Shopping for home appliances is more difficult than it might seem. Even if you only need one appliance, you are faced with a wide range of styles and features to sort through as you try to find the perfect match for your household. Then, there's the issue of quality. Even within one brand, there can be great appliances and lemons. Whether you're about to start shopping around for a new appliance or you're just tired of hunting for the perfect appliance on your own, a local appliance store can be more helpful to you than a generic big-box store. Here are a few reasons to shop local when buying appliances.
Support the Local Economy
Many small- to medium-sized towns have one or more appliance stores. These stores are typically owned by people within the community, so any money you spend when buying appliances from them will likely be funneled right back into the local economy. Appliances like fridges, freezers, washers, dryers, and stoves are large purchases. So, if you're already going to be spending hundreds of dollars in one place, it could worthwhile to make sure your money is going to someone within your community.
Get Area-Specific Advice
Since appliances are large purchases, it pays to consult an expert before making any final decisions. Although big-box stores have employees on hand with general experience with appliances, they may not have the local expertise needed to help you make the best decision. A local appliance dealer, on the other hand, has made local appliance sales their business. They can guide you through your choices while taking local concerns into account, including common water concerns, gas and electric prices, and the typical shopping habits of people in the area. For instance, in rural areas, local appliance dealers can recommend solutions for appliances running on well water and for customers using propane instead of natural gas.
Get Personal Service
One of the best perks of shopping local is that you work with someone who has a vested interest in supporting their community. Local appliance dealers know the value of return customers and word-of-mouth referrals, so they typically prioritize selling high-quality, long-lasting appliances over making quick sales. They are more likely to listen to your exact needs and to recommend the right appliances for your household, even if doing so means selling a simpler, lower-cost unit. When you're making such an important decision, it's always best to have someone you trust on your side. If you don't feel right at your first appliance store, shop around until you find a good fit.
To learn more about shopping for appliances, contact an appliance store in your area.