There’s a lot to consider when purchasing appliances for your home. But, if you follow these tips from experts, you can make a more intelligent financial investment.
Shop around, use national rating organizations, double-check measurements, and carefully read the contracts with builders. You’ll save time and money and avoid a big mistake.
Know Your Budget
Knowing your budget ahead of time is a crucial way to avoid being talked into upgrades, bells, and whistles you don’t need. You’ll also be better equipped to negotiate a deal if you know the price of the appliance you’re shopping for.
Many retailers offer price-match guarantees, so if you see an advertised sale elsewhere (within a specific time frame), ask the store to match it. You can also save money by purchasing several appliances together, like a washer, dryer, and refrigerator, in one package or taking advantage of rebates.
Know Your Needs
Experts recommend planning when buying appliances in Rockville, MD. That means knowing what you need and avoiding the temptation of sales, extensive features, or grand design.
It’s also important to know your space. Appliances vary in size, and delivery people can only get so much through every door, up every staircase, and around every corner.
Measure every passageway you’ll need an appliance to travel through before purchasing to eliminate models too large for the space and avoid a return trip or installation delay. It’s a good idea to double-check measurements even when shopping online.
Shop Around
It’s generally a good idea to replace any appliances before they’re close to the end of their life expectancy. It can save you money in the long run by preventing unnecessary replacements or repairs.
It’s also wise to shop for the best appliance model deals. Check with national rating organizations, visit several stores, and ask local appliance specialists for recommendations.
Remember that sales seasons for major appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, and dryers vary by retailer and manufacturer. Knowing which months are the best times to buy will help you maximize savings.
Compare Models
Most appliance retailers offer a selection of display models in their showrooms. Specialty appliance retailers may offer exclusive models. At the same time, big box stores typically provide a more comprehensive selection of brands and models.
It’s also essential to ask for a price discount. Some manufacturers have policies that prevent retailers from advertising prices lower than the minimum advertised price (MAP). Solicit competitive bids for your desired appliances from local competitors, considering delivery, haul-away, and installation costs. Many appliance salespeople have monthly quotas and are accustomed to providing discounts when asked.
Look for Deals
Many homeowners wait for appliance sales, using national rating organizations to find the best-ranked brands and visiting a local store to listen to a salesperson’s pitch about unique floor models and scratch-and-dent appliances. However, experts recommend a different approach to help you save money and make a wiser financial investment.
Watch for bundle deals around retail holidays like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. These offer discounts on a package of appliances (like a washer-dryer set or fridge-freezer) from a single brand.
Shop Online
Online shopping can be a great way to find deals and save time. But be sure to consider the appliances you buy carefully and to do your research. When researching a product, consult reviews, friends, neighbors, CNET, and consumer reports.
You can also look for small appliance items at places that offer free threshold shipping and delivery, with installation services available for an additional cost.
Double-Check Measurements
Double-checking measurements can save you time, money, and headaches (especially for larger appliances such as fridges, washers/dryers, and ovens) later on. Check your space and any doors the appliance will open into, like pantry or laundry room doors.
If you’re not in a rush to get your new appliances, try to shop around for the best deal. Waiting until a holiday weekend, during the off-season, or right before/after the manufacturer releases a new model can save you hundreds of dollars. Also, remember to ask about discounts for opening-box and floor models.
