Every week I’ll pose a question for you to share your experiences and tips. If you have a question that you’d like me to post, I’d love to hear from you!
Randy emailed me recently with this question:
I’d like to get a new refrigerator, microwave, oven and dishwasher. What would you suggest I do in order to secure the best pricing?
He went on to say that some stores have good brands but terrible prices, others offer good warranties and still others offer great prices but not the top brands. We haven’t had to purchase any new appliances recently, so I’m hoping you can share your experiences to help Randy get the best deals!
How do you save money when purchasing home appliances? How important is brand to you? Where do you go to secure the best deal? Do you negotiate on prices? How do you feel about extended warranties?
Join the discussion — add your two cents to previous Ask DSM Readers questions too!
Christy
We always ask about “scratch and dents.” Sometimes a minor dent will be hidden in your kitchen anyway.
I like to shop at Lowe’s. They have some of the lowest prices anyway, but generally, you can find a 10% off coupon, which may save you more than $50 depending on what you are buying.
I follow Dave Ramsey and he says do not buy extended warranties.
Janelle
Live Like No One Else!!!
Emily
I get adds in my mail all the time for Sears’ Outlet stores, and their prices on kitchen appliances seem to be pretty good, though I haven’t shopped for a major appliance in about 5 years. If you have one near you, it may be worth it to check it out.
Dennis
We had an oven go out a couple years ago and found a great deal at the Sears Outlet store. We needed one with a downdraft and unfortunately for us only Jenn Aire makes them. We shopped around and luckily found one at the outlet store. It was new just last years model. Probably saved around $600. Might not be able to match everything for a complete new kitchen but you could always get the other pieces you need somewhere to match.
Tim
Several appliance manufactuers are making downdraft cooktops, freestanding ranges, and slide in ranges. Jenn-air makes more then others, but GE, kenmore, electrolux, kitchenaid, and dacor also have models.
Kathryn Rodriguez
I’m also a Dave Ramsey fan! Buying extended warranties is a waste of money. If you are paying with cash, you’d be surprised at how much of a discount you can get–e.g. ask if they will throw free shipping in if you pay with cash.
carl lundquist
paying with cash does nothing anymore. and you wouldn’t say an extended warranty is a waste of money when 4 or 5 years from now your appliance breaks and they bring a new one to your house free of charge. but like most people, you just think of the up front costs, not the long term gains. you probably don’t have warranties on your cell phone or car, cause those are just useless too huh? typical
Jennifer M.
We have a Sears Appliance Store in my town and I just saw an entry on their Facebook page that said they were getting ready to list their floor models on Craigslist. If I were looking for an appliance, I’d check that out, for sure.
Kella
Do you have an HHGregg near you? I know that they are expanding… Anyway, they have AMAZING package deals! I used to work there a couple of years ago and they make commission there and we all know what that means…HAGGLE, HAGGLE, HAGGLE!!!! They have a lot to choose from and the more you buy, the more you save. From what you said, you could really get a great deal here. Hope they have one near you!
Kim
Free shipping or discounts if you pay by cash? Does anyone know if that would work in a a major chain store like Sears or Loews?
carl lundquist
absolutely not. paying with cash has no benefit for the salesperson to do anything for you, if anything it just makes it more difficult. people who say that have never worked in big box retail.
Cathy Davis
Lowe’s advertises a veterans/military discount once a year around Veteran’s Day but the 10% discount is available all year! Just show your military or veteran’s ID! :)
Jessica
My Lowes and Home Depot have a military discount every day of 10%. It depends on the district that you’re in. Always ask!!!
Kelsey
We always go to Lowes simply because of the military discount. I wish we would have known about it when we first moved into our house but since then we have saved so much there! They won’t advertise for it or really tell you about it , but they will give it to you if you remember to ask.
Mike
Hello ladies,
I came across this site doing some web work for GM. In the spirit of military deal savings I thought it might be helpful to tell you all that GM has a military discount available to active duty members and Reserves. If you aren’t familiar with it, all the details are here https://bit.ly/gmMilitary.
There’s also a Facebook page that aims to bring military families together to share their experiences. Check it out when you have some time https://bit.ly/gmMilitaryfb.
