Kitchen enhancements can be costly. However, savvy homeowners know there are ways to maximize the impact within a budget.
Waiting for shopping holidays and sales events is one way to reduce the cost of major appliances. Manufacturers typically roll out new models at specific times each year, and retailers preemptively lower prices on the previous model to make room for the latest versions.
Get the Best Deals
Many major retailers offer price-match guarantees on broad swaths of inventory, including appliances. While the fine print is often complicated and significant exclusions apply, such deals can bolster your bargaining power.
Knowing when to buy appliances can also bolster your savings potential. Manufacturers like Samsung typically release new models around certain times of the year, and to make room for those new releases, older models tend to go on sale.
Consumer-to-consumer marketplaces can be a good source for finding used appliances at deep discounts. But, it’s important to carefully examine an appliance before purchasing it for cosmetic flaws like scratches and dings.
If you’re buying a large appliance, such as a refrigerator or washer and dryer, it’s worth looking at the manufacturer’s website for special promotions. For example, a company might offer a rebate to help offset the cost of installation or delivery. Bundling two or more appliances for a package deal can further cut the cost of your appliance purchase.
Save Time
In an ideal world, your appliances would last forever—or at least until you’re ready to upgrade them. But the reality is that, at some point, your refrigerator decides to quit working right before a heat wave or your washer starts leaking when you’re hosting Friendsgiving.
While you can’t predict when your appliances will break, you can plan accordingly. Many retailers offer appliance sales around holidays like President’s Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day to clear out old inventory. A price analysis shows that Memorial Day appliance deals often beat out Black Friday promotions in the past.
You can also save time by buying your appliances online. Online stores typically don’t have the overhead that big box stores do, and, in some cases, you can avoid paying sales tax (as long as your state doesn’t require it). Another way to save is by shopping for used appliances—like open box or floor models—in good condition with a full-length warranty. Lastly, you can try to haggle with in-person sales associates, who are sometimes willing to give you a discount.
Save Money
Investing time and energy in finding the best deal on a new appliance is worth your while. The good news is that you can easily save a couple hundred bucks or more with clever strategies.
Be clear about what you need before shopping. Salespeople are experts at talking you into upgrades or unnecessary bells and whistles. Avoid getting talked into add-ons you don’t need by doing your initial research online and zeroing in on the exact model you want to take home.
Know how to negotiate. Even if you’re not a naturally skilled haggler, driving a hard bargain can be worth the effort at traditional retailers still employing the commissioned sales model. Asking for lower than the list price—and standing firm on that number—often yields savings of 5% to 10%.
Shop during seasonal sales. Retailers often drop prices on last year’s models to make room for new inventory, especially around major shopping holidays like Black Friday and President’s Day. Check out the store’s price-match policy, as well. Most national retailers offer this guarantee on a wide swath of their products, including large appliances.
Get the Best Warranty
With so many options available, purchasing a new appliance can be tough. However, if you have some flexibility with your timeline, waiting for savings holidays and sales events can help you get the perfect appliance at a great price. Another option is to look for open-box or scratch-and-dent appliances. While these products are technically used, they are usually in great condition and can be purchased for a fraction of the original price. They could have been returned due to being damaged during shipping because they were too large or small for a particular space, or they may have minor cosmetic blemishes, such as scratches that won’t be noticeable once installed in your home.
When shopping for these products, carefully examine the appliance and ask any questions to ensure you’re purchasing a genuine discount. Also, consider purchasing a product protection plan to cover your purchase if anything goes wrong with your appliance. This will help you sleep better at night, knowing you’re covered.
Get the Best Service
Whether shopping for a new appliance or just updating an existing one, take the time to read reviews and check photos carefully. One or two negative reviews should keep you from making the purchase, but if you see many complaints about poor construction or a lack of customer service, moving on to another option may be a good idea. Also, when comparing prices, remember to look at the store’s fees for delivery, haul-away, and installation. These can quickly turn a great deal into an unattractive one.