Tips for saving money on appliances from the ThriftyFun community.
Ask about scratch and dent items, items that have little nicks, scratches, dents (hence the name). Also, ask about something that may have been separated from a group set, or something that was returned, or refused. Someone else's buyer's remorse may be your big bargain. Something that has been repaired, too, ask about warranty, and such. I don't know if it'll work, but try to haggle. Tell them that you are sure another competing store has that item for just a little less, and maybe you should go there instead.
By KLS8800
Used appliance stores sell appliances with cosmetic damage. If the appliance damage area is in an unseen part, you're in business.
Warning: when Sears sells appliances on their own credit card, they own it until it is paid off. Be careful. If you default on the card, they can repossess your appliances.
By Carrie
Stores that sell appliances love to have people buy appliances on their high interest store credit cards. That can result in paying double for the appliances if you don't pay them off aggressively. Always try to save up for large appliance purchases rather than putting them on a credit card. Also, be sure to check the local want ads. You can find good deals on appliances from people who have recently upgraded theirs.
By Fisher
Be sure to buy large appliances that are Energy Star rated. This will save you in the long run on utilities. There are often federal and state tax rebates that you become eligible for so it might not even cost you any more that the cheaper model.
By Jess
We have gotten all our recent appliances used. Just got a used portable dishwasher for $100 ($400 new) - also rehabbed classic old gas stove (they are better made than the new ones) instead of replacing - and got used frig and microwave, too!
By pam munro
Make sure to check reviews online before making a major appliance purchase. Just search for the brand an model number in your favorite search engine and some reviews should come up. Also, feel free to post a request for product feedback on ThriftyFun.
By Fisher
When our toaster died, we didn't replace it. We use the broiler on our oven to make toast. We have gradually reduced our dependence to four items: a blender, refrigerator, stove and an iron. The other stuff just took up space and didn't improve our standard of living a bit. We do have a TV and a DVD/VHS player. We have bought recent VHS tapes for as little as .50. That's what we spend our entertainment budget on. All I need to be happy is a good video and a bowl of popcorn.
By Coreen Hart
Home Depot and Lowe's frequently offer 0% interest rate for a year when you use their store credit card on large purchases. It's a nice way to make a large purchase and then pay it off over several months. Just be sure to pay it off before the offer expires and keep in mind that new items that you charge on that credit card will be paid off first! So try not charge anything else on the card until your appliance purchase is paid off.
By Fisher
Feel free to post your own advice in the feedback forum below.
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Using an oven to make toast will consume more energy than a toaster. I understand not wanting items taking up counter space but if saving money is an issue heating up an entire oven for toast isn't a wise choice.
A few years ago, our stoves last burner finally went. We looked through the classified ads and found a few of the "from $99" ads and called. We got a price of $180 WITH DELIVERY! Mind you we are in the middle of the country, so with only a $30 delivery fee, we jumped on it. The place is great, and while it was a used model, the gentleman that dropped off the stove went over everything with me before they left and told me if I had any problems, even in a year, to give a call and they would see what they could do.
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