Best,
Mike
Mike
I just noticed in the post above I listed the wrong Facebook link! My apologies, you can find the Facebook page here https://bit.ly/ahsrkW
Beckey
When we know we are close to purchasing a new appliance we always start watching the clearance section of our home improvement stores for clearance, scratch and dent, and “out of the box” items. We have gotten amazing deals on a dishwasher and fridge.
Suzette
I just read this post and then saw an e-mail for 10% off appliances at Home Depot! I suggest scratch and dent, if possible. I used to work for an interior remodeling company and there is always room in the prices to come down. The sales people work on commission and if you buy it somewhere else, they make no money. Also, shop around and let your sales people know you are shopping other places. Don’t forget surrounding communities. You may be able to get a great deal from the smaller guy by driving a short distance. You can also just about always get free delivery, expecially if you are willing to wait a bit. They would much rather take out a full truck load for delivery than a partial load. Check with your sales person to see if they work with a builder that will be placing a large order. We used to order a dozen or more of the same stove to go into townhomes. You may be able to get a better price if you like the model that the builder is using.
Christy
Kim,
I have never been able to “haggle” at a major chain like Lowe’s or Sears. Has anyone else?
Cinnamon
I had pretty good success at haggling at certain Home Depot stores. Very recently I purchased a clothes washer. I had searched the internet for quality, prices, shipping and warranties. After arriving to the conclusion that Home Depot had what I needed, I went to my local store and looked the item over. At that point, I had no money and no intention of making a purchase. The visit was strictly to see the item and see what the price was for the item and compare it to the internet price. While there, the appliance manager offered to lower the price by $100. Approximately 1 week later, and desperate for a washer, I visited another Home Depot store. I approached the appliance manager and inquired what his lowest price was. He indignantly informed me that they do not haggle. “The price is what it is.” Armed with the quote from the former appliance manager from the other store in my pocket, I promptly marched out of his store and to the other. I met with the guy who cut a $100 off the price and inquired as to if they had them in stock. They did not. I complained that I needed the appliance because I had piles of laundry that needed to be done. He then knocked an additional $50 off the price and told me to visit a laundromat. I made the purchase of the new washer and have been pleased ever since. I did go against the advice of Dave Ramsey about purchasing a warranty simply because I have spent almost $2000 in clothes washers in the last 10 years, and I need to have one last for more than 3 years.
Christine
We always go to Appliance Smart (it’s a scratch and dent store) for our appliances. Last year we got a over the stove mounted microwave, a stove, a dishwasher and refridgerator all stainless steel for $1999.
melissa
I go to HHGregg. Look thru scratch and dent. if they will not help ask for a mang. dent items are the same as sale. “do you want to get this out of here? offer me a better deal and I will take this one” sometimes when you start to walk away they may even go lower. And yes lowes is good to with 10-20% off coupons good on clearance too.. Read the small print. if it doesn’t say clearance then it should be used on clearance. but also try to make a better deal there too. happy shopping..
Kaci
You can haggle at HH Gregg. If they have several locations in town, one of them typically has a clearance area. We purchased a new build in November and had to purchase appliances. Our builder would have sold us the appliances for 3,000 for the cheapest appliances on the market. We went shopping and ended up at HH Gregg. We purchased a dishwasher, fridge, microwave, and gas stove. We got all 4 pieces for 2,600 in the brushed stainless steal. We were able to purchase during 24 months interest free financing and will have it paid off in about 9 months….Much better than including it in our loan!
Lisa Anderson
When buying appliances check out Lowes and Home Depot. They the best places to go plus they have a section with scratch and dent and refurbished appliances that have been repaired and hvae very little damaged to do them. All appliances come with a one year warranty plus the savings is usually 20-50 pecent off the regular price
Melanie
We have a local Maytag scratch and dent store that offers really low prices. We purchased a fridge with a scratch in it (that was easily covered w/appliance paint for 40% off and it came with a warrantly!
JenniB
We went to lots of different places, but we ended up in Nebraska Furniture Mart. We went in, found what we wanted, then talked to a manager. We told him what we wanted to pay, and told him that we would pay in cash ($150 less for the fridge, and $50 less for the oven), after some checking, he offered us the prices we wanted and then we got free delivery too. Haggling is always worth a try- at the worst all they are going to do is say no.
