Page 6 - HowTo.2017

Page 6 – Tuesday, October 31, 2017
How
Appliances are big purchases, but buying one doesn’t have to be a has- sle.
Approach it the right way, and ap- pliance shopping can even be a lot of fun. Browsing through the selection of modern appliances at a retail store is an eye-opening trip through the world of consumer innovation; one where technology has introduced countless features and convenienc- es to make your life easier. So as you start your search for a new appliance, take a breath and relax! You’re about to embark on an enjoyable miniature adventure.
Before you begin, decide on a bud- get and identify your needs. How will your new purchase make your life easier? Are there extra, price-inflating features that you can live without? Be able to pinpoint exactly what you need, what you’d like to have, and what you can truly afford before you start shopping. Chances are, you’ll find that even lower-cost appliances may have some of the bells and whis- tles you’re looking for.
LOOK ONLINE
You can accomplish a lot at the start of your appliance search without ever leaving home. Get online and search for local appliance stores. These
How To Guide
to Choose an Appliance Store
stores are typically more flexible in striving to meet customers’ needs, and they’re often able to deliver your new product more quickly than on- line retailers. They can also save you the time and trouble of traveling out of town hunt down what you’re look- ing for. And a lot of appliance stores will deliver your new purchase free of charge. The speed and ease of get- ting the product to your door can be a lifesaver if an essential and bulky item, like your refrigerator, has bro- ken down.
While you’re online, remember to read up on the businesses them- selves. Business review pages can in-
form you what services each retailer offers. Review sites can be tricky, be- cause people who’ve had a negative experience are much more likely to let others know about it than people who are content with their purchase. Don’t dismiss the negative reviews, but be able to consider them in a larg- er context.
Year after year, Consumer Reports (www.consumerreports.org) and the Better Business Bureau (www.BBB. org) remain great resources for dis- cerning which businesses are repu- table. Businesses that have qualified to be listed with the Better Business Bureau have a demonstrated track re- cord of honesty and reliability.
Finally, check a retailer’s website for customer message boards. Many stores provide message boards where their customers can comment and leave reviews — not only for the products they’ve purchased, but also for their overall experience with the store’s service. Reading about other customers’ experiences is a great way to be informed before you head to the store yourself.
LOOK FOR ADS
Stores want your business, and ap- pliance advertising is a major plat- form for them to showcase their
deals and get you through the door. One of the best ways to track down the best deals is to scan these stores’ current advertisements. Whether by direct mail, in the local newspaper or online, retailers are constantly adver- tising the deals they’re offering. De- pending on what you’re looking for, it’s helpful to keep in mind that some appliance stores offer specials on spe- cific products.
Other stores will use price-match- ing to stay competitive. Not all stores have policies on price-matching, so be sure to ask first. If you can find a lower advertised price on the exact same product and model elsewhere, many stores will sell you the prod- uct for that price. This is called price matching.
As always, conduct research on the appliance you need to make sure you are spending money wisely. Not all appliances are the same; just because one manufacturer was excellent two decades ago doesn’t mean the quality will be the same now.
STORE POLICIES
Review the store’s policies about warranties and repairs. If the appli- ance comes with a one-year manufac- turer’s warranty, you might not need an additional warranty from the
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