How to Find A Great Value Deal On Your Dishwasher
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If you're a new homeowner, you may find that one of the hidden costs of buying a house is purchasing appliances. It's not unusual for new homeowners to spend upwards of $3,000 on new appliances after moving in!
Even if you're an existing homeowner, you'll still find yourself needing to replace appliances at some point. And since costs can add up quickly, you may find yourself wondering how you can be smart with money and get the best deals.
If you're in the market for a new dishwasher, we have your ultimate guide on how to buy one without breaking the bank. Keep reading to find out more!
How to Buy a Dishwasher
With the endless number of dishwasher options out there, you need to plan ahead of time to be sure you're buying the right fit for your space, staying within budget, and getting the features you want. Being picky can help you save money in the long run since you're more likely to be happy with your purchase.
Measure Your Space
Taking some quick measurements and jotting them down is an important first step. Buying a dishwasher too small or too large can be a headache and end up costing you time and money to return it. Most dishwashers, though, come in a standard size.
Identify Your Priorities
If the finish and color, length of the cycle, or energy usage is important to you, be sure to keep that at the front of your mind as you're shopping. You may be willing to pay a bit more to get the exact configuration that you want, and that's ok.
Set Your Price
Before you even start to look around, check out your budget. When you set your price point, you need to stick to that no matter what. Being able to practice good self-control and learning when to walk away from something you don't need is a smart way to practice good finances.
It's dangerous to go into buying a big-ticket item, such as a dishwasher, with no limit. You could end up going into debt for something that you could have paid for with cash if you'd bought a cheaper model.
Check Out Reviews
With so many sites offering customer reviews, be sure to check out what other consumers are saying. If the majority of customers are unsatisfied or disappointed with their purchase, choose a different product.
Don't get so caught up in the additional features or appearance of an appliance that you overlook its main purpose and how good it is at its job.
10 Ways to Be Smart with Money When Buying a Dishwasher
When it's time to replace an old or failing appliance, there are plenty of strategies to help you save. Here are ten great ways to save money when buying a dishwasher.
1. Buy Open Box
Open-box items are ones that have been purchased and returned but are still in good working order. They're often inspected and any necessary repairs made before being sold again at a lower price.
While they're a great way to save money, they may not always function as well as something brand new and never opened. But they can also be a great way to buy a dishwasher and other kitchen appliances.
You can check to see if there are any open box dishwashers at a big box store, but there are also plenty of sites online where you can purchase these items as well.
2. Buy Damaged
You can sometimes buy floor models that have been on display for a discounted price. They may have some minor scratches, dents, or other cosmetic imperfections, and retailers are willing to lower the price as a result.
Other appliances may have damage needing repairs, but you run the risk of spending money on something that is going to require a lot of time and additional money to operate effectively.
You may save money, but you will need to factor the costs and time of repairs into the price.
3. Shop Around
If you have your heart set on a certain brand or model of dishwasher, don't buy it from the first retailer you find that carries it. Instead, shop around and see who carries it and what price they're asking for.
If you find a retailer who's selling it for cheaper, many stores are willing to match or beat that price. This especially goes if you find a more affordable offer online, but you don't want to wait or pay for shipping.
4. Look for Rebates
Many websites and big retail stores offer rebates that can help get you money back from buying a dishwasher. This especially goes for kitchen upgrades that are energy efficient.
Check the store's website or ask a sales associate for any information and necessary documents. A lot of times, you'll need copies of receipts or proof of purchase, and sometimes photos.
You should also check out Energy Star's Rebate Finder. You need to enter your zip code and it will come up with offers for money back, oftentimes from your utility company.
5. Check for Coupons
There are plenty of websites available where you can check for coupon codes or deals. You can even install extensions on your web browser to automatically check for codes that you can apply when purchasing kitchen appliances.
You can also check to see if there are any coupons in your mail or local newspapers as well. Be sure to check any expiration dates so you don't miss out!
6. Buy Used
With the numerous websites and apps dedicated to buying and selling used goods, chances are you can find something in decent working condition for sale near you. Remember to take all necessary safety precautions when meeting someone to check out what they're selling.
There are also Habitat for Humanity ReStores all over the country. They take donations of old appliances and home improvement items and sell them for cheap. Not only can you save money, but you can help support your community at the same time!
7. When You Buy Matters
Throughout the year, most retailers have big sales around major holidays. These are the best times to buy appliances in order to save money. Look for great deals around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day when stores slash prices.
And there is the ultimate shopping day: Black Friday. This is arguably the best day to buy in order to score great savings. Even throughout the month of November, Veterans Day included, there are great deals on big purchases that can end up saving you a lot of money.
However, if you can't wait that long to replace a broken appliance, see about buying when a store is getting in new inventory and looking to make space.
8. Trade/Sell/Scrap Old Appliances
If you have an old appliance that is working, but you want to update to the best dishwasher you can get for your money, consider selling it or trading it on Craigslist, Offer Up, or Nextdoor. You can then use this money towards your purchase of a new dishwasher.
Depending on where you live, you can also scrap your old dishwasher and other kitchen appliances for money. Check around to see if there are any scrap yards that are willing to take them off your hands.
You can even sell broken and unusable appliances for cheap and see if there is anyone who wants to buy them, fix them, and resell them for a profit. If you're not willing or able to make it work again, there may be someone out there who can!
9. Know Your Needs Versus Wants
While it's easy to want to get the fanciest and best dishwasher available, be careful not to break the bank. Being smart with money means knowing what you need (a new dishwasher) and prioritizing a good deal over what you want.
There are so many options out there for kitchen upgrades. When it comes to buying a dishwasher, you can splurge to buy something smart, quiet, energy-efficient, and fast. And if that's important to you, then budget for a high-end model.
But for a much cheaper price, you can get a great appliance that may take longer and runs a bit louder. At the end of the day, you still get clean dishes.
So be sure to know your needs versus your wants. If you can make it work with a more affordable model, then you may need to downgrade from the most expensive option in the store.
10. Use Gift Cards
If you have gift cards to a major store, you can save a good chunk of money by using the balance toward the purchase of your dishwasher. Asking for gift cards from loved ones for holidays and birthday gifts can help you spend less out of pocket.
Get the Best Deal
What's great about these strategies is that you can combine as many of them as you can. Maybe you have gift cards that you use towards the purchase of an open box dishwasher on Black Friday. Then, you can apply for rebates to get some money back and sell your old appliance to someone else.
There are so many ways to be smart with money and get a great deal on a dishwasher. If you're careful not to buy the first appliance you see, you can end up saving a lot. Want to learn more about all things home improvement and being financially savvy? Then be sure to contact us!
Check out other useful guides on our website and see 17 must-have kitchen items under $50 or 3 mistakes people make when buying a fridge.