Beth
If your city has a Habitat for Humanity Restore, it’s an awesome resource!
Liz
We recently bought a dishwasher from Lowes. I requested a “new movers” coupon (sign up for email updates!) so that took $50.00 off. Then I bought a gift card of ebay (shopping through mypoints.com!) for a slightly discounted price. For me, every little bit of savings helps. We also had good luck buying a washer and dryer at Best Buy during the holidays, when every store was pushing their big ticket items.The key is to do your research!
Jennifer
Last year we were able to get a $600 dishwasher for $183. This is how I did it- First shop around, find the lowest price possible and then head to Lowes, Home Depot or Sears. Before you go load up on DISCOUNT gift cards from Ebay, CardPool, Plastic Jungle, etc. This will give you even extra savings!!! I try to get my cards at at least 10% off the value. All the transactions are garunteed to be the correct value on the card (Ex. Get a $200 GC for $180)Both HD and Lowes offer military discount all year round, but if you dont have a family member or freind who has served, you can easily get “10% off your purchase” by requesting a movers coupon (lowesmoving.com or homedepotmoving.com). Then take it to the next step. Ask them to price match the lowest price you found (take the print advertisment with you). Once they price match use your 10% off and pay with the gift cards! Then install the new appliance and hopfully you can sell the old one at a yard sale and get some more money back! Good Luck!
Sheila
Believe it or not I have bought and sold some GREAT appliances on Craigslist. Brand names do usually matter to me so I keep an eye out for those, and the warranty isn’t at all important to me. Whether it’s been my own luck or the quality of the brand, I have never had an appliance go out on me, so usually I only purchase new(er) appliances to update the look of my home.
1.) Within the past year I purchased a a beautiful white Maytag washing machine in perfect condition for only $175 with free delivery! The seller had just purchased one of those space-age steam washers. They upgraded and as a result I did too for a fraction of the price of a new washer.
2.) I was moving into a newer home and many of my other stainless steel appliances just didn’t fit the look of the new place, so I used the Craigslist to get rid of everything I had. I sold a Kenmore stainless steel electric stove for $150. The exact same stove was being sold used online for $300. And the person came to my house and had her husband load it up so it was absolutely effortless on my part.. just took some pictures and posted the listing. Couldn’t get any easier.
Because most people are skeptical about using the craigslist, just remember these guidelines when buying or selling:
1.) Pay with and only accept cash
2.) Deal locally
3.) People will generally ask if you can go lower than your asking price, and have even shown up at my door with less cash than we agreed. If this is your concern and do not want to negotiate, state that your asking price is firm in the ad and when you are arranging a buyer.
4.) Include pictures and list every defect or imperfection about the item you are selling. The person is going to find out anyway, so just be up front about it.
5.) If possible, (maybe not in the case of the appliances) meet in a public place. I’ve met outside of starbucks plenty of times to get rid of a wall hanging or to purchase concert tickets.
If you have to have something brand new or want the option to return the item, the Craigslist is not for you. If you are willing to hunt and don’t mind a stranger, then it’s the perfect place to buy gently used items.
Janis
I sell appliances at Sears. We price match our local competitors and 10% of the difference. You can contact me on facebook , Janis Friedberg Darginsky.
Justin
I am always watching a site called Slickdeals. It’s a place where people like you and me post deals they’ve seen or heard of that we may not have otherwise known about. Sometimes you’ll have to watch for the things you’re looking for over a few months, but you can almost always find a great price on things, including appliances (especially around Black Friday). That and cashback sites, such as Bing cashback can net you a large return if you wait for the percent amount to go up.
Adam
I personally am partial to Whirlpool and the brands they make for good quality at a good price. Whirlpool makes many brands including Galaxy, Kenmore, Frigidaire and others. This means I usually shop at Sears. If you sign up for email updates from Sears.com, they will send you info on midnight sales they have from time to time (online only sale) We got a 40% off a new dishwasher recently. It didn’t include free delivery or installation but if you can pick it up at a local store & install it yourself you don’t need to pay for it saving you about $100 in some cases.
