Budget Buster...saved by a deal!

[kristenrice]

Last year, our gas dryer (12 years old) decided it was done and stopped working. We made it through the warmer months by hanging all of our clothes outside on the line to dry. When winter came, we'd wash the clothes at home and then drive 2 miles to the laundromat to dry them. It was a bit of a pain, but we didn't have the money in the budget for a new dryer.

Well, last week, the washing machine decided that it missed the dead dryer and so it committed suicide as well. So, now we still schlep to the laundromat, but now we have to wash AND dry the clothes so we are spending more time and money.

Tuesday night, we decided that enough is enough and we need to get a new set. We knew we'd have to finance them but we should be able to get them paid off within a year. Before we went out shopping, we had to decide if we wanted to buy "cheaper" (around $900/pair) machines that "will do", or if we were willing to spend a little more (around $1200) and get ones that we really want (bigger, HE, front-loader, etc) since they should last another 10-15 years. We couldn't decide so we went to Best Buy to scope out our options.

We wandered a bit and then a saleswoman approached us. We told her that we were really just looking around and trying to get an idea of price vs. features and we were looking for machines that would meet our objectives. She asked if we had a gas or electric hookup and her eyes lit up when I said gas. She brought us over to a washer and dryer that were HUGE...and beautiful...and EXPENSIVE. The retail price on the washer was $1200 and the dryer was $1300!! Oh, but they were ON SALE for a mere $900 EACH. My first thought was, "Didn't you hear us say BUDGET!?". Then, she pointed to the "Open Box" tag. Apparently, this set of beauties had been delivered to a residence and the washer got dented. I had to pull the two apart to see the dent in the side of the machine. Granted, it is a good-size dent and very noticeable, but it is purely cosmetic. The dryer had minor damage too...or so they say. They told me that one of the levelers had either fallen off or was damaged, but they'd already repaired it. These two machines have never been hooked up so, other than the cosmetic damage, they are new.

Because of the damage, they had been marked down...a LOT! The dryer was priced at $729 and the washer was $588! That was just a little bit more than I really wanted to spend because I knew that we'd also want the warranty (NO FLAMES>>>I know it's a bad deal, but I had my reasons) and we'd need the parts to install it as well. Without hesitation, she said, "We'll knock the dryer down to $688 if you want the pair." Well, that did it...she threw the bait and reeled us in.

When the final total came up, we paid a touch over $1500, which included the 3-year warranty, delivery/hook up/haulaway and all of the parts needed (hoses, vent, etc). We opted to do the 18-month financing instead of the 12-month that we'd planned on, simply because we spent more than we'd planned for. They are delivering them next week and I can't wait. It will be so nice to be able to do laundry again based on MY schedule. I don't have to watch the weather or work around work and school events. On top of that, we got a $2500 set for $1275.

I've never been so excited to do laundry

 

[kaytieeldr]

That's amazing!

Just be sure there's no additional damaged, before the installers leave.

 

[kristenrice]

That's amazing!

Just be sure there's no additional damaged, before the installers leave.

That was a concern I had which is why I asked about the 3-year warranty extension. I think any underlying damage would show up within 3 years of use so I feel that it was a small price to pay ($69 for each machine) in order to assure me that they will work as intended. I thought it was cool that she mentioned that you get "front-of-the-line" service if you need it (i.e. they send someone out within 24 hours), but they also provide a $25/week stipend to cover the cost of having to take your clothes to the laundromat. It was a small detail, but it is a nice benefit to know about.

 

[Monykalyn]

First- I LOVE my front loader HE washer - have had it >10 years now (we got awesome deal on it as well as other stores were having sales, and the store price matched plus 10% off, plus the color (red) was being discounted - less than a white machine). LOVE great deals...

And just gotta say-love love love the "open box" or "scratch and dent" stores/aisles. My side by side fridge is 17 years old (yikes!) and was originally a scratch n dent on sale for about 40% of regular retail-it has a minor dent on the side of the fridge (always facing a cabinet). Was Brand new just a "dent" that no one sees...it is now close to time to replace it so on the lookout for more of these deals

2 months ago my microwave quit-got an "open box" deluxe model for cost of of a much lesser model -unfortunately the first one we got didn't actually work well-called the manufacturer (what store told us to do) and sent a repair man who said it needed to be replaced-so got a brand new one - all for price of the original discount model!

And I cannot even imagine going that long without a dryer

 

[tina.tina]

Congratulations! I love a great deal.