If you’re shopping for a new appliance, you can do a few things to score a great deal. This includes looking for discounts, asking for them, and taking advantage of special offers like cash-back credit cards.
Another trick is to shop during model-year clearance sales or retail holidays. This can save you up to 70 percent off of a brand-new appliance.
Look for Deals
Appliances aren’t cheap; purchasing the most expensive models can be tempting. But a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean better quality. Instead, focus on the features that are most important to you and stick to your budget. Buying appliances as a bundle can help you save. Plus, you can usually get a discount with a gift card. Third-party sites like Raise will buy unwanted or unused gift cards from people and sell them to consumers at a discount.
Look for appliance sales at local stores and national chains. Some stores offer deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday or after newer models roll out. Others may have clearance sections where older models are drastically reduced to accommodate the latest products. You can also find deals online by expanding your search to include retailers that carry the specific product you’re looking for but don’t typically run large promotions. Purchasing online can also give you access to manufacturer rebates. Those can be even more significant savings than the retailer discounts.
Ask for Discounts
It might seem like an exclusive perk for the bold and well-connected, but everyone can score a discount on appliances. Just be sure to ask while presenting relevant information about competitor pricing politely, and you could walk away with significant savings.
Manufacturers often offer rebates on their appliances in the form of instant discounts or mail-in coupons, click here for more information. The former takes the price straight off the appliance, while the latter requires you to meet basic requirements, fill out a form online or on paper, and then send it in.
Ask if the store has special deals or promotions when shopping for large appliances. Some retailers have price-match policies, while others may offer discounts for military and veterans, teachers, medical personnel, or first responders.
According to a Consumer Reports survey, shoppers who successfully negotiated prices on large appliances saved an average of $140. Just be sure to make your request when the store isn’t busy so that it’s easy for staff to say yes or no. Also, remember that walking away is always OK if you can’t get what you want.
Take Advantage of Manufacturer Rebates
Manufacturer rebates are financial incentives offered by manufacturers and producers to encourage purchases of their products. Unlike discounts that directly reduce the price at checkout, these post-purchase incentives offer buyers money back after purchase that can be redeemed for cash or credit. This strategic method for stimulating sales and building brand loyalty appeals to shoppers who value savings without impacting the initial cost of an item.
Typically, rebates involve purchasers submitting claim submission forms within specific timeframes after purchasing qualifying products. Some require physical forms to be mailed in, while others allow online website submissions. Often, rebate submissions include proof of purchase, such as receipts or Universal Product Codes (UPC) snipped from packaging.
The size of a manufacturer’s rebate can vary considerably. A typical rebate amount is a fixed sum, but some are based on percentages of the item’s total price. Some companies even offer back money on installing appliances that have earned the Energy Star label. Regardless of the rebate size, consumers should be aware that it can take weeks for a company to process a claim submission. This is why keeping a copy of the claim form and receipt is always a good idea.
Look for Free Installation
Appliances are expensive to purchase but can be even more costly when you factor in installation. This is why it’s always worth checking to see if your appliance vendor or manufacturer offers free installation with a purchase. Usually, this will be advertised as an instant rebate that’s applied at the time of checkout. Alternatively, some companies offer mail-in rebates that can be claimed later by providing proof of purchase and model numbers.
Another great option is looking for appliance rebates geared toward energy savings. Many power companies and home-efficiency organizations offer these incentives to encourage consumers to upgrade their old appliances with new ones that operate more efficiently.
With the right tools, it’s easy to find the best deals on household appliances that won’t break the bank. These tips allow you to make your dream appliances a reality without paying dream prices. The best part is that most of these tricks can be combined to maximize your savings!
Check for Energy Savings
Appliances use a lot of electricity, but there are ways to make your current ones more energy-efficient. One way is to install appliances with high-efficiency ratings. Another is using appliances with ‘eco’ or low energy modes, especially washing machines and dishwashers.
Look for the federally mandated yellow-and-black EnergyGuide label on appliances to see their estimated annual operating costs, but also keep an eye out for the Energy Star logo. This label certifies appliances that are significantly more energy efficient than the minimum government standards based on testing. This includes room air conditioners, refrigerators, clothes washers, dryers, and televisions.
While adjusting your thermostat, unplugging appliances, and using energy-efficient bulbs are great ways to save money on utilities, new appliances with energy savings can help you bake extra savings into your daily routine. Remember to ask for discounts, look for appliance packages, and take advantage of scratch and dent offers. Stores often run sales around holidays, such as Labor Day and Black Friday, or when their inventory changes.