Maintaining a home can be costly, including the inevitable replacement of worn-out appliances. Like many of us, I’m not thrilled about shelling out substantial cash for new appliances, particularly as these days they often seem to fail within a few years. Consequently, I’ve learned to be smart about where I buy my appliances, so here are 6 cost-effective strategies and places to hunt down appliances to help your budget.
1. TIMING YOUR APPLIANCE PURCHASE
Firstly, think about the optimum time to buy. While life doesn’t always stick to our plans, planning ahead for an appliance purchase can make a significant impact on the price. Like purchasing a car, appliances also have prime buying times.
New appliance models are launched about the same time each year, prompting retailers to lower prices for previous models. Also, keep an eye out for January white sales, which often include appliances. For stoves and ovens, January also offers lower prices as new models are introduced. But if you’re seeking a refrigerator, aim for May, while washers, dryers, and dishwashers are best bought in September and October. Considering these months for your shopping can save you a healthy sum.
2. TRY RESTORE FOR APPLIANCES
Next, consider shopping at ReStore, a Habitat for Humanity initiative. They offer reused and recycled household goods at great prices. Homeowners and builders donate products which ReStore sell at discounted rates. They have a wide range of items, from door knobs to refrigerators. Prices can be phenomenally low – imagine getting a range worth over $600 for just $120!
3. BIG BOX RETAILERS
Initial searches will often direct you to big box retailers’ offerings. While there’s useful information here about availability and pricing, it’s unlikely you’ll buy at the listed price if you love a bargain like me. Instead, browse their clearance and ‘scratch and dent’ sections for substantial discounts on older models, lightly damaged, or returned items without actual use.
Excellent locations for these bargains include Home Depot’s Appliance Special Buys, Clearance Appliances, and Special Value sections, Lowe’s Appliance Special Values and Clearance Section, and Best Buy Outlet and Open Box Appliances. Beyond online browsing, visit physical stores to access items not yet listed online and to negotiate better deals.
4. SHOP AT SUPER CLUBS
If you’re a member of a super club like Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s, they often have excellent appliance deals. Membership is required to access pricing information, but if you’re not a member and know someone who is, you can ask them to help out. If potential savings justify membership costs, it might be worth considering membership.
5. LOCAL USED APPLIANCE STORES
After exploring the larger stores, don’t overlook smaller local shops selling used appliances. Regular searches or joining a store’s mailing list can help you find what you’re looking for. Some stores will even keep your preferences to inform you when relevant products become available. Also, non-profit organizations like the Salvation Army and local rescue missions often have outstanding appliance deals.
6. LOCAL ONLINE GROUPS
Finally, online groups like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace can be a goldmine for appliance deals. Also, consider joining local buy and sell Facebook groups for personalized postings. Nextdoor is another useful resource – albeit with more notifications than you might like.
In conclusion, there are plenty of ways to secure great deals when it comes to buying appliances. Key strategies include timing your purchase, considering both big box retailers and more local options, and not being afraid to negotiate. Being thorough in your research will ensure you get the best prices, saving a good chunk of your budget. So, what are some of the best ways you have found to secure inexpensive appliances recently?
