How to Buy Home Appliances on a Budget

Whether moving your household or completing a home improvement project, upgrading appliances can be stressful and expensive. While the idea of a shiny new suite of kitchen appliances may be exciting, the thrill quickly wears off when the bills start rolling in. If you’re on the hunt for bargain appliances, several money-savvy tricks can reduce your costs significantly, including buying Thor appliance packages or shopping at the right time of year.

Before you begin the shopping process, the first step is to establish your budget. Without having an idea of what you can afford, it’s virtually impossible to save money. Crunch the numbers, set your spending allowance and follow these tips for buying home appliances on a budget.

1. Create a Priority List

A priority shopping list gives you a starting and finishing point, helping you stay on track with spending and avoid costly distractions. While you might want a luxury wine cooler or state-of-the-art espresso maker, they may not be must-haves. Splashing half your budget on unnecessary appliances can force you to make sacrifices on more essential items.

Start your list with equipment that needs replacing, followed by appliances you can’t do without and finish it with accessories or products you use occasionally. If your gas range or fridge/freezer shows signs of wear, these appliances should top your list. A priority list also helps you avoid falling for on-sale products and persuasive salespeople or making impulse purchases. As you check off priority items, you might find a little extra in your budget for a sleek warming drawer. You may also discover that you’d prefer to spend more on a new range with additional features than the retro mini-fridge you don’t need.

2. Research Prices Year-Round

Preparation is critical when you’re on a budget. If your home project isn’t urgent, take some time to research prices from your product list. Subscribe to email alerts from online vendors and watch for price fluctuations over several months. This gives you a more accurate indication of appliance costs when you’re ready to buy.

Many consumers wait for seasonal sales to purchase appliances without conducting prior research. While promotional offers can provide value, the deals aren’t always as good as they seem at first glance. Salespeople often try to entice you with accessory products to sweeten the deal. This eats away at your budget in many cases, forcing you to compromise on your other needs. Prepare for upcoming sales, like Black Friday, by following the pricing trends. You can also subscribe to newsletters or email lists from companies; they often offer early access to sales or coupons to receive discounts. This makes bargain hunting easier and helps you avoid falling for advertising tricks.

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3. Timing Is Important

While you shouldn’t rely solely on sales and special offers for buying appliances, timing is essential when you’re on a budget. The obvious money-saving sales to look out for are major holidays like the Fourth of July weekend, Black Friday and Memorial Day weekend. However, there are also some lesser-known times to strike a killer deal.

At the end of every month, some salespeople are under pressure to meet sales targets. This makes it a great time to get bigger product discounts. Since most salespeople have some wiggle room when it comes to pricing, they may sacrifice commission to meet their monthly quota.

Another good time to save money on an appliance is after a new product model is released. Older appliances are typically marked down when new models or upgrades hit the shelves. Find out if the new dishwasher you’ve been eyeing has a new model on the way. If it does, wait for the release date before purchasing the current model.

4. Use Price Comparisons as a Bargaining Tool

The easiest way to find the best price for an appliance is to shop around. A store assistant’s best price often changes if you respond with an even lower quote from a competitor. Price comparisons are an effective bargaining tool that can make the negotiation process much easier.

Store employees may be accustomed to this tactic and will often know if you are being truthful about a competitor’s quote. This typically results in them being transparent about their best price, helping you make up your mind quickly. Remember to factor in old appliance removal, installation and delivery if required.

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5. Avoid Extended Warranties

Extended warranties are often just a sales tactic, making consumers feel more secure about a purchase while adding to the cost. If you’re buying high-quality, new appliances, the likelihood of you activating your extended warranty may be minimal.

Another great tip for overcoming warranty issues is to purchase appliances with a credit card. Many credit card companies offer extended warranties on appliances, sometimes up to two years. The process is usually straightforward, requiring you to make the purchase with the card and then register for the standard manufacturer’s warranty. As soon as this expires, the credit card’s extended warranty comes into effect.

Before protecting your Mr Cool DIY mini split with an extended warranty, consult with your credit card provider about their policy. If you don’t have a credit card, consider getting one to benefit from the extended warranty on your home appliance overhaul.

6. Purchase Major Kitchen Appliances as Packages

Product bundling is an excellent way to save on a renovation project, particularly if you’re redoing a specific area of the house like a kitchen. Manufacturers offer significant discounts on appliances, especially when purchasing three or more items at the same time. Product bundles aren’t restricted to budget brands. Major appliance providers allow you to outfit entire kitchens through discount bundles like a Zline appliance package. These combinations aren’t always advertised, so ask your supplier about potential multi-product discounts.

7. Hire a Contractor for Installation

Most appliance providers offer delivery and installation services at an extra cost. This provides them with another way to increase the overall price of your purchase. Contact a local contractor for a quote if you require delivery and installation. This can be an excellent way to shave a few dollars off your overall spend. However, before agreeing on a fee with an independent contractor, check whether third-party installation affects your warranty. Some equipment providers stipulate that their products are installed by their staff for the warranty to remain valid.

Stress-Free Bargain Hunting

Planning and budgeting for a home makeover can get overwhelming. However, with the proper preparation and timing, you can achieve the renovation of your dreams on a budget. You may even have some money left over to throw a celebration when the project is complete.

DIY Home Energy Audit Checklist created by Mendel Plumbing and Heating, the home of trusted plumbing contractors.

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