Filipinos are well-known for being bargain hunters. It doesn’t matter whether it’s food, clothes, or gadgets—everyone always looks for the best deals to get the most out of their hard-earned money. This especially applies when shopping for home appliances, most of which are big-ticket purchases.

Indeed, home appliances are a big investment. That’s why you need to be more diligent in doing your research before you make that purchase. To help you ensure that you’re getting the best value, here are some shopping tips to remember:

Set a Strict Budget

This is one of the first things that you have to think about when shopping for appliances: how much can you spend or are you willing to spend? As mentioned earlier, appliances such as TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines are big-ticket purchases. When you know how big (or small) your budget is, you can immediately narrow down your choices and make better decisions. Indeed, even if you have a lot more wiggle room, setting a strict limit will make sure you won’t over-spend. 

Compare, Compare, Compare

Just like shopping for smartphones or laptops where you compare specifications, you should definitely do plenty of research about the appliances you’re trying to buy. This is especially important when you’re working with a limited budget. Don’t lock yourself to specific brands, too. Sometimes, less popular brands can offer more value.

Shop from Reputable Suppliers

During your research, you might chance upon sellers who offer incredible deals. You might see a 60% discount from the original, or maybe a model of an appliance that’s not usually available in the Philippines. It can be tempting to snap up these deals of course. However, trust your instincts. If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Make sure to shop from reputable, trustworthy suppliers like Robinsons Appliances. Doing so will ensure that you’re getting not just authentic appliances, but also reliable after-sales services.

Be Patient in Looking for Reviews

Checking out customer reviews should be a big part of your appliance-shopping research. Online testimonials are good, but try to also look for real-life recommendations from your friends and family. Ask them about the pros and cons of the product, how long they’ve been using the appliance, and if they can recommend it to you based on your specific needs. Remember that the impressive specifications of a refrigerator or a TV won’t matter in the end if the actual performance is less-than-stellar.

You should also look for reviews not just about the product itself, but also the manufacturer and the seller. In particular, you should check how reliable their after-sales services are. Just in case you encounter any problems, you’ll have more peace of mind knowing that you can count on hassle-free customer support.

Check Out the Energy Efficiency

For appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers, you should pay attention to the Energy Star rating. This is a 1 to 5 scale, with 5 being the highest. An appliance with a 5-star rating means that the appliance is energy-efficient and also environmentally friendly. For air conditioners, in particular, make sure to check its energy efficiency ratio or EER. This will tell you how much power the unit needs in order to produce its cooling output. The higher the EER, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner is. All of these simply means that you’ll be saving more money on your utility bills.

Review the Warranties

As long as you buy from trusted suppliers, all your appliances will come with warranties. There are usually two that come with every purchase: one from the store or dealer and one from the manufacturer. Make sure to review the details of each. The most crucial details to take note of are the warranty coverages and the period of validity. The former is particularly important. Will the warranty cover repairs, including labor and parts? Is the unit qualified for replacement?

Of course, you should also check the conditions of the warranty. Most if not all warranties become void if the appliance has been tampered with in any way, even if it’s something as simple as a screw. If you’re a self-confessed handyman, think twice before you tinker with an appliance to perform small repairs. Finally, make sure to keep and organize all receipts, warranty cards, and all relevant documents. This will help make warranty claims so much easier.

Time Your Purchases

Many appliance manufacturers unveil their latest models around September or October. At this time, the previous year’s models will get a price drop. This is a perfect opportunity to make a purchase. Other ideal times to buy appliances include the end of the year, during the summer, and during big sales such as the holidays.

Remember that appliances aren’t like smartphones that you can replace every year. That’s why you need to patiently consider your options before you shell out cash or swipe your card. Keep these tips in mind to make sure you get the best appliances that meet your budget and all of your requirements. 

photo via 123rf.com