When is the right time to buy appliances?

Buying appliances when prices are low.

People often ask, “Is there a season or time of year when appliance prices are the lowest?” Regardless of when they ask this question, there is an answer that is always right:

“To get the lowest prices on appliances the best time to buy is now.”

Here's why. Regardless of sale events, which are also good times to buy appliances, the best prices on appliances are now because of the general increase in manufacturing costs. Consider the fact that the major component of appliances is steel, and steel prices have been rising since WWII with few if any interruptions (even during recessions). Factories have wrung all the cost savings out of manufacturing that are likely to be had for a long time to come, and productivity is at an all time high. This means that prices are likely to increase even in times of low inflation such as now because the demand for steel is not lessening.

Looking specifically at the US appliance market going into 2013, most manufacturers are likely to have price increases in early 2013. Promotions such as rebates and cash backs will continue, but appliance firms will look for ways to reduce the amounts and time lengths of their promotional offerings.

It's a safe bet that if you take advantage of a purchase opportunity now you'll be glad you acted sooner rather than later. Here's an example of an opportunity to save up to $2500 on a Wolf and Sub-Zero kitchen. Until recently, rebates from Wolf Sub-Zero were unheard of. It's anybody's guess if this promotion will be extended or what the terms are likely to be in the future. Nearly all of the rebates currently available in the appliance industry are going to expire either on 12/31/2012 or early 2013.