LibGuides: Appliances/Purchasing: Buying

State Tax Forgiveness: Energy Efficient Product Holidays

Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday
Beginning in 2009, during a seven day period starting April 19 and ending April 25, sales of qualifying ENERGY STAR certified new appliances will be exempt from tax.
Sales Tax Holidays / Sales Tax Institute
A sales tax holiday is a limited-time period where a state allows sales tax to be waived or reduced on categories of items. These holidays are short in duration and are limited to the items listed.

Tips for Buying Appliances

Here’s The Best Time To Buy Appliances/Forbes
The best time to buy appliances is during a holiday or holiday weekend sale, during the off-season, at the end of the month, or just before or after the manufacturer releases a new model. Shopping at these strategic times can save you hundreds of dollars.
Where Should You Buy Appliances?
When it comes to buying a major appliance such as a refrigerator, washing machine, or anything else that’s too big to fit in your car, picking the right retailer is nearly as important as picking the right brand or model.

Google Shopping

Google Shopping tells you when there’s been a recent price drop.

Time and Day of the Week

Buying after 3 p.m. is more likely to lead to a sale than in the morning.
Shopping on a Wednesday or Thursday before the weekend rush when there are fewer crowds may be helpful in negotiating a deal.
The store may also be looking to clear out inventory before rolling in new models for the weekend.

Minor Damage

Get extra discounts for minor damages, like scratches. Buying a floor model can save you as much as 15%.
When shopping for slightly damaged appliances (e.g., cosmetic imperfections), choose models that are:

Free of cracked glass panels.
Backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
Have all the parts indicated in the manual.

Credit Cards

Check your credit card: Some cards offer extended warranties for purchased goods at no extra cost.
Some cards may offer cashback or other reward points that could save you money, even if not directly on the appliance.

Comparison Shop

Shop around – some stores may have the same model at a lower price than another store. In addition some retailers may have price-match guarantees.

Check against the price online, at one time Home Depot would match the price.

Issues to Consider

What You Should Expect From an Appliance Delivery
In this article, you will learn what to expect from delivery before it goes wrong.

Delivery

Delivery is the second biggest issue after service because it is handled so differently by retailers.

“Curbside” delivery is where the product is unloaded at the sidewalk.
“In-house” delivery options which may include

Removal, Power cords, and Installation.

Receipts

Record of purchase
Serve as proof of purchase for tax deductions or rebates.
Keep your receipt as long as you own the appliance.
Photocopy or scan the receipts so that you don’t find yourself with blank paper as the ink degrades over time.

Repairs

How Much Does Appliance Repair Cost?
This article discusses appliance repair costs for the most common appliances and address some frequently asked questions in this cost guide to appliance repair pricing.
So what’s the deal with “home warranties”?
What exactly is a so-called home warranty?
Are Extended Warranties Worth the Cost?
Why extended appliance warranties don't always work, and when it might be needed.

There is no fixed cost standard set for appliance repair.

Ask

The process of calculating the bills, it must be the combination of labor, parts and preferably the service fee.
An experienced technician may make a provisional diagnosis, and bring the suitable parts on the initial visit.
Will the repair technicians offer warranties for their services, which shows that they are confident that your repaired appliance will last a long time.