© 2008-
SavingsNut.com™ – The Best Site On The Internet For Money Saving Tips & Frugal Living Ideas
Also Visit
“A Detailed Guide of Money Saving Advice & Budgeting Know-
“The best resource on the Internet to teach both young and old how to reduce everyday household expenses. Simply the best.” TSN
ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES -
Home Electronics (continued)
5. The home electronics business is very competitive and good deals can be found all over the place.
a. If you are looking for home electronics at traditional outlets like Best Buy or Circuit City, make sure you buy when the item is on sale. Otherwise, you will have paid more than necessary. If you are making a large purchase at these stores, sometimes the manager will negotiate a better price rather than lose your business. But don’t forget about looking in Walmart, and perhaps even Target, for home electronics. They are expanding their selection and reducing their prices on many items. Make sure you also check out discount warehouses like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s. They often have the best prices in town.
b. Of course, the absolute best prices are probably available somewhere on the Internet. But be careful. Sometimes those prices that look too good to be true actually end up being just that: “too good to be true.” Be careful unless you know the Internet retailer is trustworthy. Many are. But remember, if you have a problem, returning an item to an Internet retailer can sometimes be a problematic endeavor.
6. Many home electronics use batteries, which can become fairly expensive over the course of a year. Studies have shown that there are not large differences in the performance of brand name batteries and store brand batteries (given the same type of battery). And sometimes, store brand batteries are substantially less expensive. So try the store brand and see if there really is a measurable difference. And, if you use a whole bunch of batteries consider buying rechargeable batteries. They will cost more up front, but they will save over the long haul.
Every house needs major appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, stoves and ovens, microwaves, dishwashers, and clothes washers and dryers. And they are expensive to both purchase, operate and sometimes repair. Try to resist buying an appliance just because it looks the best, has a neat feature you think you need, or it has the lowest price available. Consider the following before making your decision.
1. Save money by purchasing the right make and model for you.
a. Do some research on the reliability of the make and model you are considering. While anyone can have the misfortune of ending up with a “lemon,” some brands of appliances, and some specific models of an appliance brand, are more susceptible to breaking. But don’t just think one brand has better appliances than another brand. It’s not that easy. For instance, Brand “A” may have a refrigerator Model #1 that is very reliable, but that same Brand “A” may have a refrigerator Model #2 that is not reliable at all. Or Brand “A” may make great washers and dryers, but very poor quality stoves, etc. Check the various brands and models with ConsumerReports.org or with other sources on the Internet. There is plenty of information and customer reviews available to help you make your decision.
b. Keep in mind, that when appliances do break there can be a major difference among
brands with respect to how much repairs cost. Standard appliance makes, such as
Kenmore, GE, etc. will generally have “reasonable” repair costs. However, some of
the more expensive brands, like Sub-
c. Try to purchase appliances that are energy efficient. The cost of operating various major appliances can really add up over the period of a few years, and different appliances have different levels of efficiency. Most appliances will have an “EnergyGuide” rating sticker or notice readily apparent at the appliance store, which will give a rating and also an estimate of the annual cost of operation. Pay attention to these labels when making your decision. The more energy efficient appliances will often also have a label indicating that the appliance is “Energy Star” qualified.
d. Avoid paying extra for a bunch of features that may seem great, but will end up being used very little. Most of the extra features on appliances are not used by their owners. And, generally, the more features on an appliance the higher its cost and the more things that can break. So, start out considering the most basic energy efficient model available, and just go up in price to add features you know you really will use. Once you find that model, don’t upgrade any more.
2. Once you decide what make and model is best for you, make sure you get the best price.
a. Visit several appliance stores and vendors. This includes dedicated appliance dealers, as well as larger stores that also sell appliances like Sears, Home Depot and Lowe’s. See what is available and the prices.
b. Unless the appliance is on sale, do not buy. Appliances are always on sale, and your make and model either will be on sale, or will be on sale in the near future. Be patient.
c. Make sure you bargain for the best price. Most vendors, including large stores like Home Depot, will give you a better price if they think they need to in order to close the deal. This is particularly true if you are buying several appliances at the same time. If you would like, go to the Internet and print out some prices and see if the store will match. Or, you might even consider buying your appliances from an Internet store if the price is right.
d. You should also try to get free delivery with your purchase. Stores try not to do this, but generally will if they need to in order to close the sale. Also, if you are getting rid of an old appliance, make sure they take it away at no charge to you.
Next Page
