- Energy usage – One of the most important factors in determining the relative value between appliances is the amount of energy required to run the machine. An energy-efficient appliance that is slightly more expensive than a competing model that costs more to operate will be a better value over the long term.
- Warranties – Computerized appliances are considerably more complicated than traditional models, making repairs far more difficult. While new appliances generally have basic warranty protection, buying an extended warranty can make for a great investment considering the potential expenses of complex repairs.
- Installation – Installation costs can come as a big surprise, especially for appliances labeled as "built-in". These costs can include plumbing, electrical wiring, cabinet alterations, and modifications to countertops. Get a handle on how much installation is going to cost so that you can incorporate the expense into your planning process.
- Getting rid of the old appliances – This cost can provide another unplanned surprise and not a small one at that. While many merchants and even electric utilities will remove old appliances for free, find out in advance whether free removal is an option. If you're doing the disposal yourself, you could be looking at numerous fees including those charged by the landfill, hauling, and tagging.
Don't forget about these potential expenses when shopping for new appliances. Some may be covered by the merchant while others will be paid by the buyer. Knowing how these expenses will work out in advance gives you a big advantage because when everything is calculated, a great deal may not look quite as appealing once all the expenses have been included.
East Coast Appliance & Electronics is committed to providing the absolute best customer experience in buying an appliance anywhere! Rob Nicholson, president and owner of East Coast Appliance & Electronics explains, "What sets us apart from our competitors is our huge selection of every major brand, our everyday low prices, we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operate with real people to talk to."
The local chain was founded by owner Rob Nicholson after he left the U.S. Navy in 1988 and started a small appliance retail sales and service operation. The business quickly grew to include retail locations in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Portsmouth. In 2005 Nicholson opened the Laskin Road superstore in Virginia Beach with more than 40,000 square feet of space for sales and inventory. The new store was an immediate success and Nicholson began closing the smaller stores in order to focus on his proven superstore concept. The Chesapeake location opened in 2006 and followed in 2007 with Newport News, his largest store today with over 30,000 sq. ft. of appliances on display.