Appliances are some of the biggest investments you’ll make for your home—but that doesn’t mean you have to pay top dollar. With a little planning (and maybe a pickup truck), you can avoid unnecessary fees, skip overpriced add-ons, and walk away with the best deal. Before you head to the store, here are some smart strategies to help you save money on appliances.
Cut Shipping Costs
When you buy a large appliance—or a piece of furniture—that requires shipping, sometimes it seems as if the shipping costs more than the item itself! If you own a van or truck or have a friend who does, you might be able to pick up your merchandise yourself.
Ask the salesperson where the warehouse is and what its customer pickup policies are. Keep in mind that some warehouses are open for customer pickups only a day or two a week.
Look for Open-Box and Floor Models
Keep an eye out for “open box” sales. Many electronics and appliance stores hold these sales to get rid of floor models. They can offer discounts of 50 percent or more. The best part is that the manufacturer’s warranty still applies in most cases, although the store sale may be final.
Always inspect an item carefully before you pay for it. Ask to plug it in and give it a test run in the store before you leave.
Take a closer look at the pieces on the showroom floor. Many stores also sell these items, and sometimes they’ll discount them 10 to 15 percent. Sales are usually final, so consider your purchase carefully.
Pay Cash for Better Deals
You probably can’t walk into a big-chain electronics store and start bargaining on a $150 radio. But if you check out the smaller stores, you may be able to negotiate a better price, especially if you’re willing to pay cash. That’s because credit companies charge retailers money—usually a percentage of the purchase price
Avoid Overpriced Add-Ons
Some salespeople will try to sell you fabric protection or a can of cleaner when you purchase furniture or an appliance. Keep in mind that you can often purchase those products at other stores for less money.
Shop Seasonal Sales
To make room for new models, stores hold sales to get rid of last year’s merchandise. While sales can happen at any time of the year, here is the usual time of sale for different types of merchandise:
| Appliance Type | Best Time to Buy | Why |
|---|
| Kitchen Appliances (refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers) | July–August, Columbus Day | New models arrive in fall, so stores discount current inventory. |
| Audio & Video Equipment (TVs, speakers, stereos) | September–October | Sales tied to back-to-school and new tech releases. |
| Lawn & Garden Tools | November | Retailers clear out seasonal items before winter. |
| Washers & Dryers | January | Stores discount last year’s models after holiday sales. |
Ready to upgrade your appliances without overspending? Use these smart shopping strategies—whether it’s timing your purchase, choosing an open-box deal, or skipping unnecessary add-ons—to keep more money in your pocket. Before you head to the store, make a plan, know when to buy, and shop with confidence. Your budget (and your home) will thank you.
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