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Buying white goods

Always negotiate, never be afraid to ask…is that you best price? When negotiating the purchase of anything from white goods, furniture to small electrical appliances like cameras, always try to negotiate, you may not get the lowest price but you maybe able to get, free delivery, extended warranty or installation thrown in as apart of the deal.

Remember cash is king, credit card facilities cost the retailer, as much as 1% on top of the purchase price, if you offer cash you may be able to knock off this indirect cost.

You don’t always need the latest and greatest! Last years model will work just as well. If you time your purchase you will find you can get purchase last years model for much less. This technique works just as well with cars. It is a good idea to get to know the make and model, of the item you are after… do your research.

Get to know what it is you intend to buy. There is nothing worse than spending a fortune on a fridge to find the model in question does not function as you thought it would. Use the Internet to search for customer/ product reviews, check consumer reports such as those prepared by Choice. www.choice.com.au, www.womow.com.au (word of mouth on the web), www.productreview.com.au (product review) - Don’t believe everything the retailer and or manufacturer has to say about their product.

Don’t buy from the first retailer, shop around and record what the competitors have to offer. You can pitch retailers against each other to get a better deal, you will be surprised what a retailer will offer, if they believe you will secure a better deal with one of their competitors.

Your research should cover the functionality, size and design; effectively you want to purchase the item that gives the best value for money whilst satisfying your needs. Draw up a chart, list the functionality you desire in the product, this is your wish list, as you go through your research, write down the brand name and tick off the features of the product against your wish list.

Before you make your purchase, check the stores return policy. Some discount stores will not allow returns because you have changed your mind. You are legally entitled to a refund if the product is faulty of course.

Get organised, buy at discounted periods, stock is generally heavily discounted at end of year sales June and or December. As well it is a good idea to buy against the seasons, don’t buy a heater in the middle of winter, when demand is high your negotiating position is compromised.

Take into account what it will cost to operate the product, leather couches require a regular rub down with specially formulated leather cream, some dryers use more electricity than others… whilst you might think you are getting the product at a bargain price, it may well cost you more to operate that negates any discount on the price.

Any bargain bin, quick sale items should be inspected thoroughly especially if they look like they have been opened previously.
Don’t succumb to buying on the spot, because the sales person says it’s a “today-only offer”. Some sales persons unfortunately apply pressure tactics to get their customers to buy on the spot. You may end up purchasing the wrong product.

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