Buying Used Appliances: The Benefits And Tips For Acquiring Them

Due to the Pandemic, there’s been a high rise in inflation and shortages in supplies, so technology is more expensive than ever. If you find yourself in a predicament from a fridge suddenly dying or your old dryer kicking the bucket, you might be in a financial tough spot. But worry not! You don’t need to break the bank for a brand-new appliance. Save your money by considering a purchase of a used appliance instead. Now don’t let the word “used” faze you. You may associate “used” with something that is old, worn down, or damaged, but this is not always the case. Even brand-new appliances can call it quits after a year or two if you’re unlucky. This is more costly compared to if you bought a used appliance that died within the same time frame.

Read onwards to learn about the benefits of buying used and tips for shopping them. Buying used may be the solution to your appliance needs!

“Used” Can Be “New”

Any appliance that is not straight from where it was made and packaged is considered “used” if it was unwrapped. This also applies to appliances that were never actually installed. Appliances that fall under this category are technically new, but because they may have been touched by someone, they become “used.” Sometimes they are discounted solely for having its box opened. These appliances could be floor models, slightly scratched or dented upon their initial delivery and thereby returned or returned from being too small or large for their intended destination. While harder to find, these appliances are great buys and considerably cheaper compared to their original selling price.

Affordability & Warranty

The biggest benefit about buying used is the affordability. If the timing is bad for your wallet, used appliances might serve as a quick fix or even a life-saver. But this is also a double-edged sword. Don’t rush into a purchase because it was the lowest priced appliance you found. This is where buying at a store is an advantage. Stores almost always provide some sort of warranty. A warranty will provide you a free service within a limited time range, so if something malfunctions, it will likely be fixed without any cost to you. Take us for example, all appliance purchases with Danny’s come with a guaranteed 90-day warranty. We also offer a one-year extended warranty option.

A store also has a varied selection to choose from. If you’re shopping for more than one appliance, the possibility of buying matching brands or at least finding appliances that look similar to one another is higher. You may even save big on high-end brands!

Look Up Local Reliable Stores & Read Reviews

Avoid shopping online wherever possible. Private sellers often don’t know as much about their appliance, while used appliance stores get checked by professional repairers who are familiar with them. By shopping local, you can inspect the quality of an appliance in person, support your local business, and will likely be able to get delivery and installation services for a reasonable price.

Reviews provide powerful insight and greatly influence a consumer’s buying decision whether it be online or in store. Stores with an established history and many reviews are more reliable than stores that don’t. By browsing through the most recent years’ worth of reviews, you’ll be able to make a good judgement about which stores are worth your time and money.

Important Points to Consider

• Age & Life Expectancy – consider the age of the appliance. The average lifespan of any new appliance is usually about 10 years minimum, so an appliance that is newer is more likely to last longer and be a more worthwhile purchase. There are exceptions to the rule though, earlier models of machines often have high durability and many last 15 or more years (like my dryer!).
• Consider Repair Costs & Fixability – no appliance is guaranteed a life span without problems. Newer appliances are more likely fixable if an issue occurs, whereas older models often have discontinued parts.
• Inspect the Machine – signs of rust (if cosmetic it should have no effect on performance), mold or mildew, or worn cords are all red flags for what to avoid. Also ask questions, like how often a machine was repaired or common issues with certain brands.
• Research Brands on Reliability – Brands may have appliances that do better compared to others that they manufacture, for example, Bosch has great reliability ratings on its dishwashers but is a bit lacking in their washers and dryers. While researching, also pay attention to common repairs on specific models to get an idea of what additional costs you may incur.

If you’re looking to purchase a used appliances, we offer high-quality appliances at unbeatable prices! Stop by our showroom in Providence, Rhode Island or shop our appliances online to browse our selection of dishwashers, ovens, dryers and washers, refrigerators, and more!