The Power of Coupons – How to Cut Costs on Your Appliance Purchases

Coupons drive traffic, increase customer loyalty, and boost long-term profits for e-commerce website owners. But how exactly do they work?

Whether saving a dollar or two on laundry detergent or a big-ticket appliance, coupons promote value to consumers. Here’s how to capitalize on this phenomenon.

Look for ENERGY STAR-certified appliances.

Purchasing new appliances can be an exciting time. The thrill is even greater if your buying appliance is energy efficient. Energy-efficient appliances can save you money on utility bills and help reduce global warming emissions.

ENERGY STAR appliances have two price tags: the first is the purchase price, and the second is the lifetime cost of operating the appliance. ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and room air conditioners use less energy than conventional models. They can recoup the initial purchase price in savings on your energy bills within the first year of operation.

Look for the blue ENERGY STAR label when shopping for appliances, especially large-ticket items like refrigerators and washers. The label shows the estimated annual usage in kilowatt-hours to show you how much it will cost to operate the appliance over its lifespan. Also, select “ENERGY STAR” as a search filter if you shop online. Some retailers and manufacturers also offer ENERGY STAR rebates for qualifying buyers.

Look for rebates.

A rebate is similar to a coupon like the Walmart coupons, taking off the total price at checkout. It can be a percentage or dollar discount and is a common incentive when purchasing appliances. Many kitchen appliance packages will include a rebate for the full set, saving you hundreds of dollars. Refunds are available from manufacturers and sometimes organizations that offer energy efficiency incentives in the Bay Area.

You’ll find that manufacturers run promotions frequently, and rebates might become more attractive around specific holidays such as Black Friday or Labor Day. It’s also worth asking if you can score additional savings by buying a less-popular appliance.

For example, white appliances fell out of favor around Y2K but still do the job well and are less expensive. If you’re willing to go with a non-fashion color, you can often save $100 or more by choosing white rather than stainless steel. You can also negotiate a deal for store display models with minor flaws, usually discounted more than regular inventory.

Look for free delivery.

Appliances are costly, so when it’s time to purchase, you want to get the most bang for your buck. There are plenty of ways to save, from buying on sale and taking advantage of discounts to finding rebates and bundling appliances together for a lower price. You can also find savings by haggling with retailers and using coupon codes.

Many large appliance manufacturers have seasonal sales, so it’s important to keep an eye out for them. Black Friday and Memorial Day are the best times to shop for deals, but you can also find deals on appliances year-round.

Another way to save is by paying with a gift card. Sites sell unused and unwanted gift cards at a discount, so you can often get an appliance for less than the list price. And remember to factor in the cost of delivery when calculating your budget. Some stores offer free or inexpensive delivery, while others charge a fee. Be sure to ask about these charges before making a purchase.

Look for last year’s models.

Consider last year’s model if you plan to buy a major appliance. It may look less nice, but it will likely be cheaper. Most retailers have price-matching policies that will give you the same deal if you can prove a competitor’s lower price is available.

Whether you’re shopping for electronics, appliances or other big-ticket items, it pays to shop around and know the best times of the year for sales. Three-day weekends like Labor Day and Presidents Day are often good for discounts, as are the weeks before or after manufacturers release new models.

Experts say inventory backups and delivery delays have eased somewhat since the pandemic but remain historically high. That means you’ll need to be patient if you want what you want now. If you can’t wait, check out brands with the best track records on reliability based on surveys and ratings from consumer reports and other reviews. Look for bundled deals to save money and get all your appliances simultaneously, such as washer-dryer combos or kitchen sets.

Look for outlet stores.

Appliances are costly, but you can save by shopping during seasonal sales, using coupons, and looking for appliances at outlet stores. It’s also helpful to budget, set savings goals and pay in cash instead of credit to avoid high interest rates.

The best time to buy appliances is during major sale events like Labor Day, Black Friday, Memorial Day, or holiday promotions. But you can find discounts year-round, especially knowing where to look.

Monitor local deals and coupons at discount retailers, warehouse clubs or socially conscious outlets. Remember that couponing is all about perceived value, so don’t be afraid to ask for more off the price tag. Research shows that consumers who bargain successfully save up to 50 percent. Plus, it feels good to use a coupon because it causes oxytocin levels to spike and makes us happier. So give yourself a big pat on the back for your smart negotiating skills.