Tip of the Day: Don't shy away from haggling on major-appliance purchases
March 3, 2010 3:41 PM
Some legwork can save you on appliance buys.
It also pays to look for sales and other deals and to be a tough price negotiator. In an online survey by the NPD Group market-research firm of 7,130 adult Canadians who reported buying a major appliance from May 2008 to April 2009, less than a third of consumers surveyed paid full price. Half bought the item on sale and nearly 20 percent haggled on the sticker price.
Not everyone embraces haggling. A subscriber survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center found that only 33 percent of people who bought major appliances tried negotiating. But of those who did, 75 percent succeeded in getting a lower price—saving a median of $100 on a purchase.
Successful bargaining involves prep and moxie, as detailed in "The Fine Art of Haggling." Start your money-saving work by thoroughly researching prices and then:
• Shop when retailers are making room for the latest models. Winter is a good time to upgrade your washer and dryer. In spring, buy that new refrigerator. And come fall, get cooking gear, including an oven or range.
• Consider buying floor models. You might be able to save yourself some real money. Check out the appliances to be sure wear and tear are minimal, and be sure to ask about the return policy and the warranty.
• Ask for free delivery and installation. Also request free haul-away of your old appliances.
• Offer to pay cash. This is an especially good move when shopping at an independent retailer, who'll welcome not having to pay a credit-card transaction fee.
• And try to be nice to the salesperson. Politeness might help and certainly can't hurt.
If you've negotiated when shopping for appliances, post a comment below to tell us what tactics worked and how much you saved.
—Kimberly Janeway
Essential information: Finally, find out where to get the best deals on appliances.
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Comments:
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Eliz Bono
March 3, 2010 9:33 PM
We're buying a foreclosed home whose appliances were stripped away. The beautiful cabinets have a place with a gas line for a 30" gas wall oven. But Consumer REports have never compared makes models of gas wall ovens; only electric.
Any body had recent experience buying a gas oven?
For the cooktop we are likely buying the 30" Jenn Air downdraft as that's what the marble counter is cut out for.......
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