Lifestyle

How to Save Up for a New Appliance

Published

2 years ago

April 12, 2023

When shopping for a large appliance like a refrigerator or dryer, you likely know it’s best to wait for deals. However, you can’t always time these purchases because you don’t have control over when something breaks. If your oven quits working, you likely need to replace it as soon as you can. Luckily, there are a few ways to make these purchases more affordable, no matter the time of year.

Keep an Emergency Fund Ready

It’s a good idea to have a separate emergency fund for home expenses like new appliances. That way, you won’t have to go into debt to make the purchase, and you won’t need to worry about something costing a little more than you have expected. Look for ways to reduce your monthly expenses so you can start building up your emergency fund. If you have existing student loan debt, refinancing can net you more favorable terms. In addition, cutting the cable cord, cancelling unused gym memberships, and avoid going out to eat are additional ways to save.

Look for Rebates or Offers from the Original Manufacturer

Do some research on brands you would be open to purchasing and then go to each brand’s website to see if they are offering discounts, rebates, or other offers. If they have overstocked a certain model, they may be offering a sale to unload the extra inventory. As you shop around for deals, make sure you take into account the entire cost of the appliance.

You will need the old one hauled away, and you will need the new one delivered and installed. Some stores offer this as part of the purchase, and others charge extra. However, some manufacturers may offer free installation of the appliance as part of their deal, so keep an eye out for these deals, and look for other deals as well as some retailers offer discounts to those who have been in the military.

See if Price Matches are Offered

One of the many things adults should be doing regularly is watching the dollar and finding ways to save in any possible expenditure. Compare retailers’ price match policies. Some stores might match the lowest price of the same appliance at nearby stores. They might even match the lowest price of nearby club stores. Some even offer price matches for a couple of weeks or months after you purchase the appliance, so if it goes on sale the next week, you could get the difference back. Just make sure you read up on the details of what is and is not covered.

Negotiate the Price

Negotiating the price can pay off, especially because many customers do not think to negotiate with the retailer. However, many consumers who do negotiate are successful. Checking prices at nearby retailers can help you negotiate, and if you are buying multiple appliances, you might be able to get a discount on each. You could also ask if they can offer a better price. If they won’t give you a better deal, you might be able to at least get a free delivery and hookup of the new one, and they may be willing to remove the old one for free.

Lifestyle

Powerful Corporate Gifting Strategies to Build and Strengthen Business Partnerships

Published

3 days ago

April 15, 2025

Michelle Langton

If you want to build and strengthen business partnerships with your clients and top investors, there are a few key steps you must take. One essential strategy is corporate gifting. This simple act goes beyond building a partnership. It will also increase your customer retention rate and promote your business even beyond the shore of your country.

But before you consider gifting any item, there are some strategies to put in place. This will ensure your gift makes a lasting impression and resonates well with your clients. Below are powerful corporate gifting strategies to build and strengthen business partnerships with your clients and top investors.

Choose a Personalized Item

Rather than choosing an ordinary gift for your clients and investors, opt for a personalized item. Customised corporate gifts such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, and bags create a stronger emotional connection than generic gifts. They also leave a more lasting impression than most other gift types.

Imagine how investors and your clients will feel when you beautifully inscribe their image or favorite quotes on a T-shirt. Of course, they will feel valued, appreciated, and ready to invest more in your business.

Consider Their Culture and Background

As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to be culturally competent and sensitive. Your gifts should resonate with your clients’ and investors’ cultural backgrounds. Otherwise, they may be quickly discarded or overlooked. If your investors and audience are predominantly of Black heritage, consider giving them a custom T-shirt featuring a map of Africa or inspirational quotes from iconic Black leaders.

Their religious beliefs are also important. Specific religions may find some images or symbols inappropriate. For instance, if you’re giving a gift to a Muslim investor, avoid designs that include images like pigs, as they are considered offensive in Islamic culture.

Consider a Functional Gift

You should also consider the gift’s functionality. A gift that can be used every day will be more valuable than an impractical one. Even if the gift is expensive but doesn’t have any functional purpose, it won’t serve the purpose it was intended for.

Instead of purely sentimental keepsakes or abstract gifts, consider practical items like pens, notebooks, backpacks, coffee mugs, umbrellas, or water bottles. Just make sure the gift is well-designed and features your brand logo and identity. This not only increases brand visibility but also helps strengthen the connection between you and your investors.

Tie it to a story

Tie your gifts to a story to make them more memorable and emotionally meaningful. For example, if during your business’s early days, your employees always worked tirelessly day and night, you could opt for a custom hourglass. Clients and investors who receive such a gift will appreciate your business’s journey of patience and perseverance.

Offer Quality Gifts

Gifts given to investors or clients who have significantly contributed to your business growth should reflect their value. They shouldn’t be cheap or low-grade items. The gift doesn’t have to be trendy or widely popular, but it should come from a reputable and high-end brand. This will give your gift more credibility. Besides, the recipients will feel comfortable to use the gift among their colleagues.