorms and apartments and will need new machines. Stores may also have special deals on air-conditioners and heaters during this time to get rid of them before the summer heat kicks in.
