Consider this before buying a used appliance

We’ve all been there. At the worst possible financial time, your washing machine stops working. Or your refrigerator stops cooling.

You know your machine is old and you figure it can’t be fixed, so you start looking for a used machine to get you by.

But before dumping a couple hundred bucks into a used machine, there are some things you may want to consider.

First, it never hurts to call a repair company to get an estimate on a repair. Maybe all you need is a small part, and the expense to fix it will be minor. While you’ll likely be charged an fee for a tech to diagnose the issue and provide an estimate, it may be still be more cost effective to have your machine repaired.

If your refrigerator isn’t cooling, for example, an experienced appliance repair tech might be able to get it cooling temporarily while you shop for a new one.

Second, beware the scammers. We have heard countless stories of people buying used machines from “businesses” that don’t really exist which claim to have a “hardly used” machine at an incredible price. Just remember the old adage: “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.”

Next, a new machine might not be as expensive as you think. For what it would cost to have a repair tech come and fix a problem on a used machine you just bought for a few hundred dollars, you may be able to just buy a new one. There are plenty of great options out there, and we’d be happy to give you a recommendation, should you go that route.

Finally, if you must buy used, be sure you are buying the machine from a reputable business. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau. Ask friends and family if they can refer you to a trustworthy company they’ve had success with. And if you’re buying off an online marketplace, be sure to read the reviews on the seller first.

Shop safely, everyone!