A refrigerator is a vital investment in any household and has become a necessity instead of a luxury today. In our previous guide, we discussed how to choose the correct refrigerator for you based on the design, configuration, capacity, and other features. However, a tricky question arises: what is the best time to buy a refrigerator in India? Let’s find out the answer.
Prime times to get the best refrigerator deals in India
The Indian appliance market provides multiple windows annually with offers and discounts on refrigerators. In such times, it is possible to get an absolute bargain deal.
February to April
Indian summers are well known for their extreme temperatures, and this period drives the maximum demand for appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners. Retailers often capitalise on this and provide lucrative discounts to quickly make space for new stock.
However, this only applies to regular refrigerator models that are easily available. If you are looking for a specific design, e.g., a particular side-by-side refrigerator or any other top-end model, then you may not get the best deal during this time of the year due to high demand.
For normal and fast-selling models like single-door and classic double refrigerators, February to April can prove a great time to make your new purchase.
Diwali and Festive Sales
Diwali is the peak shopping season in India, driving a huge number of sales across all sectors. Retailers and even manufacturers offer huge discounts on home appliances like refrigerators, and new models are also introduced during this period.
In addition to discounts, you can also get an excellent exchange value on your old refrigerator during Diwali. Combining these offers, you can get the best value from your new refrigerator purchase.
You can also look out for regional festival sales, such as Gudi Padwa, Durga Puja, Dussehra, etc., based on your region. Festive sales often offer the best discounts on home appliances.
Stock Clearance Sales in December-January
As we approach the new year, vendors try to make way for new refrigerator models and fresh inventory. During this period, retailers often don’t prioritise profit margins and provide deals almost at cost. The slowed demand for refrigerators during the winter also plays a crucial role, as it becomes difficult for them to clear the existing stock.
Hence, you can get some really good deals on refrigerators from December to January. However, you may not have many models or varieties to choose from. We recommend checking multiple offline stores and even online portals during this period, which can help you get a jaw-dropping deal on your new refrigerator.
How to get the best deal on your refrigerator?
Now that we know the best time to get a new refrigerator let’s look at some strategies for getting the best price on your new purchase.
- Avoid Unnecessary Smart Features: While smart refrigerators with Wi-Fi connectivity and touchscreens might look appealing, these additional features come with a hefty price tag. Unless these capabilities are important for your lifestyle, opting for a model with basic, essential functions can save you considerable money.
- Functionality over Aesthetics: Prioritize functionality over fancy finishes and design elements. Focus on features that matter to you – ample storage space, adjustable shelves, a convenient ice maker, and good energy efficiency ratings. Remember that you primarily invest in a reliable appliance to keep your food safe.
- Consider last year’s model: While the latest model may look more enticing, previous year’s models often have similar features but much lower prices. Unless the new models offer exclusive features that you need, getting a last-gen variant can be a sensible choice.
- Look for Bank Offers: It’s a good idea to check if your bank has partnered with retailers to offer special discounts, cashback deals, or interest-free appliance payment plans. Take full advantage of these offers to sweeten your purchase further. However, one must remain careful while opting for an EMI payment plan and avoid buying models that exceed your budget.
Offline vs Online: Where to buy a refrigerator?
Online and offline stores cater well to appliance purchases, offering unique advantages. Offline stores have the advantage of direct product interaction, where you can thoroughly inspect the refrigerator and check its size, design, and features. Additionally, offline stores sometimes allow room for price negotiation and may offer add-on services like extended warranties, free accessories, etc.
On the other hand, online stores offer a vast selection of refrigerators with multiple models and variants, along with competitive pricing. Online shopping also maximizes convenience, where you can browse and compare models from the comfort of your home, especially if you have a busy schedule.
Additionally, online retailers often have fantastic discounts and promotions, particularly during major shopping events like the Flipkart Big Billion Days Sale and the Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale.
Hence, the best strategy is to follow a mixed approach. You can visit offline stores for a hands-on experience with various refrigerator models. Compare the prices in both offline and online portals for the same model.
If the offline rates are on par with the pricing, it’s better to proceed with offline stores as they provide a faster and more efficient delivery experience and even after-sales support. However, if the online deal is too lucrative, it’s never a bad idea to save money and lock your purchase over online shopping portals.
FAQs
1. At what time of the year should I avoid buying a refrigerator?
There is no specific time to avoid making a new purchase. However, if a festive sale or any other discount season has just ended recently, waiting for a few weeks is recommended, as the prices after the sale ends tend to be higher.
2. Is it worth waiting for sales/discounts for buying a new refrigerator?
Absolutely! If you can wait for a sale or a discount season, it’s better to delay your purchase for a short while to get the best deal.
3. Which is the best refrigerator brand in India?
According to our MySmartPrice Home Appliance Satisfaction Study 2024, LG and Samsung are India’s top two refrigerator brands. Other reputed brands include Whirlpool, IFB, Voltas, Panasonic, and many others.
4. What features should you look for when buying a new refrigerator?
Door configuration, storage capacity, and compressor warranty are the three most important factors to consider when buying a new refrigerator.
