Avoiding Pitfalls When Buying Home Appliances Online

Of all the things we buyand keep on buying, one of the most confusing is an expensive major home appliance. The siren song of that deeply discounted refrigerator or that sleek new washing machine can be powerful, and in a frenzy of anticipation we do click on “add to cart.”But the path from a virtual cart to your actual home is riddled with potential problems which could transform that dream purchase into an logistical nightmare. The secret to having a successful time is not by chance but being disciplined and informed, transforming yourself from just another impulse buyer into an enlightened online shopper. The journey begins well before you start shopping the virtual aisles.

1. Read Reviews

The first line goes far beyond price comparisons. Start in the real world — if you’re able. If possible, visit an appliance store and check these out for yourself. Opening the doors, touching finish and measuring interior space. A cavernous refrigerator can look pack-mule-worthy online and then surprisingly cramped in person. Once you have winnowed down to some exact models, the digital deep-dive can commence. Sure, listen to the pros, but give even more weight to confirmed customer reviews across several retail sites. Look for patterns. One source of bad reviews may just be an outlier, but a dozen that mention the same problem is a burning red flag.

2. Scrutinize the Sellers

The research is now finished, and the real purchasing can get started with a new set of caveats. Scrutinize the sellers meticulously. It’s usually best to buy directly from the manufacturer, but reputable dealers are generally safe. Be very cautious of deals that appear to be too good to be true from unknown sites. Look up the domain name’s age, search for contact information other than an email address and search for reviews of the seller themselves. The other valuable step is to play detective when reading through the product listing. Did you get the product as new, used, or refurbished? And with each category there comes a new set of societal pressures and difficulties. Refurbished items may be great deals, but make sure yours offer a good warranty. Careful attention given to the detailed aspects of shape and size, such as areas of notches for cables, ledges for faceplate mounting screws, or large custom cutouts.

3. Know the Shop's Shipping Rules in Full

The last stage, and often the most hazardous for the sender, is delivery and installation. Know the shop's shipping rules in full. Is it “threshold delivery,” with that box left on your doorstep, or “white glove service” offering both a trip inside to place the new machine in its spot, and also an opportunity for you to lay eyes on the appliance and confirm no damage has occurred during transit (as well as removal of whatever gadget is being replaced)? These companies are more expensive, but usually worth the investment to keep our back from snapping and avoid the logistical headache. Be there when it's delivered to check the item right away. Inspect the packaging for any external damage, and when taking it out of the box, see if there are dents, scratches or cracks. Do not sign-off the delivery receipt until you are happy. Even after you’re satisfied there are no problems, keep all packaging for a couple of days, just in case your goods start to act up. Try everything, every burner, every cycle, everything. This is your time to make any claims for “dead on arrival” product, which is much easier to fix than a warranty claim six months from now.

All in all, the journey through the maze of online appliance shopping is an exercise in preparedness. It’s a mash-up of the old-timey wisdom that you should “measure twice, cut once,” with an insistence on digital literacy and skepticism. Through careful research, scrutinizing the fine print and knowing all components of the delivery and installation process, you can feel comfortable clicking buy.