1. Buy the right size.



A giant fridge for a small family of three is not only overkill, but it's going to cost you more at the store and on your monthly energy bill. Don't always opt for the larger size; rather, look for an appliance that's scaled to your family needs.

2. Try refurbishing instead of replacing.

Before you run out and buy a brand new fridge, ask yourself if you can get away with refurbishing the old one. If an appliance runs efficiently but it's simply the wrong color, you can easily have it repainted at an auto body shop. The finished looks fantastic, will hold up well and doesn't cost a lot.

3. Always buy energy efficient.

Whenever possible, always buy an EER or Energy Star rated product. The higher the EER tag rating, the less wasteful a product is and the more money you'll save in the long term.

4. Save your warranties.

Keep all your receipts, manuals and warranties from any major appliance purchase in a safe place. Many manufacturers offer extensive long-term warranties, but not if you don't save your paper work.

5. Shop at the end of the month or the quarter.

If you're buying from a wholesale seller or a store with commissioned sales clerks who are able to cut deals, you'll often find you get a better price if you shop and negotiate closer to the end of the month or fiscal quarter. Many commissioned sales people have quotas and targets they need to meet, so they may be more motivated to sell you that product at a lower price.

6. Ask if you can buy the floor model.

Last year's floor models could be this year's savings. Much like the deals that can be found on test-drive cars, buying a floor model can save you a significant amount off the advertised sticker price.

7. Look online to beat price guarantees.

If a local retailer offers a price guarantee (e.g. "if you find a lower price, we'll beat it by 20%"), always look online for a lower price. Print off the page and bring it in with you. With a little bit of homework, you can save substantial dollars.

8. Take a retailer up on their price guarantee.

If a retailer is advertising that they'll match and beat any lower advertised prices, take them up on it. Look for the particular brand or model you're interested in online and chances are you'll find a lower price somewhere. Bring in a printout of the competitor's price and take your local dealer up on his price-matching offer. You'll save the shipping costs you would have incurred from the online retailer.

9. Get the sales clerk working for you.

When your sales clerk asks if there's anything he or she can help you with, simply tell the person you're looking for a bargain. They usually know about returned items in the back that are heavily discounted or good deals that may otherwise go unnoticed. By tapping into the expertise of your sales clerk, you can often save a lot of money.