Is It Worth It To Buy Your Appliances Straight From The Manufacturer?

There are so many things to consider when buying new appliances for your home. From finding the most trustworthy and reliable appliance brands based on expert opinion to checking out what other people are saying about them in customer reviews, there's just a lot to take in and ponder upon to make sure you get a machine that can perform efficiently and last long. Aside from the usual feature and performance banter, however, one aspect that should not be overlooked is where to buy these appliances from in the first place. Typically, most people turn to third-party retailers, thinking it's the only way to obtain these items at reasonable prices. Unbeknownst to many, there is also an option to purchase home appliances straight from the manufacturer, and it is one that delivers good value for every dollar spent.

The thing about buying direct is that it eliminates the "middle man" between customers and manufacturers. Without having to go through distributors or wholesalers, customers gain access to products in a straightforward manner and without the added costs associated with running these intermediaries. Apparently, even everyday-use home appliances may cost more when bought from third-party retailers, since expenses for infrastructure maintenance, staff, transport, and storage are also accounted for in determining the pricing for the products at these stores. Given this, on paper, buying direct may mean eliminating all these added expenses, and could definitely be worth it depending on your specific situation. But in reality, there's so much more going on in the sale of appliances at retailers versus the manufacturers. 

These days, buying home appliances at Costco, Best Buy, Home Depot, and other retail chains and big box stores is the norm. Market data show that while online purchases see a steady rise, in-store purchases remain the dominant channel for major appliance sales at 74%. An e-commerce analysis has also revealed that while 32% of customers visit manufacturers' websites, only 1.6% push through with ordering. Big brands like Samsung, LG, GE Appliances, and Whirlpool are among those that offer direct buying through their websites, with perks and options for extended warranties, free installation, and even free hauling. 

Despite these, consumers are still likely to buy from retailers for various reasons, including having that option to physically measure and test the products and engage in a face-to-face conversation with someone knowledgeable about them before signing off on a purchase. It's also easier to negotiate a deal from retailers, especially if you're buying more products from them. Pricing-wise, there's also not much of a difference. For context, a top-load 5.3-cu ft Whirlpool Smart Capable Washer costs $998 from the brand's official store. The product costs the same if you buy it from Lowe's, but you may pay less per month with the retailer's special financing and even get more price slashes using Lowe's other promos. Meanwhile, a 4-door Energy Star-Certified GE Refrigerator costs $2,899 if you buy it online via the GE Appliances website, but it will cost a little bit higher ($3,099) at Lowe's.

Apart from the possible lower pricing, you will have direct communication with the product's maker should any issues arise when you buy directly from the manufacturer. Customer support and replacement parts will be a non-issue since you will have access to local supply chains — one of the benefits of buying American-made appliances. During seasonal sales, you can also enjoy big discounts since manufacturers are typically the ones that determine the price slashes for these promotions. As such, they are the first to implement these price changes as well. However, direct buying also has limitations. Brands like Whirlpool, for one, only deliver in select parts of the U.S. Ordering from manufacturers is also mostly limited to their online stores.

With such restrictions, it makes sense why retailers and big box stores are still the go-to places when purchasing big appliances, like washers, refrigerators, and whatnot. National chains like Costco, Best Buy, and Home Depot, as well as independent local stores, are semi-ubiquitous, so you won't have a problem finding a physical store near you. What's also good about purchasing from brick-and-mortar stores is the wide selection of products available, and not just a single brand. Furthermore, you won't have to worry about not getting the best value for your money since most retailers have a price-match policy, which means they either match or beat their competitors' pricing for the same products, giving customers the best deals on the market without having to look elsewhere. Ultimately, the decision to buy appliances from a manufacturer over a retailer may come down to personal preference and situation, and the specific appliance you're looking to purchase.