It is the unexpected expenses that sometimes throw us off our plan to stick to our budgets. I’d like to say that is why we all have our emergency funds set aside. Even so, sometimes our expenses can be much larger than we expect.
Last fall, my dryer started making some noises and I knew it was going to be time to replace it. It was 9 years old and the repairs were going to be super expensive. This was at the end of September. We almost bought a new one that very day. Instead, we hobbled along for a bit, so I could find a deal. I really wanted to get a nice front loader, but for the pair, it was $2000. I considered buying a lower end top loader to save the money.
Instead, I decided to wait until Black Friday to see if I could score a deal. What a deal I scored!
On Black Friday, Lowes had a sale for $999.99 for both the front loading dryer and washer I wanted. In addition, I used a 10% Home Depot Coupon! So I got my washer and dryer for $899, less than half the price! I was even able to donate my old washer to a family in need, because it still worked.
So while its not always possible to get 50% off or more, here are some tips to saving on appliances:
1. Try Craigslist, Freecycle or Ebay – You can often find deals on good used appliances online. Make sure you check out the appliance before you purchase.
2.Check out Scratch and Dent Outlets – Sometimes you can find an appliance up to 50% off at Scratch and Dent Outlets. Many times these are just cosmetic and do not affect the quality of the appliance.
3. Buy the Floor Model – You can get a good discount by buying the floor model. Be sure to check it over before purchasing.
4. Look for closeouts – Many times closeouts are available – they are just cheaper because the company is discontinuing them.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount – Ask your salesman for a discount ! Many places like Lowes have a program where if you are buying a set dollar amount – they can submit them for a price reduction.
6. Check to see what the coupon policy is – Many hardware stores will take competitors coupons.
7. Ask for a price match – Many appliance companies don’t want to lose a sale. Ask them if they will price match your competitors. Some will even price match with an additional discount.
8. Don’t overlook your local retailer – Sometimes the smaller appliance sales people have more flexibility to make you a deal.
9. Wait for off season sales – Wait until season end closeouts, you can score some great deals on seasonal appliances like grills.
What is your best tip to buying appliances? Did you save big, tell us how!
Jessica says
gotcha! hope you’re enjoying them!!!
Shannon says
@Jessica,
Love them and hope they last for 10+ years!
Rita Collins says
Only buy the “best buys” on Consumer Reports. I got their year end book at the library and only purchased the modes suggested. If you have any friends or family that work at stores or for the manufacturer, ask them if you can use their discount. I got free delivery for everything. Also, I would advise using your American Express credit card (if you have one) to pay for your appliances. They double the warranty (up to one additional year) for all purchases. My washer gave me problems a week shy of two years after purchase. American Express will replace, repair, or refund your purchase – it is their choice. Using these methods, I got all of my appliances (w&d, fridge, dishwasher, stove, microwave, and hood) in the kitchen and laundry room for less than $2500. They were all the top of the line.
jessica says
When our washer died we went to Home Depot and bought a floor model…a nice discount for a front end load, washer with all the bells & whistles! Well of course the dryer kicked the bucket only a few short months later so back to the store we went. We purchased the cheapest dryer they had. Our washer was already getting so much water out of our clothes they were hardly wet…so we didn’t need a fancy dryer. Then when it came it had a dent in the side of it. call the company and a nice big $100 rebate check came in the mail a few weeks later! So my moral is always check for dents!!! :)
Jessica says
I don’t get it. Why did you replace the washer? Did you have to buy both to get the deal?
Shannon says
@Jessica,
Yes you had to buy both. The washer was starting to have its issues too, I imagine it would last a year or so. For someone who had nothing, it was better than nothing, but it already required repairs twice prior to it.
KIM says
Amanda…..love it! My mother had a similar story w/her dryer…..her neighbor had one sitting behind their garage for many years and she asked for it. It worked for almost 10 years before it gave up the ghost!!!
Amanda says
Before we moved into our first place, I found a dryer on the side of the road (with a sign that said “It works”). One year later, it is still plugging along!
chris d says
I found my washer and dryer pair on Ebay. I searched and searched. I was only looking for the dryer, however I was able to get both for the price of one. I received a rebate for the shipping, Had a fifty dollar E-bay coupon, A three hundred dollar rebate from Whirlpool, And a 75 dollar rebate from the state for buying an energy star appliance. I was also able to sell my 1 year old washer ending up paying 799.00 for a 2599.00 pair. My advice when shopping on the net is to check with the BBB before buying. Always use paypal also, make sure your purchase is covered 100% before buying.
mary b says
When I was in need of a new washer I had already done some research on brands and models, so knew what to focus in on. Was able to get a floor model and discontinued color for a great deal at Home Depot, along with some rebates that were in effect as well. Of course the salesman said “well you will want the matching dryer, too.” I said ” NO I only need a washer”.
I would not buy a dryer that I do not need just so they would “match”. LOL!
So I imagine that is a savings right there since many people would go ahead & buy the matching appliance that they did not really need.
Mandy says
We plan to completely renovate our kitchen this fall, so early on in the planning phase I researched and picked out the appliances I want to use. I’ve been watching many different websites for deals, rebates, etc. so I can go ahead and buy each item at the lowest possible price.
Already got my GE Stainless double ovens for $1100 on eBay–brand new. Had to drive about 90 minutes to pick them up, but it was well worth the trip to save 50% off retail.
Skye says
I think we have the same washer and dryer! :)
Jen @ Little Bit This n That says
Our dry caught fire a few weeks ago. A story for another time! I went to Best Buy for an event and to see how much a dryer costs. I honestly had no idea. They had a floor model for $175, (the cheapest one, half price). Sold! We were able to use the cord from the old dryer, so that saved another $30. We also saved on delivery by picking it up in our van.
kathy T says
good Idea about black Friday Shannon.
I am going to look for a new fridge on black Friday.
Kristine says
Our fridge died about a year ago, and we scoured the local stores for a discount/floor model. Found a great returned unit at Lowe’s (no flaws, just used for a week), checked how long it had been sitting on the floor, asked to talk to a manager, worked a price and military discount with him, then walked away with it for 1/2 original price, including free delivery and haulaway. Oh, and it was a store outside the city limits so we didn’t have to pay city sales tax. :^ )
Erica @ eeendeavors says
I love Dave Ramsey’s concept of walking in with $100’s in hand, and sticking with a budgeted price. Go around to the different businesses… one’s bound to snag up that cash!
Cori says
Also be aware of your credit rating. Many stores offer great deals to people who open a new credit card.
I recently bought a new television and took out a credit card (which I paid off in full when the statement came) to get a better deal. I was able to get a sale price, use a competitor’s coupon, AND get 15% extra for the new credit card.
You just need to be careful because if you don’t pay it off in time, the interest will outway the saving.