Save by ordering online?

14 years ago

We are purchasing the full line (4) of GE Cafe appliances and were all set to buy from a local retailer. They have a price match policy, but it turns out they would not match the lowest online price I found even if we were willing to pay sales tax. If they had agreed, it would have saved us $250, and we would have purchased by now.

Instead, I decided to call around and look online some more.

I've now found the entire package online for $1,110 CHEAPER (total out of pocket) than the best price I can find locally.

That is a huge savings (almost 20% off) but I can't get over the nagging feeling of "if it sounds too good to be true . . ."

It is from a company called:

http://www.appliancesconnection.com/

and they have 92 4/5 star reviews and no bad reviews at PriceGrabber. But strangely, I find little mention of them elsewhere on the web except for one thread here at GW that contained some unproven speculation including:

(a) they are really AJ Madison

(b) the PriceGrabber reviews are gamed

So, just wondering if anybody knows these folks and/or if this seems like an $1,100 risk worth taking? Normally I'm all about buying local on stuff like this but that really is a significant savings on our already over-budget project. My wife wants to save the money, I still can't get over that uneasy feeling. It seems strange they don't have a SINGLE bad review, anywhere on the web.

Any advice?

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Comments (4)

deeageaux
14 years ago
Do you have to buy ALL the appliances at the same time?

Can you do a "test run" and buy the least expensive appliance?

Or is there a rebate offer that says you need to buy all four at the same time?

AJ and AC are both out of Brooklyn,NY but different addresses.

AJ takes Paypal which I like but AC does not. HMMM.

I like paypal because seller does not get your money for 20 days or you say you are satisfied. Held in kind of escrow by Paypal.

How is your CC Company in regards reversing charges?
aprince
14 years ago
You get what what you pay for.

Just curious, if you where you going to shop on line, what did you need a local retailer for? Did you need their experience and knowledge to decide on appliances and help you address such issues as proper venting, quietness of appliances, installation issues, how service would be performed and so on or did you already know exactly what you wanted before you went into the retailer? And if you knew that already, why go to the retailer. Their service wasn't worth $250 to you?

The over $1000 in savings for Cafe appliances sounds fishy to me but it may be worth it. I would readdress this with your dealer with the new figures and chances are they will budge now but probably not for the whole amount.

The reason dealers won't match on-line pricing is because of all the little things that pop up after you purchase the appliances that no one can foresee. Any reasonable dealer will help you address those concerns whereas online you have little recourse.

In-person carries signifacantly more weight than over the phone on in an email.
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maryland_irisman
14 years ago
It's great that you are shopping around before buying, just to get a general idea of what you can expect to pay. Buying on line isn't necessarily a bad thing. You do need to be aware of a few things though. Some of these places end up selling scratch and dent or even factory seconds as new. They're not supposed to but, yes they do. Another thing to consider, will any of your local companies service the equipment? Many service companies have gotten into the habit of only servicing what they sell. You need to also consider customer service. Try this, call their customer service number just to see how long it takes to speak with someone. Then, do they speak English? Just ask them, if you need service, what is the protocol.

Just my opinion...I'm an advocate of buying major appliances locally, from a local appliance dealer. Most will match prices of the big box stores and if reputable, have a reputation within the community to uphold. When you have a problem, you get to talk to a human, right here in the U.S.A., just down the street from you. Maybe you can talk to a few local dealers and show them the $1,000.00 or more difference and ask why they can't match or, come closer to that price. You may get a better feel from them if you should order on line or not.
carolr_2010
14 years ago
I just bought 48 gas DCS range, 48 Modernaire hood, Electrolux counter/french, Sharp micro drawer, got the free DCS dish drawers and Electrolux compactor. I am in Florida, ordered via phone from Universal Kitchen Appliance in California. Saved 100% of sales tax, got a package discount, and free shipping to boot. I dealt with Costa, no pressure, very helpful, listened to my 1,000 questions without getting annoyed. My local guy didn't even bother to tell me about the free dish drawers and left them at full price on my quote!!! Not one item in my kitchen came from local retailers, all online and discounted. Well, cabinets were local but also deeply discounted. If you realize most large items (higher end) come from distributor, not showroom...makes perfect sense to order and save.
http://www.universal-akb.com/
Ordering by phone gets you the package deal when ordering all.