Have coupon, will travel

[greatbear]

When Jeff moved back here he was presented with a 10% savings card for Home Depot, among other goodies He gave me the card saying "Here. Your kinda store, not mine.". I pondered the use of the coupon, figuring it would be best used on a big-ticket item. Well, tonight was the last day to use it before it expired, and I decided that it's time to replace the washer and dryer. My dryer has been patched up so many times it's not funny. About 5 belts, electrical terminals that kept burning up, a new idler, etc, etc. It's making a ton of racket now and taking forever to dry clothes. The washer is newer, and I will probably connect that as a second machine if I feel the need. Anyway, since Expo Home Center is part of Homo Depot, and a cursory glance at the papers that accompanied the card said it would work there, tonight I went over and selected a set by LG, front loading, extra capacity, stainless steel, yadda yadda. Got all through the paperwork and signing this and that, and when I got to the cashier's desk, I was informed that the card was not usable there. Sure enough, in the fiiiine print. Damn. The helpful and kinda cute cubbish salesman suggested that I take my paperwork with me to HD and place the order there. It's a two mile drive at best, and I was not losing the 200 dollar savings.

At the Depot I discover that they have the same set, with the washer 200 dollars cheaper and the dryer $50 less. Sweet. In addition, with each appliance purchased in that time frame, I could get a gift card as a 'rebate' for each unit, a hunnert dollar card for the washer, and 75 for the dryer. w00t! Another 175 bucks off. Ten dollars off of each of the two drawer/pedestals on top of that. Plus the 10% card at 200 bucks. Total discount for driving two miles? $645.

My Mom would have been proud. She taught me well. And she loved a good bargain.

I've also discovered a 'secret' between Expo and Home Depot. A lot of the highfalutin items on display at Expo can be ordered at HD. Well, that really was not too much of a secret to me, but I was not aware of the price differences. The salesman at HD clued me in on the fact before we even began the ordering process. Watching their selection/ordering system in action, it's the same at both places. I think I will have some fun during my upcoming home improvements.

Comments

[sfmini.livejournal.com]

My house in Atlanta was close to the first ever Expo. They tried for years to decide what to do with the concept before they went national. From friends I had within HD Corporate, right next to where my office was, they said you could buy any item at either place but that Expo was a low volume high margin and HD was a high volume low margin. All the pricing was based accordingly. So if you want to buy some high end light fixture or fancy countertop, go to Expo to come up with the purchase order and pay for it at HD.

I saved a freaking fortune when I upgraded my Atlanta home. Everything was about a third cheaper. It saved a fortune on the custom cabinets alone.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I've spent a lot of money at HD over the years, and never had any issues with returns, defective stuff, ordering issues, etc. The fact that the sales guy said by all means go and buy the stuff at HD rather than get pissy or not even suggest it gives them additional points.

[sfmini.livejournal.com]

When I was in the construction business restoring old houses I used to spend $10-15k monthly between Lowes and Home Depot. I don't know about today, but between 1989 and 1996 Home Depot had the crappiest lumber, I swear they only harvested crooked trees with lots of knots. I made it my last resort. To it's credit, it was always cheaper on tools and other construction materials.

[nfotxn.livejournal.com]

Those LG appliances are way sharp. But I heard from the Repair Guy on CBC radio that when they break it's hard to get parts sourced for them. That is to say if your repairman isn't an LG person they get screwed trying to order them. Which is kinda lame and not how it works for other premium appliances. When you spend the big bucks they're supposed to be serviceable. But it may be just because LG is a pretty new player in the big appliance market.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I was assured that I could get parts for LG from the appliance parts store I deal with, though they did tell me that it often takes a while to get some items. LG (Lucky-Goldstar) is Korean, and they dont have the established parts depots like the more popular brands do, but they are getting there. I am hoping that I am not going to be needing lots of repairs on these things. I'd be miffed to say the least.

[scozart.livejournal.com]

Expo is definitely designed to attract the buyers of the "highfalutin' stuff you mentioned. It's nice to know i can shop in my overalls for the same stuff at HD.

BTW - I sent you a couple "shout-outs" during the show tonight. Dream Theater baby!

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I just started listening. Thank you!

Expo is where the non-DIYers with a lot of money go to have things installed for them. It's cool to see some of the higher-end items 'installed' in a display setting, and to get ideas in some cases. I'm all about doing things myself in almost all cases.

Oooh, I heard some DT coming on PONR on the DL! ;)

[devcubber.livejournal.com]

how funny....we are dealing with the HD v. Expo on tile right now. We ended up buying the "fancy" blue tile at the Expo for 10% off, and buying THE VERY SAME plain white tile they had at Expo, from the HD....for $125 less.

aren't we the savvy home improvers?!

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

You gotta be savvy these days. It pays in many ways. I hate paying extra when I dont have to.

[fuzzcub.livejournal.com]

I love my LG front loader.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I bet you have a Misfits sticker on the window. ;)

[fuzzcub.livejournal.com]

LOL
I am more Coheed and Cambria these days.