Cracking the code means deciphering a secret or encrypted message. It can also refer to a series of puzzles that are solved to reveal an answer.
Planning for appliance purchases can help you score big discounts while refreshing your home. Taking advantage of seasonal sales, asking for price matches, and shopping online are other ways to save on new appliances.
Scratch-and-Dent Stores
Many chain appliance stores have special sections for products that are damaged. These products get scratched, nicked, or dented while being shipped to the store and put in their boxes. They are still brand-new appliances but aren’t in perfect condition so the retailer can sell them at a lower price.
The dents and scratches are typically so minor that they are nearly unnoticeable to customers, and even when shoppers do notice them, the damage doesn’t affect the appliance’s functionality. Consequently, customers often save 20-50% when purchasing these items at these stores.
Scratch-and-ding stores are great places to shop for appliances, but purchasing with a plan is important. Determine the type of appliance you want and narrow your search to only those models with the needed features. It’s also a good idea to compare prices with other outlet sellers and sales on new store units to ensure you get the best deal possible.
Another benefit of shopping in these sections is that some of the appliances can qualify for manufacturer rebates, lowering the cost of a new unit. This can be particularly helpful for landlords who need to renovate their rental properties but can’t afford to pay full price for the latest appliances.
End-of-Season Sales
Retailers put items on sale at certain times of the year, and buying appliances at these strategic times can save you hundreds of dollars. For example, stores hold sales on certain holidays and weekends, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Memorial Day. During the sales events, you can find great discounts on large appliances such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers at sites like RetailMeNot.
Additionally, many appliance manufacturers have a model-year-turnover period about once every 12 to 18 months. This is when retailers and online merchants offer huge discounts on current-model appliances to make room for new products.
Seasonal appliances, such as air conditioners, heaters, and boilers, tend to have steeper discounts out of season. Retailers and manufacturers want to clear out the previous year’s inventory to make room for more appropriately sized appliances in high demand.
If you don’t mind purchasing a slightly used appliance, you can sometimes save money by shopping for an open-box or floor model. These appliances may have minor blemishes but should function perfectly well. Additionally, you can try to save money by requesting a price match from competing retailers or buying out-of-season. Taking the right steps can save up to 75% on your next appliance purchase without paying the full retail price.
Local Retailers
A few well-placed discounts can greatly affect your overall appliance cost. Luckily, there are a few places to find these deals. For example, you can compare prices online before heading into a store or buy a used appliance from marketplaces for a fraction of the original price (though these usually don’t come with warranties). Some stores also offer special pricing for certain appliances only in their physical shops, which are 48 fast-paced hours when you can score deep discounts on new items.
Another way to save is to shop at locally owned appliance retailers, where you can negotiate the price directly with the salesperson. According to a 2021 member survey by Consumer Reports, 23 percent of large-appliance shoppers who tried haggling succeeded, saving a median of $119.
When shopping for a deal on an appliance, you should remember that even small spots of damage on the exterior or interior can often yield significant 10% to 20% discounts. That’s because such marks don’t affect performance and can be hidden or covered when the appliance is installed. The same applies to appliance bundles, which can offer better savings than buying individual models separately.
Online Retailers
App prices can be expensive, but a little research and shopping around can save you a lot of money on your new appliance. Whether you buy online or in-store, knowing the best time of year to find discounts is important. Depending on the type of appliance, retailers will often offer a discount of 20 percent to 25 percent or more.
With the spread of COVID-19 accelerating a shift to e-commerce, you might not be surprised to learn that many consumers now shop for household appliances online.
If you’re looking for an even more affordable appliance, consider asking your retailer about floor or open-box options. These may have minor blemishes or fingerprints, but they’re often discounted by as much as 15 percent and are just as reliable as brand-new items.
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