Adam
Forgot to mention that Sears.com accepts PayPal so you can sometimes add any PayPal special with the Sears.com sale for even extra savings.
Vanessa
Find an older model (but it can still be brand new!) and ask if they will sell the floor model. My mom bought an LG refrigerator for $600 off sticker price because it was “last year’s model.” She didn’t care and no one had a clue that it was a year old! She bought it new at Best Buy.
Also, just ASK if they can deliver it for free. My mom had that same fridge delivered for free just because she asked. My husband and I recently got $1300 worth of furniture (paid cash, we are Dave Ramsey people, too!) delivered for free. It took an $80 charge off the final bill! The worst they can say is no but they won’t offer it.
Stacy
Well, since my washer and dryer was going in the basement and no one would see it, we bought the floor model. Even though it a few scratches on it, it worked just fine.
Last week we had to buy both a stove and a refrigerator (when it rains it pours). I was able to get both items on sale, plus there was a deal where you got a FREE over the range microwave with the stove purchase. They also offered financing of 18 months same as cash. I chose this option because even though I have the money to pay for it, I’d rather use their money and leave mine in the bank to earn at least the paltry interest they’re paying.
I think the best advice is to just shop around. Also, ask if you can get a discount for “multiple” purchases. Many stores will give you an additional discount if you’re purchasing more than one appliance at the same time. Also, go on-line and see if there are currently any rebates available. Oftentimes these are not advertised.
Naomi Arndt
If you are willing or can wait…. Lowe’s does a deal the day after Thanksgiving. We got the stainless look side by side fridge with ice and water, dishwasher, gas range (you can get electric too) and above stove mount microwave with fan for like $1600 ish, all whirlpool. You don’t really get choices it is the 4 specific items with your choice of gas or electric stove. We did this 2 years ago now and it was in the flier last year too! I know not all states do the fabulous deals the day after Thanksgiving but if you can wait and your does it’s a great way to get all new and matching appliances. I think they year before we got ours the deal was the same but it was a different brand, last year was whirlpool too.
kerri
Similar to the post on stocking up on gift cards from plastic jungle – check the gift card deals at your local supermarket. I know my neighbor purchased her Best Buy gift cards at Krogers when they had run a special with $10 off instantly when you buy $100. They went through several times doing the same purchase and saved that 10% off just buy purchasing the gift cards……our Krogers run these deals on a regular basis so something to think about or plan ahead – gift cards never expire so you could buy a few at a time as you are able, save them and be getting your automatic 10% off – I’d personally wait until October, this is a big time for discounted appliances in the stores!
waterchick
You guys are awesome. We literally just put an offer on a home and looking at appliances just yesterday. I am floored with how expensive everything adds up to be when you need everything–washer/dryer/stove/oven/fridge. Thank you for all of your comments. I’m bookmarking sites and putting all your tips to use when we finally get into a home!!
Falguni Rahul
We just bought a new stove and a washer dryer set at the Applicance Factory Outlet. Our Samsung VRT washer dryer set cost us $1400 for th pair, the same in set in Sear’s and Best Buy was priced at $990 for each so this was a great deal for us. Since we were moving into a new house we could order our set 8 weeks in advance and we got a boxed piece with no dent or srcatches at all.
Also our city was providing us with a water credit on buying a energy star appalice so all in all we did get a good deal :).
genie
We’ve had LOUSY luck with appliances over the past couple of years and customer service on the warranty is horrible. We’ve concluded that brands sold in big box stores are in general of poor quality and don’t really seem to care about it. As we greatly dislike purchasing items repeatedly over the years (whatever happened to buying something and it lasting 15 years like when my parents bought stuff?) we have decided to go high end. We really like the Miele brand and while definitely pricey, the website states that they are built to last at least 20 years! Consumer reviews of these products all support the claims – so long term, we think it will be cheaper to buy this brand than the other options. As I personally own a vacuum (Miele Neptune) I can vouch for how wonderful at least one of their products is. There is a supreme difference between being cheap and being frugal – we believe that this is a long term frugal decision. We’d love to find one used (because ultimately, we’re still on a budget) but otherwise…