Appliances are big-ticket purchases that require careful research and comparison shopping. If you want to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal, try some of these easy strategies:
Look for seasonal sales—Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day and even after Christmas are great times to score discounts. And if you’re not happy with a purchase, retailers often price match.
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Look for Discount Codes
When shopping for appliances online, looking for coupon codes is important. Many online retailers like Wayfair offer discounts or promotions throughout the year. These discounts include free shipping, coupons, or even cash back. It’s also worth considering signing up for a rewards program to access exclusive promo codes and giveaways. Another great way to save is to buy appliances during seasonal sales. For example, new dishwasher models tend to be released in September and October, refrigerators in May and ranges/ovens in January. These are prime times to score deals on these appliances, as retailers will try to clear out inventory to make room for the newer models.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to check with local stores that sell appliances. These retailers often have appliance demos that allow you to see the products in person before purchasing. Additionally, they may have exclusive model options that aren’t available at other retailers.
Compare Prices
When shopping for appliances, it’s important to compare prices. This is especially true for large devices like refrigerators, ovens, and washers/dryers. Using online price comparison tools is one way to do this, but you can also ask friends and family members who have recently purchased the appliance you want. Another great way to compare prices is to shop during sales. Many retailers offer yearly or seasonal appliance sales that can provide major discounts on the latest models. Also, watch for big holidays such as Thanksgiving and Black Friday, when retailers often advertise their appliances. If you’re on a budget, it’s a good idea to consider buying a used appliance. Online marketplaces are the best places to find used machines for sale. Alternatively, you can visit store-based scratch and dent warehouses to score appliances at a fraction of their retail price. Just compare the prices and warranty terms between retailers before purchasing. Also, be sure to factor in delivery and installation costs when comparing prices.
Read Customer Reviews
Online shoppers are increasingly willing to spend their hard-earned cash on long-term durables like home appliances. However, consumers aren’t just buying what they see but also looking at other factors, such as ratings and reviews. 86% of online shoppers say they won’t buy a product without reading the reviews. Consumers rely on various elements when reading online reviews, including the recency of review content and the length, depth and detail of each study. For example, most online shoppers prefer to find reviews less than a week old, and a quarter of those want to read reviews one to three months old. You may also want to check the return and exchange policies if the appliance doesn’t arrive in perfect condition. It’s also important to read the appliance’s description and specifications, Skirboll says.
Take Advantage of Manufacturer Rebates
For those who need appliances for their home renovation projects or to replace old ones, rebates can be a great way to save money. Check with local utility providers or energy-efficiency programs. Look for appliance sales around holidays such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day to find great deals. But make sure you read the reviews and product specifications carefully. Also, if you can wait until a new model is released, you can save by buying a year-old model, which will be discounted to clear out inventory and make room for the latest products. If you can’t wait for a sale, try looking for manufacturer-direct discounts online. This can help you cut the cost of your purchase by eliminating shipping and delivery fees and possibly even reducing warranty costs.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Unless you’re buying an appliance that needs to be installed immediately (like an air fryer), most retailers offer generous return policies. That’s especially true for big-box stores with more space to accommodate returns than smaller ones. But you should still check the retailer’s policy before you buy to ensure you won’t be stuck with an appliance that doesn’t work in your home. Some retailers even have special online shopping tools that let you virtually “walk through” a room with a new appliance and see how it might fit. It would help if you also asked about any extra fees (like delivery, restocking or installation charges) that might apply. It might feel awkward, but don’t be afraid to haggle with a store associate. In a Consumer Reports member survey, 23 percent of major-appliance shoppers successfully negotiated a lower price, saving themselves a median of $119.