Buying a washing machine is a significant investment, but with some strategic planning, you can save a lot of money. Retailers frequently offer discounts throughout the year, and knowing when and where to look can help you secure the best deals on affordable washing machines. In this guide, we’ll explore the ideal times and strategies to buy a high-quality washing machine at a lower price.
Shop During Major Sale Events
One of the best times to buy a washing machine is during major sale events. Black Friday and Cyber Monday feature some of the steepest discounts on home appliances, including washing machines. During these events, retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Amazon compete with each other, leading to significant price drops.
Holiday sales, including Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents’ Day, also provide excellent opportunities to save. Many stores use these long weekends to promote appliance sales, often offering bundle deals that allow you to save even more when buying other household items along with your washing machine.
If you’re not in a rush to buy, wait for these sales and plan your purchase around them. Signing up for newsletters from retailers can also give you early access to upcoming discounts.
Buy During End-of-Season or Clearance Sales
Another great time to buy a washing machine is during end-of-season or clearance sales. Retailers need to make room for new models, which typically arrive between September and October. As a result, stores often discount older models to clear out inventory.
Clearance sections at stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot offer washing machines that are still brand-new but may be from the previous year’s lineup. While these models may not have the latest features, they still perform reliably and come at a fraction of the original price.
If you don’t need the newest model, shopping during a clearance event can provide significant savings without compromising on quality.
Use Coupons and Promo Codes
Before making your purchase, search for coupons and promo codes from websites like RetailMeNot, Honey, and CouponCabin. Many retailers offer percentage-off coupons or cashback incentives on appliances, especially during promotional events.
Honey’s browser extension can automatically apply the best available promo code at checkout, giving you instant savings. Additionally, some appliance brands and retailers provide exclusive promo codes through newsletters or social media, so it’s worth subscribing to these channels.
Take Advantage of Cashback and Price-Tracking Apps
Cashback apps like Rakuten and TopCashback offer a percentage of your purchase back in cash or store credit when you shop through their portals. Using these apps can save you even more on top of the discounts offered by retailers.
Price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel and Honey are also valuable. These apps allow you to monitor the prices of specific washing machine models over time and notify you when they drop to your desired range. This ensures you get the best possible deal without constantly checking prices yourself.
Join Loyalty Programs and Membership Clubs
Many retailers offer loyalty programs and membership clubs that provide exclusive discounts on appliances, including washing machines. For example, Best Buy’s Totaltech membership offers members early access to deals and free delivery services.
Costco members also benefit from discounted prices on appliances and extended warranties on their purchases. Joining these programs not only helps you save money but also ensures you receive additional perks like free delivery or installation.
Consider Open-Box and Refurbished Models
Open-box washing machines are customer returns that are often in excellent condition but are sold at a discount. Many stores, such as Best Buy and Home Depot, offer these open-box appliances at reduced prices, and they often come with limited warranties.
Refurbished washing machines, which have been repaired and tested to meet quality standards, are another budget-friendly option. Authorized sellers and manufacturers sometimes offer refurbished units with warranties, giving you confidence in your purchase.
Explore Financing and Bundle Offers
Some retailers offer interest-free financing options that allow you to pay for your washing machine over time. While financing doesn’t reduce the price directly, it makes the purchase more manageable. Look for promotional financing offers with 0% APR for 12 to 24 months from stores like Lowe’s or Best Buy.
Retailers often provide bundle deals during promotional events, where you can purchase a washing machine along with a dryer or other appliances at a discount. These bundles offer excellent value, especially if you need to upgrade multiple appliances at once.
Buy During Store Anniversary or Moving Sales
Store anniversary sales or moving sales provide another opportunity to get discounts on washing machines. Retailers often celebrate their anniversaries with special promotions, offering discounts across various product categories, including appliances.
Moving sales occur when stores relocate or close specific locations, leading to significant price reductions as they clear out inventory. Keep an eye out for these events at local appliance stores, as they can provide some of the best discounts you’ll find.
Monitor New Model Releases
Washing machine models are typically released in September and October. If you’re looking to buy a more recent model, keep track of these release dates. Newer models often bring price drops on older ones, even though the older units still offer excellent performance.
By purchasing a slightly older model just as new versions hit the market, you can save money while still getting a high-quality product with all the essential features you need.
Check for Manufacturer Rebates
Many appliance manufacturers offer rebates on specific models, especially during promotional periods. Rebates are often overlooked, but they can provide significant savings when combined with store discounts.
Check the manufacturer’s website or ask the retailer if any rebates are available for the washing machine you’re considering. Make sure to follow the rebate instructions carefully and submit any required documentation within the specified timeframe to receive your rebate.
Timing your purchase is key when it comes to saving on washing machines. Major sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday weekends offer deep discounts, while clearance sales and end-of-season promotions can also yield excellent savings. Use coupons, cashback apps, and loyalty programs to further reduce the cost.
Open-box models, refurbished units, and store anniversary sales provide additional opportunities to find affordable washing machines. By monitoring prices and taking advantage of rebates and financing options, you can secure a high-quality washing machine at the best possible price. With some planning and research, you’ll be able to upgrade your laundry room without overspending.
