Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping a Refrigerator Sale

Purchasing a refrigerator is a big investment, so searching for the best place to shop a refrigerator sale is important. Getting a fridge in the right size, with the right features, can take some time and research - that's why planning ahead can make a tremendous difference.

Refrigerator sales are a great way to save when buying a new fridge, but you want to shop smart! Learn when you can find the best fridge sales, get shopping tips, and learn what to avoid when you're looking to score a deal.

When is the Best Time to Buy a Refrigerator?

You can get your appliance for less when you choose to shop during a refrigerator sale event. If you're in the midst of a kitchen remodel or upgrade, shopping a sale is a great way to save money. By planning ahead, you could buy a new fridge that has the features you're looking for, such as French doors, a water dispenser or a bottom freezer, at a lower cost.

Holiday Appliance Sales

Many kitchen appliance and refrigerator stores offer major discounts on top-rated appliances during holidays or holiday weekends. Some good times of the year to buy a refrigerator may be around Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the start of a new year.

Prior-Year Model Discounts

As with many appliances, the price of a new fridge model will be at its highest when the manufacturer first releases the product, and most new versions of refrigerators are released in the fall and spring. Whenever retailers are trying to make room for new inventory, they're more likely to offer big discounts on previous refrigerator models.

Refrigerator Emergencies

If you're in a rush to buy a refrigerator because yours has broken, you may be searching for good deals when there aren't traditional sales going on. Even if you need to purchase a fridge ASAP, you'll want to get the best value for your money by knowing your options and avoiding common mistakes people make when buying a refrigerator.

What to Look Out for When Shopping Refrigerator Sales

When refrigerator shopping, it's important to be aware of potential refrigerator sales or deals that could be misleading. As you navigate sale offers, look out for the following:

Opened Merchandise and Floor Samples

If you see an especially great sale price on a fridge, it may have been opened already. Open-box appliances are often newer models that may have some minor cosmetic damage and therefore can't be sold as brand new in mint condition. Open-box refrigerators aren't used or refurbished, but may include:

• Floor samples used by a refrigerator store
• Refrigerators with a superficial flaw like a dent or scratch
• Returned refrigerators that were purchased, but not used, by other customers

If you don't mind purchasing an open-box or floor model, you may be able to save as much as 50 percent! Buying an open box refrigerator could allow you to invest in a name-brand model for less, and it may even include the same warranty coverage as a brand-new refrigerator. You'll want to verify warranty details and make sure the appliance's functionality isn't compromised in any way before making a final decision.

Scratched or Dented Fridges

If you see a great price that seems surprisingly low, make sure it's not because the appliance is damaged. Many fridges are sold at discounted prices because they're blemished in some way. Scratched or dented refrigerators are still brand-new appliances - they're just sold at discounts.

In most cases, these refrigerators, which may include the above-mentioned floor samples and open-box models, are unused and function perfectly fine. Many scratched or dented refrigerators only have cosmetic issues - perhaps they incurred minor flaws during the manufacturing, packaging or shipping process. As long as the scratches or dents are clearly disclosed by the retailer and you don't mind, this may be a good option to make the most of your budget.

If you decide to purchase one of these refrigerators, you may be able to get anywhere from 40 to 60 percent off the retail cost. Before you buy a scratched or dented fridge, take the following steps to protect your investment.

Closely Examine the Appliance

Look for any visible defects on the entire appliance, including the front, back, and interior. Most importantly, open the doors and inspect any glass surfaces on the inside of the refrigerator. If you run across any cracks in the shelving, display panels or control panels, you'll likely want to pass on that specific appliance, as these issues can be dangerous and may impact refrigerator function.

Do a Price Check

Compare the refrigerator store's price tag against the original manufacturer's suggested retail price. The total amount should be discounted quite a bit if there are cosmetic damages. If it's not, consider waiting until the price of the retail model comes down.

Be Aware of the Risk

Certain risks come with purchasing a discounted scratched or dented fridge. Depending on where the flaws are located, you could end up with an appliance that doesn't function properly. So before making a purchase, ask the store about its return policy. That way, you'll be protected just in case you end up with a faulty product. It also pays to opt for a refrigerator that comes with an official, manufacturer-honored warranty from an Authorized Retailer.

If you're ready to purchase a discounted scratched or dented refrigerator, there are many P.C. Richard & Son clearance centers that offer these options.

Older Models/Overstock

Many Appliance stores offer nice discounts on the previous year's refrigerator models. A definite perk of older models or overstock refrigerators is that they're still new and fully under warranty. These refrigerators only have lower prices because manufacturers are about to release newer models that will take their place.

An older or overstock refrigerator could be a wise purchase; just compare the price of the latest edition to the price of the older or overstock model. If the price isn't that different, it might be worth it to invest in a newer refrigerator with updated features.

