I once worked for a major department store selling large kitchen appliances. The majority of my experiences with customers consisted of my educating them on most appliances. Using an appliance doesn’t mean that you know everything about it. An insider’s view on kitchen appliance deals can help you to get the best deals when shopping for big ticket appliances.
An Insider’s View On Kitchen Appliance Deals
If you’re working towards getting out of debt, having to buy a new appliance is probably not ideal. Luckily, there are a few ways to get a new kitchen appliance without feeling like you’ve seriously set yourself back a boatload financially.
Preparation Is Key
What you need is to have a basic understanding of the appliance you’re shopping for, which will give you a good starting point for appliance deals. Making a list to bring with you is a good idea, as it shows the associate you’ve already done some research. Essentially, if you come in with a basic plan, it’s highly likely that you’ll receive the best deal possible.
Skip the Upgrades
Because there are so many bells and whistles available nowadays, it’s easy to get caught up in these extra perks. Avoid them because they are costly and may cause you to stray from your get out of debt plan. In order to understand your needs, the sales associate should ask you a number of questions, so they can find you the perfect appliance.
- How much/often will you be using the appliance? It’s best to spend a little more on appliances that are used every day like refrigerators.
- Is an Energy Star rating important? Savings can be substantial over time.
- What size do you need? There really isn’t a standard size on most kitchen appliances, making it necessary for you to bring all measurements with you.
- When do you need it delivered? While most appliances are delivered within a few days, some may not be available for a few weeks or even longer.
- What color do you want? Some colors cost more.
Getting the Best Appliance Deals
The last thing any store wants is to lose a customer; there’s simply too much competition out there. And although most big box stores empower their associates by giving them the authority to make certain deals in the name of customer satisfaction, there is a bottom line to what an associate can offer.
Negotiate – Is your appliance already on sale? Ask if they’re willing to go lower, especially if it’s only 5% or 10% off (10% as a sales price is standard). The best way to get more of a discount is to simply ask the associate. If they can’t go lower on the price, ask for free delivery.
Take advantage of sales – Most stores have regular sales throughout the year, so ask when they offer their best deals, which tells the associate you’re looking for the absolute best deal possible. When is the best time of the year to buy? It’s November and December, with Black Friday offering the absolute best deals. Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Presidents Day also offer huge savings.
Ask about floor models – If you see a floor model for sale, ask how long it’s been there, as well as if it was a return. If it was returned, ask for the details and the return policy on floor models. If it has a dent, which is purely cosmetic, you can save at least 15%.
Buy last year’s top rated models – One of my favorite ways to save money when buying large kitchen appliances is to buy last year’s top rated model. Expect to save a minimum of 20% simply because the store considers it to be an outdated model. If you ask, you may get another 5% to 10% off this already discounted price.
Found the Perfect Appliance?
Great! Now it’s time to set up your delivery and installation if required. A delivery fee can cost anywhere from $35 to $75. If the appliance is extremely heavy, it may be worth the cost, but you can always pick it up for free. Most stores work with an appliance installer, so these fees will vary. When managing debt, it’s always important to weigh whether you can afford an additional fee. Knowing how much it costs to install a particular appliance is going to be very beneficial for you at this point.
Good to Know
Don’t put too much emphasis on the brand name. While some top brands are well-known for making a great dishwasher, that same brand may not make the best stove. Also, if you happen to be remodeling or buying for an apartment building, let the associate know upfront, so they can offer you the best buying in bulk deals. And yes, stores still price match, so take advantage.
Author Bio: Laura Foor is a freelance writer who specializes in writing quality articles for online publication for 6+ years. Graduating from UCB with a degree in Environmental Sciences in 2009, she also works part time as a Farmers Market manager where she focuses on healthy food education.
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