Black Friday – it’s right around the corner. If you’re in the market for new appliances, this may be the day for you to find a good deal, according to consumer expert Andrea Woroch at Clark.com.
Yes, September and October are typically the best time to buy major appliances, but Black Friday deals abound. Before shopping, get clear on what you need, hone your negotiating skills and get out there and save!
Do you really need ALL the bells and whistles?
The so-called “smart” appliances are cool, aren’t they? But, do you really need a refrigerator that tells you you’re running low on milk or to keep track of your shopping list?
Doing without the high-tech and high-priced bells and whistles can save you a ton of money.
Do your homework
Learn about the different models and read reviews to help you determine what you really need and what you can live without.
Consider pre-owned appliances
You know exactly what you want (if you followed our advice, above) so why not check the used appliance stores in your area or on Craigslist.org to see if someone just happens to be selling the exact model?
Items on Craigslist may not work as described, so ask the owner for a demonstration to ensure that it’s in good working order.
Although some sellers offer to deliver to your home, most don’t, so factor in the cost of transporting the appliance as well.
It’s just a little dent
The “open box” concept means that the appliance is in some way not fit to be sold as “new.”
Sometimes they are customers returns and others contain cosmetic defects.
The defect may be glaring or it may be minimal
Whichever it is, the appliance will be discounted – sometimes up to 50 percent off the regular price – because of it.
Display models are typically the least defective but are sold at a discount because they are “missing original packaging or instruction manuals,” according to Laura Harders at U.S. News & World Report.
You’ll need to do some driving around, from store-to-store, for the most part, although some dealers, such as Best Buy and Sears Outlet, list their open-box inventory online.
Look for rebates
Many manufacturers are offering rebates as well as other special promotions for Black Friday 2017.
Check the manufacturer’s website to learn the offerings. For instance, GE Appliances lists their specials here and you’ll find Frigidaire’s specials and rebates here.
In addition, Appliancesconnection.com offers a database of rebate offers by manufacturer.
Learn the art of the deal
Consumer Reports surveyed 2,000 adults and found that only 33 percent of them tried to bargain down the price of an appliance. Of those who did, 89 percent were successful.
One of the tactics hagglers use includes finding the item online or at another retailer for less and asking the store to price-match. If they won’t budge on price, ask for a free extended warranty, accessories (hoses, etc.) or complimentary delivery and setup.
Consider future costs
Woroch reminds us that quite often the lowest-priced appliance won’t save you money over the long haul. Sure, you’ll pay more for an energy-efficient model, but the future savings may make up for the extra dollars spent now.
Find out how much you can save each year with an energy-efficient model at energy.gov.
Skip the extended warranty
Consumer Reports cautions appliance shoppers not to pay for the extended warranty that will most likely be offered.
“Extended warranties can have many gotchas, relying on contract fine print to deny coverage for almost any reason,” they caution. “You’d be smarter to set aside the money you’d spend to cover repair costs yourself.”
There’s money in that old appliance
As handy as Craigslist.org is to buy items, it’s even better when you need to sell something. If the old appliance still works, consider selling it to offset the cost of the new appliance.
If it’s junk, consider parting it out to an appliance repair shop or sell it as scrap metal.
Learn how much your appliance may be worth as scrap metal and how to sell it at recraigslist.com.
By the way, Consumer Reports offers a handy buying guide for Black Friday appliance shoppers.
