The world has changed and so has shopping.
Know What's Changed When Shopping For Appliances
With Covid driving up demand for appliances and chip shortages still very much going on, the marketplaces have changed. There aren't as many discounts as there were in 2019, nor are they as large as they were before. Stores are also more spread out and still suggesting, if not requiring, masks. There are still going to be restricted amounts of stock both in stores and online, largely because of the chip shortage. Keep that in mind as you go on your appliance hunt.
Know What Appliance You Want
Before you go to your retailer of choice, do a quick search online. For example, let's say you're looking at buying a new range. Do you want a range that is gas powered, or do you prefer an induction stovetop? Look up the possibilities for what you're looking for so that you know, generally, what you're wanting. You can start by looking at our Deep Dives on different appliances to get an idea of what your options are, and work from there to drill even deeper into different models and what features might be available. By researching ahead of time online, you make a short list to bring to a store, rather than having to look over everything on offer. It also cuts down on the amount of shopping burnout you can go through if you try to compare everything in store.
Does It Fit In Your Home?
We're not saying you should look at just the physical design of the appliance and how it would look compared to your other appliances. You should also look at the dimensions of the different models you're considering. If you purchase a range that's larger or smaller than your current one, will you have to rearrange your kitchen and where things are placed? Can you do that, or are your cabinets and other features built in? For that reason, it's best to look at ones with very similar measurements, if not the exact same. Finally, make sure that it fits in with your budget.
Make sure to also carefully look at reviews and review sites like Consumer Report.
A few things to watch out for while you're reading over reviews.
-Check social media about the brand. What are people saying? People will voice their opinions and call out a brand if their products are not working as expected or wanted.
- Are reviews really, really positive and all posted within a week or two? These are probably fake. Ignore them and take a closer look at the others.
- Are the reviews stuffed with repetitive phrases? Do several posts in a row mention words that are very similar to how the company describes the product? That's another good sign of fake reviews.
- If you're worried about digging for hours through reviews, see if you can't find a video review instead. They're much harder to fake.
Online? In-store? Which Is Better?
Before we can answer that question, we have to ask a different one: Do you know what you want? If you know exactly what you want, go shopping online. Check to see which sites have the item you want in stock and work from there. Many sites will offer shipping and delivery, although it might not be free, or it might not include installation. However, if you aren't dead set on a brand and model, go in store. Take advantage of having an actual sales rep to talk to and ask questions of. If you're in the store, you also have the option to negotiate.
Ways To Save When Shopping For New Appliances
While what we said up above is true that stores aren't offering deep discounts like they did in 2019, there are still ways that you can save.
- Find the best price online and ask the retailer to match it. Many retailers still offer this service, even if they don't advertise it.
- Don't be afraid to negotiate! They want your business. If they can't match the price, see if they can throw in delivery, assembly, installation etc.
- Follow the retailer on social media. Many retailers will offer special discounts or promotions online that don't show up in newsletters or on their main site in exchange for you interacting with their page.
We know there are probably examples of ways shopping has changed, and that's why we want to hear from you! Let us know about your most recent experience over on our Facebook page. What have you seen online or in stores when shopping for appliances?
If you're not looking for new appliances and instead are looking for someone who can repair your appliances, you're in the right place. Appliance Rescue Service is here for you whether you're in McKinney or Dallas or somewhere in between. You can set up an appointment on our contact page or reach out to us by calling ((214) 599-0055). We can help whether you're looking to stop your washer from rattling or your fridge from being chillier than the North Pole. We cover all major appliances.