While many people are satisfied with smaller appliances, some would still like to invest in larger ones such as front loading washers, LCD television sets, home entertainment systems, etc. What differentiates major appliances from smaller appliances is not their size per se, but their price. When you have to scrounge for a few months to pay for the entire price of one appliance that’s definitely a major appliance.

Price reduction

With all the economic turmoil the US is experiencing, manufacturers have had no choice but to reduce the cost of their commodities. This applies to large appliances. Ovens, gas ranges, washer & dryer machines, etc. had to be made more affordable.

It’s a profit-killing venture for the manufacturers, but it’s better than ceasing production and laying off hundreds or maybe thousands of people from the production line. The price reduction has reached 20%-30% in recent years. Now would be a good time to invest in large appliances. If you have a bit of money to spare, don’t hesitate to do some research to find the best deal for your home’s needs.

Comparing means potential savings

Different manufacturers have different pricing options for their machines. Generally, front loading washers are more expensive than regular washers. Washers that can handle more than 17 kilograms of clothes with every wash are bound to cost at least $700 (this applies to brands such as Whirlpool).

The mistake that many people make when shopping for appliances is that they decide to buy the first ‘good’ product that they see. While many manufacturers make it a point to beef up their products with attractive features, we’re talking about pricing and value here.

Features are one thing, but warranties, accessories, service and pricing are important too. You can only make an informed purchase if you’ve compared at least 5 different products. You can also transfer from one store to another. You might be surprised of the price discrepancies between stores carrying the same brands.

While there are several reasons behind these discrepancies, the point of creating a comparison is you can haggle effectively if you know how much a particular item is being sold elsewhere. You would also be able to contest an overpriced item by citing that such and such store has only priced the same product this way.

Energy savings

Did you know that $300 million is offered by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to people who purchase major appliances that have the Energy Star certification? This gives people an incentive to buy products that have energy-saving capabilities installed. Apart from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, many state institutions are also offering incentives to state residents for the same type of appliances.

Swiping that card, wisely

So you want to buy a major appliance with your credit card. There’s nothing wrong with that, especially if you’re expecting a lot of money by the end of a certain period of time. Here’s what you can do: stick to what you credit card billing states. If it says that a particular debt has to be paid by March 15th, pay by March 15th. That would eliminate costly interest on your part.