On-line shopping for appliances

[texbaylea]

I just had a pleasant shopping experience.

Our electric range has been developing more and more small problems so when an oven element burned out and it was going to take two weeks to get a new element at a less than bargin price, we decided that it was time to replace the range. Looked at the local stores plus HD and Lowes and got turned off by their lack of attention, poor selection and delivery and installation charges for a free standing range.

We went on-line and looked at the various brands and features, made our choice and used the price comparision "bots" on line. Went back to the locals who could not meet the price, could not get that model, or it will take 3 weeks for a special order.

We found the best deal at A J Madison of NY. Got the model we wanted, plus a new dishwasher that was needed, special free shipping offer, and no local sales tax. Place the order Oct 25 and received it yesterday, Nov 6. Each was palleted on very nice 30" x 30" pallets (had to shift my forks). I lifted them off the back of the freight truck with no problems. Overall I saved over $400 on the deal.

I will definitely consider going this way again.

Vernon

 

[Bird]

Saving $400 certainly sounds good, Vernon, but what will you do if you have a problem or need service or parts for the appliances? Of course it may never be a problem, but I've been a little reluctant to buy anything online that might need repairs.

 

[EddieWalker]

Hi Bird,

I think you'll have just as much trouble getting service from Home Depot, Lowes or any other appliance store. They just tell you to call the 800 number for service, or it's the manufacturer who takes care of all problems.

Another thing to consider when buying a new appliance is to go to the post office and get a relocation packet. Inside it there is a coupon from Home Depot for 10% off when you move. Just use any old address and put down your current address as the new one. They will accept this at the store, and I've had Lowes accept just the little card from the Post Office.

Eddie

 

[Bird]

Yep, Eddie, I wouldn't buy major appliances from Lowe's or Home Depot either. That's the primary reason our appliances came from Sears, although I'd buy from other local stores if they serviced what they sell. And another possibility, I guess, is the fact that I think Sears now services nearly all brands whether you bought from Sears or not.

 

[wickedinhere]

If you have a problem with your new appliances all you have to do is call the manufactor and they will give you the number of a service center near you and they will come out and repair the appliance. I ran appliance service in my area for 8 years and we serviced stuff from lowes and home depot and other big box stores the repairman doesnt care who you bought it from he makes the same money. You sure made a good deal saving 400.00!!

 

[3RRL]

We found the same thing that the manufacturer gives you the number of the local authorized repair dealer with no problems. We are now buying all our appliances on line looking for the "free shipping deals". There's quite a lot of money and hassle to save. In your case, that's the cost of a new toothbar or hydraulic top link man.

 

[texbaylea]

Bird

As long as it is under warranty I have no concerns about getting local warranty service. After it goes out of warranty I have been finding that it is easy to find parts for appliances that are less than 15 years old on the 'net. I have always done my own repair work and major appliances are easy to service. In spite of all the different brands most of the parts are common except for trim items.

The range we replaced was over 15 years old and the dishwasher was about 10 years old and was a cheapie when bought.

Vernon

 

[Bird]

Apparently there's not a problem. I'm glad to know that.

 

[rozett]

We bought a new microwave from BestBuy a year ago. After 10 months, it quit working. BestBuy says contact manufacturer. We contact Sharp and they identify the nearest repair depot, which is an hour away in the next state. Sorry, but I'm not packing up a 1.5 cf microwave and pay the shipping. I modified my torx bit to counter their consumer counter-measures and opened the box. With the help of my v-o meter, I identified the bad part and ordered it online. The part was shipped in 24 hours and costs about the same as I would have paid for shipping. Our first Sharp microwave lasted 20 years. I just hate the fact that everything we buy nowadays is throw away.

 

[texbaylea]

rozett

The next time I see a sale on security bits I plan to buy a set. I am seeing more and more of these. We are fortunate to live within 100 miles of Houston where almost all manufacturers have service centers. We go there frequently enough to cover most problems. I do understand your reasoning and would have done the same myself.

Our education system is telling the kids that they have to be trained to do something, some teacher must tell them. Can't just read a book or manual or figure it out for yourself.

Vernon

P.S. We Texans have goten in the habit of considering a hours drive as next door. Got to get out of that habit.