ResearchWhere to Buy Your New Refrigerator
Buying a new refrigerator is truly a big investment. The task is usually not without second thoughts and thoughts of your bank account balance. Because refrigerators are so expensive, ranging from $400 to more than $1,000 a lot of thought needs to be put into where you will buy your refrigerator. While options, colors, and style are what most people think about when they need a new refrigerator, cost and where to buy is a big consideration as well.
Does It Really Matter?
Many consumers think that it doesn’t matter where you buy your refrigerator, because most retailers offer the same products. While all of your big appliance retailers such as Best Buy and Lowe’s do offer the same products, they sometimes differ in their sales, special offers, financing options, as well as discounted items. It’s true that these retailers will usually not vary much on their base prices, but it is worth shopping with a few different retailers before you buy to see where you can get the best deal.
You Can Save Money
You actually can save money by shopping around. If you take just one afternoon and shop two to five stores you’ll find that there is a great sale going on, a manufacturers rebate offered through another, and an open box item at another. When you consider all of these ways that you can save money, you’ll find that it is worth shopping around a little bit. An immediate rebate may be your best bet, because you can save a ton of money right at the register if you find such a rebate. Sales are also good as well, but before you buy a refrigerator on sale make sure that it is not used, damaged, or otherwise varying from its new condition. Open box items are often found at big box retailers. These are items that have been purchased by other consumers and then returned. The products are usually in new condition and were returned because they were not right for the home. If anything is wrong it is usually stated on the box, but you can save up to 30% on these items. Not only can you save money, the manufacturer’s warranty will still be in tact so it’s not like you won’t have quality assurance.
Other Considerations
Other things that you may want to consider are proximity to your home, and even extended warranties. If the best deal can be found 100 miles away but it will only save you $50 you might as well buy closer to your home to save gas money. When the difference is not all that big between stores, you might as well spend a little extra money and buy closer to home to save on gas and just make transporting your new refrigerator a bit easier. If you’ll have the refrigerator delivered, you’ll probably be better off going with the best deal closest to your home because delivery tends to get more expensive the further you are from home when you buy.
Another consideration is extended warranties. Many appliance retailers will cover repairs for two, three, or even five years so that you don’t have to deal with the manufacturer. If something goes wrong wit your refrigerator the company will send someone out to your home to service the appliance free of charge. These plans often cost as little as $50, and when you consider the big investment it’s worth it to have more security and repair options.
In the end, where you buy your refrigerator is up to you. Getting the most for your money is always a good idea, and if you shop around you can find some great deals. If you are really in a pinch, you can always buy used or refurbished refrigerators that will enable you to really save, although you’ll probably not receive any warranties. With all the options as to where to buy a refrigerator, you’ll find it quite simple to find great deals and great options.