As you watch the framing go up on your new home, you are sure to be both thrilled and overwhelmed. It’s an exciting time packed with countless decisions.
A significant portion of those decisions involves figuring out which new appliances to purchase, likely including a refrigerator, oven, stovetop, hood, dishwasher, microwave, washer, and dryer. They’re big purchases with hefty price tags, so looking for sales and discounts is imperative. Here’s how to do it.
Take Advantage of Seasonal Sales
You may assume that the Christmas shopping season is the only time to get the best prices. But there are plenty of deals to be had all year round.
Holidays. Many people know that Black Friday is a prime appliance shopping day, but other holidays offer deep discounts, too. (Who knows — you could even get lucky on St. Patrick’s Day!)
End of the month. Similar to car dealerships, retailers often have a sales quota to meet. Salespeople sometimes work on commission. Shopping the last few days of the month means you can take advantage of their need to make a sale and make their numbers.
End of the year. Once again, just like with cars, new models of appliances, except refrigerators, come out in the fall. As soon as new models hit the sales floor, it’s traditional for last year’s models to drop in price. September and October are great months to find washers and dryers; in November, you’ll see Black Friday dishwasher sales; you may even spot special deals into the new year. January is a great time to look at most appliances, as stores are ready to get rid of last year’s inventory. You could get a brand-name dishwasher for much less than the original sticker price.
Keep in mind that buying a brand-new model when it first comes out will mean you’re paying the most for it. If you can wait a few months, you’ll probably catch the newest models on sale.
Don’t Be Shy: Ask for the Best Deal
You can boost your savings when you know the right questions to ask. Talk to store clerks or managers about the following:
Scratch and dent. You can sometimes get a good deal on an appliance with a ding in it. Depending on your kitchen layout, a ding in a stove or refrigerator side might be in a place that will be totally hidden by cabinets. In addition, ask about floor models. Stores often offer discounts on those as well.
Bundles. Some retailers offer deals when you buy several appliances together. This is a great option for homeowners building a new home.
Price match. Many companies will match another store’s sale price. Not only that, sometimes they’ll give you an extra percentage off or free delivery to entice you to buy from them.
Incentives. Some companies offer incentives for shopping with them. They might be in the form of a rebate or a gift card you can use for something else. Be sure to check manufacturers’ websites for mail-in rebates, too.
Extras. Ask if they can offer free delivery, free installation, or an extended warranty.
When all else fails, just ask for money off. Sometimes saying, “Hey, can you take $50 or $100 off this?” can bring about savings.
Make Sure to Factor in the Additional Expenses
Appliances tend to have add-on expenses, so the posted price isn’t the lone attack on your wallet. Ask salespeople for price quotes for the extended warranty, delivery, and installation. It is quite possible that two stores could offer the same sales price, but one charges substantially less for delivery and installation.
Also, check out the energy efficiency for the appliances you buy. You could spend a little more upfront for a machine that will save you on monthly utility bills in the long run.
Do Your Research
Make the most of your purchase by having all the information you need at hand. Know if you have the cash or need to arrange financing. Know which appliances you need, what color you want in your new home, and all the measurements of the spaces where the appliances will sit. Decide if you want gas or electric. Also, think about what features you may like. The lowest-priced model might be a bargain, but when it doesn’t do what you want, you’ll wish you’d stepped up to a mid-range or better appliance.
You might even find the best pricing online. Head out to a few retailers and look at the actual appliances. Once you’ve got your eye on a few, you can easily shop online check reviews and to compare prices.
A home and organizational expert, Lea Schneider has published advice in publications like The Washington Post, Woman’s Day, Family Circle, Consumer Reports ShopSmart, and Better Homes and Gardens. She covers home-shopping tips for Groupon. You can find savings on appliances and more on Groupon’s Sears page.