Purchasing appliances that will become permanent fixtures in your home requires extensive research. It is important to consider size, brand reliability and a cohesive aesthetic that will complement your existing home décor. Additionally, purchasing appliances that come with a product protection plan is important. This will protect you from costly unforeseen repairs and replacements.
Convenience
Unlike traditional stores, online appliance retailers are available for shoppers to shop around the clock. Additionally, these sites provide access to various information buyers may utilize when choosing the right household appliance for their needs and preferences. For example, many large online retailers like Wayfair offer extensive product descriptions to help consumers compare and find the ideal home appliance. Additionally, these online retailers also typically have a variety of reviews from past customers that buyers can use to get an idea of what other people think about the appliances they are considering purchasing.
Furthermore, some online retailers have a massive selection of appliances from major manufacturers such as GE, Samsung, LG, and KitchenAid. They often have a “closeout” section that offers steep discounts, and their return and exchange policy is very generous. However, if you want to purchase from a local appliance retailer, you must check with each store’s customer service to ensure they will be available when needed. You can answer your questions about their products. In addition, consider checking with a credit card that offers perks for purchasing from local appliance retailers.
Saving Time
The biggest advantage of online appliance shopping is that it can save you a lot of money. While prices for large appliances are often higher in-store, savvy shoppers know there are many ways to score big discounts on those pricey pieces. The first and most obvious way to save on large appliances is to buy them when they are on sale. This is especially true for holiday sales like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, other deals are also likely to pop up throughout the year, particularly when manufacturers are about to release new models of appliances. These sales typically see older models drop in price to clear out inventory.
Another way to save is by comparison shopping with sites that can help you find the best deals on specific models. These websites allow you to view pricing for a wide range of retailers, including both brick-and-mortar stores and big-box online merchants. You can also save money by buying used or scratch-and-dent appliances. Unlike new devices, these may be backed by warranties and include additional features such as extended guarantees.
Finally, consider rebates, which can be applied at the point of purchase or afterward (requiring you to send in a rebate form). Some online retailers offer these on select appliances, such as refrigerators with energy-saving features.
Saving Money
Buying appliances is often a major investment. Knowing the best time to purchase devices helps consumers save money while ensuring they get high-quality products. Machines are prone to seasonal price fluctuations, and retailers offer various incentives to attract customers. Shopping around different online stores allows shoppers to find the best prices and perks. Regarding large appliances, buyers can expect discounts of 25 to 60 percent or more during the holidays. In addition to holiday sales, online retailers can offer regular promotions, rebates and other incentives for their customers. The most cost-effective way to purchase a new appliance is to opt for a pre-selected set of devices in one convenient package. These packages save money and time by eliminating the need to research and select appliances individually.
Additionally, online retailers can provide various additional benefits to their customers, including a full year of no-interest financing, fast shipping and fair return policies. Shoppers can further reduce costs by asking retailers for their “floor model,” a version of the product that’s been repackaged after being returned to the store. This strategy can save as much as 15 percent off the list price of the appliance.
Availability
While shopping online is convenient, it isn’t as good as a hands-on experience. It cannot be easy to get a feel for an appliance’s size and how it will work in your space without seeing it first-hand. This is why visiting a brick-and-mortar retailer and seeing devices in person is important, especially considering a large investment. In-person shoppers are likelier to be aware of flimsy parts and tricky-to-use controls. Additionally, some retailers may try to sneak in extras like a broiling pan or heavy-duty hoses you don’t need or can find cheaper elsewhere. When you shop online, make sure to compare prices at multiple websites. This is easy to do, and it can make a big difference in the overall cost of your appliance. In addition, many retailers offer discounts and sales at different times of the year. For example, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great for appliance deals. Back-to-school season is another time to look for deals, as students are moving into dorm rooms and apartments, making it a great time to buy refrigerators and washer-dryer sets. Don’t forget to check out local and regional appliance retailers as well. Many offer delivery services and installation options, and some even have professional installers on staff. Plus, smaller retailers often belong to “buying pools,” which allows them to purchase appliances at discounted rates.
