How To

How to Buy a Washer Dryer on Craigslist

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(9 Ratings)

Craigslist is a fantastic source for affordable appliances. Not only can you avoid the hassle of full-price retailers, but delivery can be quick, easy and local. Unfortunately, a major purchase on Craigslist--like washers and dryers--can be risky. Keep these steps in mind as you scroll your way through hundreds of tempting pictures of inexpensive appliances.

From Quick Guide: Washer and Dryers
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Consider the price. First and foremost, look at what a seller is offering. Prices will vary greatly, but the two appliances together usually sell for anywhere between $100 and $450. Check your local retailers for price comparisons before inquiring about a $700 set. Similarly, $50 might be a little too good to be true for a washer dryer combination.

  2. Step 2

    Ask the seller how long he has had the set and how many loads of laundry he does per week. Be cautious about purchasing a washer dryer set from a large family. Families with three or more kids can do as many as 10 or more loads a week, which over a period of time can wear the machine out.

  3. Step 3

    Confirm that the hoses are being sold with the machines. This is a crucial step when buying from craigslist. A dryer needs an exhaust hose, and a washer needs a drain hose. Make sure your seller is providing you with both, or ask him to come down on the price.

  4. Step 4

    Check to see if the washer dryer is gas, electric or both. You may have only one type of set-up in your home. If the hookups are electric, ask the seller whether the dryer is a three-prong or four-prong cord. Check your laundry room plug and make sure your plug matches the seller's cord. New cords can be purchased at a hardware store, but this is an added expense and inconvenience.

  5. Step 5

    Request a demonstration from the seller. Many Craigslist sales involve appliances that have not been hooked up in a long time. Washers and dryers (especially dryers) are sensitive to being moved around. Make absolutely certain that both machines work before carting them off.

Tips & Warnings
  • Always ask a seller if the heat works on the dryer. Many Craigslist dryers are sold with broken heat settings. A dryer will not be worth the money if you can only tumble dry.
  • Ask your seller if there is anything you should know about the appliances. Does the dryer work better on a specific setting? Does the washer function on permanent press? How much can you put in a small load?
  • Don't ever purchase a dryer without a lint screen. Lint screens are hard to replace since appliance styles change so often, and a dryer cannot run without a lint screen.

Comments  

mssiii said

Flag This Comment

on 9/17/2009 Great article. I used it to purchase a stacked washer/dryer unit on Craigslist, and it was of wonderful help!

sehboo said

Flag This Comment

on 10/30/2008 You can always search for an item on multiple locations of craigslist by using craigslist reader. You can download that free tool here. http://www.motiont.com/craigslistreader.aspx

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Internet
Virginia DeBolt,

Meet Virginia DeBolt eHow's Internet Expert.

Get Free Internet Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Technology and Electronics