Comments on: How to Buy Kitchen Appliances Online

on 11/22/2005 As frugal as I am, there are some appliances that I just want to buy new - a refrigerator is one of them. If a friend, neighbor, or colleague was moving and luck would work in my favor that they were selling newer model, I would have seriously considered buying it. However, I wasn't interested in looking for a second-hand unit from someone I didn't know.

If you really are tight on money and need the appliance now, some of the national rental centers in your town may sell used appliances.

What price range are you willing to pay? Here are the price ranges of what you can expect to pay for the different types of models:

Top-Freezer: $350 to $2,000
Bottom-Freezer:$650 to $2,000
Side-by-Side: $800 - $2600
Cabinet Depth: $1,500 - $3,000
Built-In: $4,000 - $6,000

Don't forget to measure the space that you have for a refrigerator in your kitchen before buying the new appliance. This may help you eliminate a lot of your choices depending on the size space you have.

For the features I wanted, I knew that my hope of paying $700 was going to be unlikely. I was astounded to find out that mainstream refrigerators can cost upward of $3000 with the average retail cost settling around the $1400 mark. I decided I was willing to pay up to $1000, but anymore would not be within my budget. I just don't need all the bells and whistles that come with these high-end units. I figure the more gadgets it has, the more likely something will break down. I want it to be functional and a good investment.

Buying last year's car model can be a tremendous bargaining tactic, and buying last year's appliances can save you a bundle too. Shops are looking to move merchandise, especially when the new models are coming into the marketplace. Research the competition in your neighborhood versus buying the appliance online. Sears Outlets are cashing in on selling appliances that have been discontinued, refurbished, or damaged, but unfortunately, my city doesn't have such an outlet. Although the choices are more limited at these types of outlets, the appliances are discounted between 15%-50% off the retail price.

Be a savvy bargain-hunter and inquire at your local appliance store if they have a scratch and dent section of their store. If you don't mind a little cosmetic blemish on your appliance, you could save some money. The scratch and dent section I uncovered had appliances reduced at 10% off the retail price. I wasn't impressed with the price reduction so I began looking at their sale items. Although getting the appliance on sale is good, I wanted to find a new refrigerator at a much deeper discount. I scoured the appliance stores for one-of-a-kind 2005 floor models that they were trying to unload since the 2006 versions were filling the showrooms. As luck would have it, I found one; exactly what I was looking for, a stainless steel side-by-side unit with a filtered water and ice dispenser. The retail price was $1200, and I was able to negotiate it with a locally-owned appliance store for $881.95 with free delivery -- there are definite advantages to working with a locally-owned appliance store!

I was assured by the sales associate that if I found the same unit advertised by one of their competitors within the next 30 days, they would refund me 110% of the difference. He was convinced that I wouldn't be able to find one but I will continue to look! After you make the purchase, be cognizant that the appliance store you bought it from doesn't put the item on sale. If they do, make sure that the store will reimburse you the difference.

Buying extended warranties is always a challenge for me. Of course I don't want to have any problems in five years, but I also think that paying the appliance store $99 for this insurance is a waste of my money. This topic is very controversial. Do what you feel most comfortable with but be sure to submit the manufacturer's warranty information right away since this doesn't cost you any additional money.

Remember to apply these cost saving strategies to any appliance purchase you make. By searching for the best price on these items, you can spend your money on getting out of debt or begin saving for a rainy day.