Discount Appliances
From LoveToKnow Save
There are many ways to save when purchasing discount appliances. Like with most items, it’s best to first take the time to compare brands and features. Once you’ve completed that, you can zero on bargains.
Make a Checklist
From electric mixers to microwaves, dryers to refrigerators, have a clear understanding of your needs and priorities before walking down the discount retail aisle.
Ask yourself:
- Am I buying this because I really need it, or just because I want it?
- Is the appliance energy efficient?
- Do I really need something with a lot of electronic gadgetry that’s more prone to problems?
- Will I feel comfortable buying a bargain item online without first testing all the buttons and levers?
- Does appearance of the product really matter to me, or can I accept a few dings and scratches?
- Can I accept that I may have to trade color or style of an item in order to save money?
- Will a discount appliance come with some kind of guarantee or warranty, and if not, is that a deal-breaker?
- What is the best price range for my needs at this time?
Take into consideration that your priorities and your budget may not match. Certain allowances might have to be made in order to secure the best unit for your needs.
Financial experts suggest that the best time to buy appliances is during holiday weekends. Most retailers host big sales during those times of the year.
Pros and Cons of Discount Appliances
When buying an item with moving parts, you can never be 100 percent sure of durability. However, the research you do ahead of time can help you assign value to your priorities.
Pros
- Depending on the product, you can save $50-$500 purchasing a discount appliance.
- A few dings and scratches can really bring down the price of a floor model.
- Small appliance bargains are mostly to move inventory, and no reflection on quality.
- Major manufacturers like to keep inventory fresh, so you’re just as likely to find their appliances on sale as any other manufacturer.
Cons
- Shipping and/or installation by an independent contractor may eat up the purchase savings, especially when purchasing the appliance online.
- Items by lesser-known manufacturers may be discounted because of poor quality.
- Some discount appliances are sold “as is”, without warranties or guarantees.
Where to Find Discount Appliances
Biz Rate
Save a little time and gas by first comparing products through Biz Rate. Biz Rate is a handy comparison site that lists brand-name products, general price range, and where to buy it, be it online or retail. The site features small kitchen appliances, such as coffee grinders, toasters, and Crock Pots as well as larger items such as vacuums, washer and dryer sets, and stoves.
Local Retailers
Consider what a local retailer might be able to offer in the way of discount appliances. Most local appliance stores have a higher markup than big box stores like Best Buy or Sam’s Club, but they may also have a more lucrative distributor relationship or special inventory promotions.
Owners of local stores are more likely to have stronger negotiation power than the clerk in the blue shirt working at a big box retailer. Outline your budget to the store owner, and see if there is a floor model he or she will release for a fair price.
Big Box Retailers
If the local dealer can’t cut you a deal, it’s good to check with the bigger retailers. Their buying power often allows them to get in certain models priced to move. If there are external blemishes on the product, the store has the power to discount the appliance even more.
Manufacturer Clearance Centers
Major manufacturers have outlet stores, locations where overstock, discontinued, returned, and floor models are sold. One top-name manufacturer that does is GE, which has a website dedicated to great discount appliances. One example of savings is a closeout model of a GE Profile King-Sized Washer, which recently retailed for $769, but available now through outlet site for nearly $200 less.
The site indicates that new models are added to the discount inventory daily. GE offers free shipping as well, but it’s only for delivery. Haul-away of the old appliance and set up of the new one must be handled by someone else.
U.S. Appliance
U.S. Appliance warehouses many major appliances, including factory-authorized models from LG, KitchenAid, Maytag/Whirlpool, Amana, and other top brands. This site deals primarily with higher-end models, reduced to sell because of retailer inventory overstock and/or external blemishes.
Discount Furniture Stores
Many retailers that handle discount furniture deal in small and large discount appliances, too. Again, your research prior to shopping will help you spot the bargains here.
Moving and Garage Sales
If your budget is extremely limited, consider picking up a local sales newspaper to see what discount appliances might be featured by homeowners. There’s always a concern about quality, but ask the sellers particular questions to learn more about why they’re selling it, how it operates, if they bought the same model again and why or why not.
Moving and garage sales are a great alternative if you just need something to get by on for a while, but again, be cautious, especially with larger appliances.
In Summary
Unless the refrigerator has just died and food is spoiling, you usually have time to search for the best deal on a discount appliance. Establish your checklist, determine your priorities, and do a little comparison shopping, and you'll be satisfied with your purchase for years to come.
Related Save Topics
This page has been accessed 2,559 times. This page was last modified 17:26, 24 February 2007.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
