The first official day of winter starts on December 21st, 2015. For many of us…we’ve already seen some early signs of winter’s arrival. For me personally, it’s the time of the year that I absolutely hate! There’s nothing fun about shoveling snow, using de-icing products and hauling out the heavy-duty snow removal equipment. It’s back-breaking to say the least!
However, today I’ve got 6 Money Saving Tips for Buying Snow Blowers for those who need them.
1. Consider how much snow you get on average every year. If you live in an area of the country that gets just a little snow…a snow thrower might be a better choice for you than buying a full-size snow blower. In addition, factor in how often you think you will be using it? Is it worth getting the biggest and the best as compared to getting something cheaper that you only need to use a few times every season.
2. Look at the manufacturer’s warranty and the store’s return policy. Read the fine print and make sure the terms are something you can agree with before making the purchase. When looking at the warranty…how will your unit be repaired should it break down? Is there a deductible? Do you have to ship it off to be repaired? All of those are important factors to understand before making your purchase!
3. Consider buying used or refurbished models to save money or buy a new one during the end-of-the-season when retailers are trying to clear out their left-over snow removing equipment. Last year we got a name brand snow blower for 65% off the retail price by buying it the end of Spring!
4. Ask friends and family members about the models that they’ve used over the years and for recommendations. Get online and look for product reviews on websites that you can trust. Make a list of the models that interest you as you go along.
5. Test drive! A lot of the offline retailers will hold workshops or have floor models on display. Ask the salesperson if you can hold it in your hands, turn it on and play with it for a few minutes to make sure it’s the right one for you!
6. Use coupons and manufacturer’s rebates to maximize your savings and buy them on sale! A lot of your home improvement stores and department stores are competing for your business & many of them release coupons. Use them and if need be…ask for a price match if you find it cheaper elsewhere!
You can shop for Snow Shovels and Snow Blowers on Amazon
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By utilizing these 6 money-saving tips when you’re buying a snow blower you can really save some dough! Do you have any tips to share? If so, leave them in the blog’s comment form below!
These are great tips. I did not know that one could test drive a snow blower, so I shall,ask for that the next time I am going to buy one.
I am happy that I now live in an area where it would be rare for us to need a snow blower. I have put my time in with snow and cold weather and although it is nice to look out and see fresh fallen snow, I do not miss winter weather.
Some years we get lots of snow and some years we barely get anything at all. We have a much longer drive way now so I would love to have a snow blower. I also thought a great way to save money would be to share the blower with neighbors. If you had one or two other neighbors, you could share the expense. Great ideas here!!
We don’t have one but I definitely need a new shovel this year. Our apartment complex doesn’t clear our sidewalks.
The part in tip #2 asking whether or not you have to have it shipped to be repaired….good idea. I wouldn’t have thought to ask that.
Great tips. Living in a snowy area, we do have a snowblower.
I would also add to watch for them at garage sales, auctions, and estate sales. Oftentimes they dont cost a lot especially becaussse thee sales are in the summer.
Another thing is consider if you want an electric start or a pull or of you buy a thrower a plug in. Trust me, pulling that cord when it is cold out isnt fun!
Oh, and sometimes it is just as fast to shovel by hand, dont get rid of that shovel!
We don’t get that much snow per year. I would still love to have one of these machines. I really like that you suggestion purchasing a reburbished one that is a great idea. A few years ago we had so much snow we couldn’t get down the driveway for a week. We sure could have used one of these machines just to get out the door thanks for sharing.
I save lots of money, time and my poor back by living in a townhouse where THEY do all the snow removal.