Unexpected Fees

While you're shopping for the latest fridge sales, remember that the price tag may not represent the total amount you'll pay. Depending on where you're shopping, you could end up with some unexpected fees, such as:

• Delivery
• Installation
• Hauling away of your old appliance

If you have a truck and some help, you could handle delivering your new refrigerator to your home. Keep in mind that you may need a dolly or hand truck to move the appliance. Also, note that a refrigerator should never be positioned on its side or upside-down during transportation because it could compromise the cooling mechanism inside. On a larger model, you might have to remove the doors to fit it through your doorway.

Similarly, installing a fridge without professional help can be a complex process. If you improperly install the appliance, you could risk voiding its warranty. In the end, paying for delivery and installation could be a much more convenient option.

Size and Fit

Among the most common mistakes people make when buying a new fridge is choosing the wrong size. Grabbing a tape measure and taking refrigerator measurements will allow you to know exactly how much space is available to fit the refrigerator between other appliances or against the wall and how much ceiling clearance you have to fit the height of the new refrigerator.

Choosing an appropriately-sized fridge is important. If the appliance is too small, it will offer less functionality. If it's too large, it might not even fit your space. Before buying a refrigerator, measure the dimensions of the area where you plan to place the unit. Shop refrigerators by size by factoring the height, width, depth and storage capacity of both the space you have available and the refrigerator itself to find an appropriate fit.

Additional Don'ts When Fridge Shopping

All refrigerators aren't created equally. While it can be tempting to buy a new fridge based on cosmetics or features alone, the right option for you might depend more on your practical needs and the size of your kitchen. Use these tips to avoid the common pitfalls shoppers can overlook.

DON'T go in without a budget.

Refrigerators are available in a range of prices to suit every budget. Before you begin shopping, set a realistic budget so you can shop within your price range. Otherwise, you might be overwhelmed with the number of options available.

DON'T forget about extra energy efficiency features.

Buying a cheaper fridge might save you money short-term, but may not help your future finances with higher electric bills. When refrigerator shopping, weigh the cost upfront versus the long-term saving benefits of a more energy-efficient model.

While basic energy efficiency is somewhat standard nowadays, some models have extra energy-saving features like Vacation Mode, a see-through window to lessen the frequency of opening the door, and an alarm if the door is left ajar.

These refrigerators are designed to reduce energy costs and consumption for years to come, which could benefit both your wallet and the planet. Refrigerators with higher Energy Star ratings can reduce your electric bills by as much as 60 to 100 dollars per year - and considering the lifetime of a fridge, those savings start to add up.

DON'T overlook the resale value.

Think about the aesthetics of your kitchen when buying a new refrigerator. By creating a cohesive look, you could increase the resale value of your home. With the money you save by shopping fridge sales, you may be able to purchase several matching appliances beyond just a refrigerator to upgrade the entire space and boost its appeal to future potential buyers.

DON'T get so caught up in the urgency of a sale that you forget to do your research.

Refrigerators come in a range of sizes, shapes, and styles. Among the many types of refrigerators available, certain designs could suit your needs and preferences better than others.

Besides searching for colors and finishes that best match your kitchen, research choices that match your sense of taste and the size of your space. For example, many shoppers prefer the look of French Door refrigerators that usually pack in the most advanced features such as smart technology and specialized compartments. Others appreciate Side by Side Refrigerators that have plenty of freezer and fridge space.

You may prefer a top freezer or bottom freezer refrigerator, based on the items you store most often. No matter which features you decide on, it's always a good idea to look at product reviews to make sure you're getting a quality option that performs well.

DON'T over or underestimate the importance of features.

Refrigerator designs have become increasingly sophisticated to accommodate the demands of today. Before shopping, determine which features are most important to you so you can rule out which ones you can live without. After all, you wouldn't want to purchase a higher-priced fridge with features you wouldn't even be able to use. For example, if a refrigerator has a built-in water dispenser or ice maker but your home doesn't have the proper water hookup to accommodate this feature, you could end up spending quite a bit on the installation to add one. Otherwise, you might end up with features you're not even able to use while still paying a higher price tag.

Popular refrigerator features include:

• Smart technology with touchscreens
• Ice and water dispensers
• Sliding shelves for easy access to food
• Crispers that keep perishables fresh
• Door locks and alarms
• LED displays with Wi-Fi capabilities

DON'T limit your choices by brand.

Many shoppers buy appliances based only on their knowledge about a particular brand. You may have an appliance brand you like, but limiting your choices to a single brand may mean missing out on other great options. Top refrigerator models offered by big brands are often at the high end of the price spectrum. If you're searching for a good deal on a refrigerator, these options might be well outside your price range.

On the other hand, the lower-end options offered by big brands often fail to provide enough value for the price. Keep in mind that the most important thing when purchasing a new refrigerator is buying a cost-efficient model that doesn't compromise on high-quality performance. To get the most bang for your buck, consider researching models from several brands, rather than focusing on one alone.

Wrapping It All Up

Your refrigerator is your ultimate kitchen appliance. When you're searching for a replacement or an upgrade, knowing your options for price, size, style, and function will help you to make the best choice.